How to Build a Cat Tower

Author: Alison Gaynor | April 22, 2021 | Updated November 29, 2022
cat tower
Pets And Animals Tips is reader-supported. A purchase from clicking through a link in our articles may earn us an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
pexels anete lusina cat tower scaled
Photo by pexels anete lusina cat tower scaled

Building a cat tree can be a rewarding project to create a fun space for your pet. Felines love to climb high to achieve a vantage point above the rest of the room. Cat towers can also give your furry friend an opportunity to scratch and play, without destroying or damaging furniture. Plus, giving your feline friend the opportunity for regular physical activity means your cat will be happier and healthier.

A little elbow grease, a few hours and a good design are all that’s required to build your own cat tree tower. Read below for a quick breakdown of what this project entails.

 Tools You Will Need

  • Tape measure
  • Hammer
  • Hand saw
  • Exacto knife
  • Scissors
  • Staple gun 


Materials You Will Need

  • Sandpaper
  • Lumber
  • Wood glue
  • Duct tape
  • Carpet
  • Brackets and screws

Easily buy all materials on the Home Depot website here for convenient shopping. They can also cut the lumber to the size you need in store.

 Steps for Building a Cat Tower

  1.  Pick the design and location
  2.  Purchase materials and cut wood to size
  3.  Lay wood pieces out to confirm measurements and correct fit
  4.  Start with the base and work up towards the top building the tree with the wood, brackets and screws
  5.  Check for stability and tight connections
  6.  When satisfied with the build, cover tree with carpet and secure
  7.  Check for sharp corners, loose carpet and exposed screws
  8.  Decorate with hanging toys or wrap support beans with scratching rope
  9.  Introduce cats and entice them onto the tree with toys and treats

Tips for Stabilizing a Modern Cat Tree

An unstable cat tree can be scary and unappealing for felines. Creating a wide and sturdy base is a fairly common way to keep the tree from rocking, even when cats run full force at the tree. Ensuring that the tree is on a flat surface and no carpet is folded underneath the tower will keep it from tipping over. Screws need to be tight, and glue should be set before your furry friend gets to use his or her new tree.

If the tree seems top heavy, it may need to be attached to the wall or another support that can keep it from learning or, of course, tipping. Note that heavy cats may require a larger and sturdier base. Adding weight to the bottom of the cat tree, such as books or milk jugs full of sand, can keep the tree from tipping.

The bottom line? The safer the tree, the more relaxed both the cat and owner can be!

About the Author

pexels anete lusina cat tower scaled

Alison Gaynor

My two dogs are the loves of my life! My Golden Retriever, Cody, is the sweetest dog you’d ever meet and Ziva, my Border Collie, is so smart. Learning more about dogs and sharing my experiences is why I decided to start writing![...] Author Details

What’s Trending

The 5 Best Automatic Cat Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats

Download Information Cats bring so much joy to our lives. From soothin [...]

Best Cat Litter for Long-Haired Cats

What’s the Best Cat Litter for Long-Haired Cats? You might think wha [...]

5 Ways Cats Can Be Trained

Kittens and cats are the best pets out there. They’re adorable, [...]

What Is The Best Heated Cat Bed?

Do Cats Like Heated Cat Beds? Have you noticed your cat curling up rig [...]

How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas Naturally

Prevention As the saying goes, “prevention is the best medicine. [...]

How To Choose the Right Litter Box for Your Home

Cats are great pets that millions of people adore but caring for cats [...]

We use cookies to improve your experience. Privacy Policy