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Cat Tree Plans
A cat tree built from plywood: a tower open at the front with levels that alternate between the back and the front, so cats climb up inside in a zig-zag, a perch on top and a scratching post wrapped in sisal rope beside it. The base is two layers of plywood and wider than the tower, so the cat tree does not rock when a cat lands on top. Enter the height, the size of the tower and the number of levels to get the cut list. Every part is a rectangle, so it is an easy build.
- Default size
- 500 × 1500 × 500 mm
- Parts
- 14 pieces · 8 sizes
- Sheets (2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft))
- 2 carcass + 1 door
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Build time
- About 6 hours
- Edge band
- 4.3 m
Cut list (default size)
| Part | Qty | Length | Width | Thick. | Board | Edges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base layer | 2 | 750 | 500 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Tower side | 2 | 1446 | 500 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Tower back | 1 | 1446 | 464 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm |
Sizes in millimetres; length runs along the grain. Edges: bold lines are banded.
5 more parts, the sheet layout and the cut order are in the full plan.Resize it to any size, print labels and save it in a project.Sign in free to open it
How it is built
- Glue and screw the two base layers together, then screw the tower and the post down through them from below.
- Glue the four post strips into a square tube, then wind sisal rope tightly round it, gluing every few turns.
- Cover the levels and the top perch with carpet or sisal mat before assembly; the perch and the post cap come from the fronts board.
- Round every edge and sand off splinters; check that no screw tip comes through.
Common mistakes
- Making the base the same size as the tower: it tips when a cat jumps on the perch.
- Leaving the platforms bare and slippery: cats need grip to land.
Tools you need
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill/driver
- Staple gun
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a cat tree be?
1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) suits most cats; kittens and older cats prefer lower towers with smaller steps. Above 1.5 m, strap the top to the wall.
How far apart should the levels be?
About 300–450 mm (12–18 in): an easy jump for an adult cat, with head room on every level. The plan spaces the levels evenly and warns you outside that range.
What do you cover a cat tree with?
Carpet offcuts or sisal mats glued and stapled to the platforms, and 10 mm (3/8 in) sisal rope wound tightly round the post, about 25 m for a 600 mm post. Avoid loop-pile carpet: claws catch in it.
Is it big enough for large cats?
Make the tower 500–600 mm wide and deep for Maine Coons and other large cats, and use 18 mm (3/4 in) plywood for every part.
