A cat tree allows your pet to exercise. Playing is very important for cats, it allows them to exercise and therefore to maintain good physical health, but also mental health. The cat tree will allow your feline to have its own territory where it can have fun and flourish.
It is possible to buy a cat tree. However, it can be interesting, for your wallet and your personal satisfaction, to make your cat tree yourself! With a few tools and a little creativity, you will succeed in making in a short time a cat tree that will make your pet happy.
Why have a cat tree?
The cat tree is a way to keep your cat entertained. Indeed, it is important that this one has a physical activity in order to avoid the health problems which can be caused by the lack of exercise or even boredom.
A cat tree to maintain the physical shape of your feline
Like you, cats may have a tendency to gain weight if they do not participate in regular physical activity. Since cats no longer need to hunt for food, they may tend to let themselves live. Depending on the size of your home, your cat may lack space to stretch out. Unfortunately, the distance between his bowl and his favorite chair is not enough to perform the exercise your cat needs.
By providing him with a cat tree, you offer him another way to spend himself. Climbing, jumping, scratching… So many activities that will allow your cat to exercise, and thus avoid obesity, heart, or joint problems.
A cat tree to stimulate your domestic companion
The cat has the instinct of a hunter and an adventurer. When he is in nature, his mind is stimulated by the environment around him. He stays on the lookout for the slightest sound, the slightest smell, or any movement. Unfortunately in your home, it is difficult to recreate these conditions except if you have a garden. It is therefore necessary that your cat is stimulated so that it remains lively.
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Obviously playing with him is already a good thing, but you cannot always be there. This is where the cat tree comes in! Thanks to the latter, he will be able to have fun and exert himself, thus strengthening his hunting instinct and therefore his well-being.
A cat tree for your pet’s mental health
In addition to physical problems, lack of exercise and boredom can cause behavioral disturbances in any pet. Indeed, if he is bored your animal will try to compensate for his lack of activity by behaviors that may seem strange to you and should alert you.
Signs that your cat is bored:
So why not make him a cat tree as an alternative?
How to make a cat tree?
The purpose of the cat tree is to distract your pet. Building it yourself will allow you to offer different toys that
You can personalize it so that it adapts to the decoration of your apartment, but above all to match your cat’s personality! Depending on whether he likes to hide, jump, hunt, offer him activities that he will like! You will see, there is nothing more pleasant than seeing your pet in full bloom.
What materials should you use for your cat tree?
The choice of materials in the making of your cat tree is important. It must be both solid and practical, but also comfortable! Choose inexpensive materials, but be careful that they do not harm your pet’s health. Indeed, it will tend to tear, tear or scratch the cat tree for fun, plan to patch it up easily.
The preferred materials for the construction of your cat tree:
- cardboard: a practical material because it is easy to work with, inexpensive, and that we often have on hand (moving box, shoebox, etc.). You can even use a ready-made cardboard house
- plastic: PVC pipes are often used as the “trunk” of the cat tree
- wood: a solid material, which will allow you to build the structure of your cat tree. Feel free to recycle using wine crates, pallets, or driftwood (inexpensive and design). You can even make your own cat tree with a tree! But you will need some space in this case.
- the rope: in addition to reinforcing your cat tree, the rope can be used to offer various activities to your cat (scratching, hanging, grabbing an object …)
- soft and fluffy materials (cushions, plush, rugs, carpet): don’t forget to add a “cocooning” touch to your cat tree so that your feline really feels at ease!
This list is not exhaustive! Make your cat tree according to your means and your tastes. You are free to use steel or more resistant materials, in order to make your cat tree very solid. However, avoid anything that can hurt your cats, such as glass or sharp materials. Likewise, it is not recommended to paint your materials as the paints can be toxic to your pet.
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Thinking about your ideal cat tree
Don’t take action directly. Take some time to think about your ideal scratching post and write down your ideas. To do this, equip yourself with a sheet of paper, a pen, and your computer. Look for various designs that inspire you and do a quick sketch.
Identify what you have available and what you need to purchase before you begin. Do you have everything? Let’s move on to the realization!
Make your cat tree
Now that you have the plans and the tools, it’s time to take action. To do this, set up a free time slot and proceed step by step.
First, build the base of your structure. This should be appropriate for your space, so take the necessary measures. The base must be solid. The wider and heavier it is, the more it will be able to support your cat’s weight, but this also varies depending on the height of your tree.
Then prepare the different floors by cutting the platforms according to your plan. Think carefully and take action. Always try to visualize the construction where you want to install it. Cover the different parts with carpets or soft material to make your tree comfortable for your cat.
Now you just have to assemble your different parts. Position the structure, thanks in particular to the base and the central pole of your tree. Then place the different platforms on it to build the floors.
Most of the work is done! Now for the details. Check the strength of your construction and do not hesitate to reinforce it if necessary. Likewise, if some parts seem dangerous to your cat, add pieces of carpet to prevent him from injuring himself. And finally, personalize it with toys he loves!
Cat tree: the question box
You gave your time and put your efforts into building this cat tree! Yet this is not enough. Sometimes your cat may not be attracted to your artwork.
In addition to educating him and making him understand that this is his space, you are going to have to arrange it in a way that makes it even more interesting.
How to attract my cat to his scratching post?
The cat tree aims at the development of your animal. For this, again, it is important that he matches his character. Set up toys, hang soft toys, add a bunk, ladder, or even a tunnel! It’s up to you to adapt it with activities and colors that will suit your furball.
Very important, your cat tree must have a scratching post for your pet to scratch. You can provide a surface to cover with sisal (rope or flooring) or directly a scratching board.
My cat is afraid of his cat tree, what should I do?
Despite your best efforts, you have the impression that your cat is afraid of your cat tree. Maybe it’s the location in the room that he doesn’t like.
How do I maintain my cat tree?
Cats are clean animals that are sensitive to odors. It is therefore important to take good care of your cat tree so that your pet feels good there and wants to climb in.
Do not hesitate to use the vacuum cleaner and a brush to remove hair and other dirt. A steam cleaner will allow you to clean the stains and make it even cleaner!
Finally, you can use a homemade deodorant: a little baking soda, then a few drops of essential oils in water … Avoid industrial cleaners and products with a too strong odor because your cat may not like it!
Conclusion
Building a cat tree may take a little time. But you’ll be happy with the investment when you see your cat having fun there. With a little thought, a few hours of work, and for less than a hundred euros, you will have a personalized and solid entertainment place for your cat to flourish!
