DIY cat play complex

Cats are naturally active animals who love to conquer heights. The best way to channel this energy is to build a cat play structure. In this area, which takes up just one or two square meters, your four-legged friend will enjoy not only frolicking but also relaxing while watching your family from above.

There's nothing complicated about making a cat play structure yourself. We offer several interesting and easy-to-make options.

Content

1 Option 1: "house on the roof"
2 Option 2: "complex with a play pipe"

Option 1: "house on the roof"

The multi-level design is convenient because it seamlessly combines both a play area and a relaxation area. Bars and stands at varying heights are convenient for performing pirouettes, scratching posts are great for sharpening sharp claws, and cozy house – to provide privacy for your pet while resting.

Preparation of necessary materials

To make a play complex for cats with your own hands, you will need a set of materials and tools:

fiberboard sheets 15-20 mm thick;
polymer plumbing pipes D 700-1000 mm;
wooden slats D 30 mm;
jigsaw or wood saw;
screwdriver;
electric drill;
scissors;
screwdriver;
a piece of fine-grained sandpaper.

To decorate the play complex, you will also need 30-40 mm thick foam rubber and any upholstery fabric.

Drawing up a drawing and cutting out parts

The first step is to create a drawing of the future structure. A detailed diagram will help avoid size discrepancies and unnecessary expenses when purchasing materials. In our DIY cat play structure, we use the drawing below as a basis.

Using a jigsaw, cut out two main pieces measuring 55x40 cm and 30x30 cm. Drill 30 mm blind holes in the blanks to accommodate the vertical wooden slats. The holes should be no deeper than half the board's thickness.

Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the holes you made.

To construct the top platform, cut two identical pieces of fiberboard, each measuring 40 cm in diameter. Drill a 30 mm hole in the center of each piece, making a small recess.

Cut the wooden slats into 3 pieces of the following dimensions: the first is 85 cm, the second is 120 cm, and the third is 173 cm. Place the ends of the slats into the prepared holes.

Using the diagram below, cut out the middle pieces of the cat play structure.

Make through holes in each of the parts.

Upholstery of platforms and decoration of supports

The cut-out pieces should be covered with fabric. When decorating the top round piece, the platform should be filled with a foam layer.

Place the cut foam circle on the blank and wrap it with a piece of fabric. Rotate the blank around the circle, securing the fabric to the back using staples.

Cover the bottom of the round platform with another piece of fabric, carefully securing its edges around the perimeter.

Use the same principle to cover the second round piece, as well as the rectangular and square pieces. Don't forget to use foam in-between.

Let's begin creating the supports. You can use cardboard tubes if desired. To ensure a tight fit against the support walls, fit the tubes with bushings. These are easily cut from foam using a drill with a hole saw.

Wrap each piece with hemp cord. Secure the beginning of the cord with a stapler or tape. Wind the cord in a spiral, keeping it taut, making sure to coat the surface with glue first.

Making a house

According to the drawing below, cut out 6 blanks: the bottom and top, two side walls, the back and front walls.

Cover each piece with pieces of soft fabric, using staples or wide-headed nails for fastening.

It is better to cover the front part, equipped with a doorway, with acrylic paint, and then decorate it with an inscription with the owner’s name and decorative elements in the form of paw prints.

To ensure neat letters and designs, apply them using a hand-cut stencil. Use a foam sponge to distribute the paint evenly.

When assembled, the house will look like this.

Construction of the staircase and assembly of the complex

Cats love to climb stairs. So why not add a climbing structure to your play structure?

To increase functionality and improve decorative qualities, it is better to wrap the steps with twine and decorate the support posts with paw prints.

The final step is to assemble the structure. Corners, screws, and bolts are convenient for securing the elements.

To transform the top platform into a cozy nest, frame it with a bolster. It's easy to sew from a rectangular piece of fabric and fill it with padding. To secure the bolster to the platform, attach the bottom part with Velcro.

Option 2: "complex with a play pipe"

This option is ideal for restless pets, as in addition to the house, it includes several multi-level platforms and a play tube suspended on a rope.

To implement this idea you will need:

2 pieces of plastic plumbing pipe D 50 mm, 1 m and 2 m long;
2 pieces of pipe D 100 mm, 2 m long;
20 meters of hemp rope;
2 plywood sheets measuring 800x1200 mm, 10 mm thick;
metal consoles measuring 100x150 mm;
furniture stapler with a set of staples;
a plastic bucket with a capacity of 20 liters for setting up a house;
a 15-liter plastic bucket for constructing a play pipe;
a piece of fleece for upholstery measuring 3x4 m.

Important note! For the complex, it's better to use carpet with cut pile rather than looped pile. This is less likely to cause injury to sharp claws that get caught in the fibers.

Once you have decided on the dimensions of the structure, cut out the blanks of the appropriate sizes.

Wrap each piece with material, using staples and glue to secure it. When wrapping pipes with hemp rope, secure the end by tying a knot and then screwing a screw into it. This will extend the life of the rope wrap.

Mark the level at which you plan to place the shelves. Attach the brackets to these locations. Hide the tabs of the fasteners under the cord wraps.

First, remove the bottom of a small bucket and cover the sides and ends with carpet. Cover the inside and outside of a large plastic bucket with material. Foam rubber can be used as an inner lining.

Fix the house in the center of the bottom on the end of a 2-meter pipe using metal corners.

The final step is to attach the shelves to the metal flanges and secure them to the pipes. It's best to decorate the joints with carpet scraps. Hang the play pipe with twine directly above the wide shelf.