Tired of those beige carpeted towers that clash with your home decor? Many cat owners dream of providing their feline friends with enriching climbing spaces, but the standard options often lack aesthetic appeal and can be quite expensive. There’s a fantastic alternative that brings a touch of nature indoors and offers your cat an incredibly stimulating environment: building your own cat tree using natural branches. It’s a rewarding project that results in a unique, sturdy, and beautiful piece of functional art for your home and a playground your cat will adore.
Creating a cat tree from real wood branches taps into your cat’s innate instincts. The varied textures, natural scents (initially, at least), and irregular shapes provide far more sensory enrichment than uniform carpet or manufactured wood. Cats love scratching real bark and navigating the organic forms, much like they would in the wild. Plus, you get the satisfaction of crafting something truly bespoke, perfectly tailored to your space and your cat’s preferences.
Finding Your Foundation: Sourcing the Right Branches
The hunt for the perfect branches is the first adventure in this DIY journey. Not just any wood will do; safety and sturdiness are paramount.
Safe Wood Choices
Opt for hardwoods, as they are generally more durable and less likely to splinter dangerously. Good choices include:
- Oak
- Maple
- Birch
- Apple (ensure no pesticide residue)
- Pear (ensure no pesticide residue)
- Aspen
- Elm
Crucially, avoid woods known to be toxic to cats. This list includes, but isn’t limited to: Cherry, Black Walnut, Yew, Lilac, Oleander, and many types of Pine or Cedar if heavily sappy or treated (though well-seasoned, sap-free pine can sometimes be used cautiously, hardwood is better). Always double-check the specific wood type if you’re unsure. When in doubt, leave it out.
Where to Look
Your own backyard after a storm or during pruning season is often the best place to start. Neighbours trimming trees might be happy for you to take larger branches off their hands. Parks or woodlands can be sources, but always check local regulations regarding the removal of wood – foraging isn’t permitted everywhere, and you should never cut down living trees without permission. Look for branches that have already fallen and are reasonably solid. Aim for a main trunk piece that’s at least 4-6 inches in diameter for stability, with interesting, well-attached side branches for climbing and perching.
Prepping Your Timber: Cleaning and Curing
Once you’ve sourced your branches, preparation is key. Don’t skip these steps – they ensure the longevity of your tree and the safety of your cat.
Cleaning
Give the branches a thorough scrub with a stiff brush and water. You want to remove all dirt, loose moss or lichen, spider webs, and any obvious insects. Some people use a mild vinegar-water solution. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. If the bark is very loose and flaky, you might choose to remove it entirely, though leaving some intact bark adds great texture for scratching. Inspect carefully for any signs of rot or insect infestation (like tiny holes).
Drying (The Most Important Step!)
Freshly cut or found wood contains a lot of moisture. Bringing damp wood indoors can lead to mould growth, attract pests, and cause the wood to warp or crack unpredictably as it dries. Proper drying, or curing, is essential. This takes time. Ideally, store the branches in a dry, well-ventilated area like a garage, shed, or covered porch for several months (yes, months!). The exact time depends on the wood thickness and humidity. The wood should feel lightweight and sound hollow when tapped. Rushing this step is a common mistake that can ruin the project later.
Sanding
Once dry, go over the branches and sand down any sharp points, broken stubs, or rough edges that could potentially injure your cat. You don’t need to make it perfectly smooth everywhere – some natural roughness is good – but ensure there are no obvious hazards.
Optional Sealing
Some people choose to seal the wood to make it easier to clean and potentially prolong its life. If you do this, use only 100% pet-safe, non-toxic sealants. Look for finishes certified as food-safe or specifically for pet enclosures or children’s toys. Many builders prefer to leave the wood entirely natural, especially the bark sections, for maximum cat appeal.
Constructing Your Cat’s Kingdom
With your branches prepped, it’s time for assembly. Stability is the name of the game here.
Building a Solid Base
A wobbly cat tree is a dangerous cat tree. The base needs to be heavy and wide enough to counteract the height and weight of the branches and your climbing cat. A thick piece of plywood (at least 3/4 inch) or a solid slab of wood works well. The footprint should extend significantly beyond the widest reach of the branches. Consider the height – taller trees need much wider, heavier bases. You might even incorporate weights hidden within a boxed base for extra security.
Securing the Main Trunk
This is a critical connection point. Drill pilot holes through the base and into the bottom of the main branch. Use long, heavy-duty screws (lag screws are often a good choice) or sturdy metal brackets (L-brackets) to securely attach the branch to the base. Ensure there’s no wobble at this joint. You might need multiple attachment points depending on the branch’s shape.
Adding Platforms
Cats need places to perch and lounge. Cut platforms from sturdy plywood (1/2 inch or 3/4 inch is usually sufficient). The shape can be organic to match the natural feel, or simple circles/squares. Consider the size – big enough for your cat to comfortably curl up or sprawl. Attach the platforms securely to suitable horizontal or thick diagonal branches. Again, use strong screws and/or L-brackets. Pre-drilling holes is essential to prevent wood splitting. Position platforms at varying heights to encourage climbing and jumping.
Stability is non-negotiable. Before letting your cat use the tree, rigorously test its sturdiness. Push and pull on it from various angles and heights. It should absolutely not tip or wobble significantly. Reinforce the base or branch connections if needed; an unstable tree poses a serious risk of injury to your pet.
Finishing Touches for Feline Fun
The basic structure is done, but a few additions can elevate your creation.
Scratching Surfaces
While the natural bark offers scratching potential, wrapping sections of the trunk or thicker branches with natural sisal rope provides a dedicated and highly desirable scratching surface. Secure the rope tightly, using non-toxic glue sparingly at the start and end, or securing ends with staples hammered in flush. Avoid leaving loose ends your cat could ingest.
Comfort Zones
You can make the platforms more inviting by adding soft bedding. Cut pieces of fleece, faux fur, or durable upholstery fabric to size and attach them using pet-safe glue or by wrapping and stapling underneath (ensure staples are inaccessible).
Toy Attachments
Screw small eye hooks into the underside of platforms or sturdy branches to hang favourite cat toys, adding another layer of interactive fun.
Your Unique Creation
Building a natural branch cat tree is more involved than assembling a store-bought kit, but the result is infinitely more rewarding. You’ll have a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece that enhances your home, provides incredible enrichment for your cat, and stands as a testament to your DIY skills. Remember to periodically check the structure for any loosening parts or potential wear and tear. Now, step back, admire your handiwork, and watch your feline friend explore their amazing new natural playground!
