A Kitty and her Castle: 20 DIY Cat Tree Ideas for When You’re Feline Crafty

by craftyclub

Cats really thrive when they have lots of space to scratch and climb.

Since cats are usually found living indoors, we need to do our part as cat owners to create that space for them.

Whether you have plenty of room to create a little bit of the outdoors in your home, or you pressed for space and need to get creative, there is a DIY cat tree idea that will work for you. Check out these options to spark some inspiration.

1. Rustic DIY Cat Tree

Diy Cat Tree Play Tower
Diy Cat Tree Play Tower (via Southern Revivals)

Check out this delightful DIY design! By using branches made out of real wood and wrapped in rope or twine, you’ll be on your way to creating a precious cat tree that will make it feel as if you’re bringing a little bit of the rustic outdoors into your home. 

2. Modern DIY Cat Tree

How to Make a Chic DIY Cat Tree
How to Make a Chic DIY Cat Tree (via The Spruce Crafts)

Here is a great twist on an old cat classic that is both modern and sleek. One trip to the local hardware store for some rope and additional supplies is all you’ll need to be on your way to creating a stylish design that looks like it is a modern designer piece.

You don’t even have to tell your cat how simple it was to make!

3. Real Tree Cat Tower

How to Make a Cat Tree From a Real Tree!
How to Make a Cat Tree From a Real Tree! (via by Brittany Goldwyn)

This DIY cat tower uses real branches and faux leaves so that you can create an indoor feline forest. With an outdoorsy tower like this one, you may find that your furry little friend does not want to leave the house again.

4. Baker’s Rack Cat Tower

DIY Cat Tree: Turn a Shelving Unit Into a Cat Tower
DIY Cat Tree: Turn a Shelving Unit Into a Cat Tower (via HGTV)

This isn’t just a cat tower; this is a full kitty condo!

Use some prefab shelves or a baker’s rack to create a space fit for even the most curious kitty. This tower can even double as a place for all your cat-related storage needs. How’s that for a design that is both fun and functional?

Read also:  21 Gorgeous Ideas for a Black Front Door

5. Simple Cat Scratching Post

DIY Cat Scratching Post
DIY Cat Scratching Post (via Dream a Little Bigger)

Be prepared to admire this sturdy scratching post for many years to come. After kitty wears down the first round of rope, you can just simply replace it with some new twine to make your scratching post like new again.

Your cat will surely be mesmerized by her new mast!

6. Outdoor Branch Jump and Scratch Tree

Outdoor Branch Jump and Scratch Tree
Cat Tree (via Imgur)

From jumping to scratching to hiding, this little piece of the outdoors has everything your furry friend could want in a cat tree. Using outdoor wood, you can create a piece that is sure to captivate any cat while adding a rustic look to your home.

7. Ikea Shelf Cat Tree

Cat Tree with Ikea Lack
Cat Tree with Ikea Lack (via Ikea Hackers)

Is your cat a fan of all things contemporary? Then check out this modern cat tree that is made using Ikea’s Lack tables. It even allows for storage of kitty’s supplies!

You can create a tree that is all black, all white, or you can get fancy and mix and match. At about $9.99 per table, this one is not only easy but affordable as well.

8. Great Escape Wall

Cat Adventure and Escape Wall
Cat Adventure and Escape Wall (via Instructables)

Is this a cat playground or a piece of modern artwork? This stylish set up not only has plenty of options to keep your cat entertained, but it even has plenty of room to store books and decor making it a functional wall-mounted display for both you and your cat.

I just hope your cat doesn’t mind sharing.

9. Cat Condominium

Cat Tree/Condo
Cat Tree/Condo (via Ana White)

If you are having trouble finding your cat, chances are your furry friend is hanging out in her new cat condominium. With multiple floors and an adorable balcony, kitty may never want to leave her new cozy space, and I can’t say we blame her.

10. Upcycled Cat Tree

Create a DIY Cat Tree With Upcycled Items
Create a DIY Cat Tree With Upcycled Items (via Hometalk)

Not interested in taking a trip to the craft store? This DIY cat tree is for you!

Read also:  21 Crochet Monkey Patterns That You Should Try

You may find that you already have all the items you will need to create this upcycled cat tree. You can repurpose an old vase and add some twine to get started. It’s perfect for a precious Persian or a sweet Sphynx.

11. Affordable DIY Cat Tree

Diy Cat Tree Less Than 30 Dollars
Diy Cat Tree Less Than 30 Dollars (via The Botanical Texan)

Are you looking for a DIY cat tree that is not only simple but affordable as well?

Then get started with a few wooden milk crates and some twine and you’ll be on your way to completing this adorable kitty creation. You don’t even have to tell your cat that this one didn’t break the bank!

12. Basket Cat Condo

How to Make a Cat Condo
How to Make a Cat Condo (via HGTV)

Any local craft store or home improvement center will have all the materials you’ll need to recreate this charming cat chateau.

Get creative with colored twine that matches your style. And get creative with your basket options. Rustic? Modern? Whatever you choose, these multiple levels of baskets are sure to tantalize your tabby.

13. Reclaimed Wood Cat Tree

This Diy Cat Tree Is Truly A Work Of Art
This Diy Cat Tree Is Truly A Work Of Art (via Adventure Cats)

No nails or screws are required for this tree using reclaimed wood. Grab some glue, and rope twine – mixed with some time and creativity – to create this darling indoor artwork that is certain to bring your cat hours of  endless entertainment.

This tree is much more pleasing than the traditional carpeted cat tree we all remember.

14. Saguaro Scratching Post

Saguaro Cactus Scratching Post for Cats
Saguaro Cactus Scratching Post for Cats (via Fairytale Slavery)

Who knew that an indoor cactus could be so pretty even without being so prickly? Your cat will absolutely love to get his claws into this desert darling.

Use green dye on the twine for that classic saguaro look. Add colorful flowers to match your home decor.

15. Ikea Cat Tree

Cat Tree by Frosta X
Cat Tree by Frosta X (via IkeaHackers)

There’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to creating this modern maze.

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Using Ikea’s Frosta X shelves, you’ll create a sharp, modern cat tree that your kitty will adore. These affordable shelves come in a light birch wood color and can be painted to match any room.

16. Kitty’s Wall Home Gym

Wall-Mounted Jungle Gym
Wall-Mounted Jungle Gym (via Pinterest)

Wooden brackets, boards, and twine make up this wall-mounted cat home gym. This DIY gym will leave your cat with so many playtime options that she won’t be able to decide if it is time to play or time to lounge.

17. A-Frame Cat Tree

Make Kristen’s DIY Cat Tree!
Make Kristen’s DIY Cat Tree! (via Colette)

What a simple way to create a functional piece that your cats will adore. Use a pre-made A-frame bookcase to get started. Adorn with faux fur and rope to create a customized space for your favorite furry friend.

It blends right in as if it is another piece of furniture.

18. Ladder Cat Tree

DIY Cat Tree
DIY Cat Tree (via Hallmark Channel)

Your cat will love getting her claws into this cat tree made by using two ladders of identical size.

It’s a mast that is sure to make her meow. Find twine and fur at your local craft store to get started.

19. Real Branch Multi Level Cat Tree

The "Sophistikitty" Cat Tree!
The “Sophistikitty” Cat Tree! (via Metatroneyes)

Once you’ve sanded down your branch to a sleek, shiny finish, head on over to the local hardware store for some rope and pre-cut wooden pieces to make this multi-level cat tree. There’s a reason this one is described as very sophistikittied.

20. Scratching and Climbing Wall Post

Cat scratching and climbing post
Cat Scratching and Climbing Post (via Meilla Kotona)

No room for a large, three dimensional cat tree? If your cat needs room for scratching and climbing, you’ll have to check out this space saving idea!

This scratching post is flush against the wall but has plenty of space for your cat to play. It is perfect for small places while still offering enough entertainment for any indoor kitty.

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