Building a wooden cat house with a scratching post is a fun project that can be tailored to fit both your and your cat’s needs. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Materials:
- Wooden panels or plywood (for the base, walls, and roof)
- 2×4 lumber (for framing)
- Carpet or sisal rope (for the scratching post)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Staple gun (for securing fabric or carpet)
- Saw (to cut wood to size)
- Drill (for making holes)
- Sandpaper (to smooth rough edges)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Tools:
- Circular saw or jigsaw (to cut wood)
- Screwdriver
- Staple gun
Steps:
1. Design the Cat House
- Decide on the size of the house. A small, cozy space is best for cats, so something around 18-24 inches tall and wide should work well.
- Include multiple levels or platforms inside for your cat to perch and play on.
- Plan where the scratching post will go. It can be placed inside or attached to one of the walls of the cat house.
2. Cut the Wood
- Use the measuring tape and pencil to mark the dimensions for your base, walls, and roof. For example:
- Base: 18” x 18”
- Walls: 18” high for the sides, and 18” wide for the back and front.
- Cut the pieces using a saw. Make sure edges are smooth and even.
3. Assemble the Cat House Frame
- Start with the base. Attach the side walls to the base using screws or wood glue.
- Add the back and front walls. Use screws to secure everything tightly.
- Attach the roof by aligning it with the top edges of the walls.
4. Create the Scratching Post
- For the scratching post, cut a 2×4 piece of wood to the desired height (typically around 12-18 inches).
- Wrap the 2×4 with sisal rope. Secure the ends of the rope with staples or glue. Make sure it’s tightly wound to prevent it from unwinding over time.
- You can either attach the scratching post vertically to the side of the cat house or horizontally inside for a more integrated design.
5. Add Perches and Platforms (Optional)
- If you want extra play spaces inside, cut small pieces of plywood or wood to serve as platforms or perches. Attach them using screws at various heights within the cat house.
6. Finish the Edges
- Sand down any rough edges to ensure the house is safe for your cat.
- If you’d like, you can paint or stain the wood, but make sure to use non-toxic finishes.
7. Secure the Scratching Post
- If your scratching post is external, screw or nail it securely into the side of the cat house, ensuring it stands firm when the cat scratches.
8. Add Comfort
- Line the floor or perches with soft bedding, like a small pillow or a cushion.
- You can also staple soft carpet or fleece to the inside walls to make it cozy and cat-friendly.
9. Final Touches
- Once everything is assembled, check for any loose screws or sharp edges. Clean up any dust from sanding.
- Place the cat house in a quiet corner, and let your cat explore it!
Tips:
- Durability: Ensure everything is well-secured. Cats can be rough on their furniture, so make sure the scratching post and walls are firmly attached.
- Size and accessibility: Make sure the entrance to the house is wide enough for your cat to enter comfortably.
This wooden cat house with a scratching post provides your cat with a cozy and functional space to scratch, sleep, and explore. You can modify the design based on your cat’s preferences and the space you have available!
Leave a Reply