A wooden cat feeding station with elevated bowls is a great DIY project that helps improve your cat’s eating posture and provides an elegant touch to your home decor. Elevated feeders can help reduce strain on your cat’s neck and joints, promoting better digestion, especially for older cats or those with arthritis. This project is simple to build and requires basic woodworking skills and tools. Let’s dive into how you can create your own.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden planks or plywood (for the frame and base)
- Wood glue
- Screws (for assembly)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish (optional, to protect and enhance the wood)
- Two or three bowls (stainless steel or ceramic bowls work best)
- Drill with bits (for the bowl holes and screws)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (table saw or hand saw, depending on the size of your project)
- Wooden dowels (optional for added strength)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- Saw
- Screwdriver or electric screwdriver
- Sanding block or power sander
- Wood glue
- Clamps (optional, but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Measure the Bowls
Start by measuring the diameter and height of your bowls. This will help you determine the size of the holes for the bowls in the wooden feeding station. Add a bit of extra room (about 1/4 inch) around the diameter to ensure the bowls fit snugly.
Step 2: Cut the Base and Side Pieces
Using your saw, cut the wooden planks to size. You’ll need the following pieces:
- Base: A rectangular or square piece, depending on the design you prefer. A common size might be around 12 inches by 18 inches, but you can adjust this based on the number of bowls and the size of your cat.
- Side supports: Two vertical pieces for the sides of the station, usually around 4-6 inches tall (you can adjust this based on the height you want for the bowls).
- Back support (optional): If you prefer a more structured feeding station, you can add a back piece for extra stability.
Step 3: Cut the Holes for the Bowls
Once your base and side pieces are ready, it’s time to cut the holes where the bowls will sit. Use a hole saw attachment on your drill (the size should match the diameter of your bowls) or a jigsaw if you need to make larger cuts. Ensure the holes are spaced evenly and positioned correctly to keep the bowls from tipping over.
If you want a more modern or sleek look, consider cutting shallow recesses for the bowls to sit in snugly. This will help prevent the bowls from sliding around during use.
Step 4: Sand the Pieces
Before assembling, use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth all the edges and surfaces of the wooden pieces. This will remove any splinters and ensure that the feeding station has a clean, polished finish. If you prefer a smooth surface for a more professional look, you can sand in the direction of the grain.
Step 5: Assemble the Frame
Start by attaching the side pieces to the base. Use wood glue along the edges of the base and the vertical pieces to secure them together. For added strength, you can also drill pilot holes and screw the pieces together. If you’re using wooden dowels for added durability, drill corresponding holes in both the side pieces and the base and insert the dowels.
Once the side pieces are attached, you can attach the back piece if you’ve decided to use one. This will help support the entire structure and give the station a more finished look.
Step 6: Place the Bowls
Once the frame is assembled and the glue has dried, fit the bowls into the cut holes. If you’ve created recesses, the bowls should sit neatly in place. If you simply made round holes, you can add a thin layer of non-slip material (like rubber pads or felt) at the base of each bowl to help keep them from sliding around during feeding time.
Step 7: Finish the Station (Optional)
You can finish the wooden feeding station by applying a wood finish or stain. This step not only enhances the appearance of the wood but also protects it from spills and wear. Be sure to choose a non-toxic finish, as cats may come into contact with the station regularly. If you prefer a natural look, you can leave the wood unfinished and simply apply a coat of protective clear varnish.
Step 8: Test the Feeding Station
After assembling the station and letting any finishes dry, place the bowls in their spots and test the height for your cat. The bowls should be elevated enough to reduce strain on your cat’s neck, but not so high that it makes eating uncomfortable. Most cats prefer a height that is about 4 to 6 inches off the ground.
If everything fits well and the station is stable, your cat’s new feeding station is ready for use!
Final Touches
To personalize the feeding station, consider adding decorative touches like carved designs, paint, or stencils that match your home decor. You could also add rubber feet to the bottom of the station to prevent it from sliding across the floor.
Creating a wooden elevated cat feeding station is a simple, fun, and practical project that can be customized to fit your home’s style. Not only will it make mealtime more comfortable for your cat, but it’ll also add a rustic, handcrafted touch to your living space.
For more woodworking inspiration and step-by-step plans, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.