r/cats • u/johneldenringg • 29d ago

Advice Don’t build a cat tree

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It seemed simple and I was like + $100? For a big one ??? Nah I could build it… well I’m prob about $200 deep and need to get another 4x4 plywood from home depot and prob more carpet and cushioning for the top nest, as well as some sisal. If you think it’s a good idea and cheap? It’s not 🫩 especially if you have to buy a new circular saw cuz yours broke 😭😭
And yeah tbh it is a me problem but I also had to make sure the wood was cat safe to and not pressure treated.

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u/IceHawk1212 29d ago

I'd suggest that you can keep the material cost well under $150 with a little patience and effective planning. I bought scrap carpet from a carpet store, reused a couple elements from the previous cat post that were in decent shape and bonus already had their scent. The only thing I paid full price for was the carpet adhesive, twine, and screws

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u/captain_ohagen 29d ago

yeah, I'm not letting my cat see this

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u/IceHawk1212 29d ago

Oh, why not I'm sure he'd love it

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u/xiaoalexy 29d ago

my cat asked me if we're poor

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u/IceHawk1212 29d ago

I mean I'll admit some smaller details required tools not everyone has, I turned post mounts on my lathe for the heavy cardboard tubes I wrapped in twine. But aside from my miter saw and table saw, both of which hand tools can replace with practice and patience, the project is doable for a relative noob to wood working.

Guess a staple gun is probably necessary too but even the sanding can and was largely done by hand. Tools just generally make it much quicker and easier.