Simple Cat Tower

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and confirming right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Recommended to use home center cutting service

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking levelness during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing

• ✓

  Stud Finder

  Used to check position of wall studs and studs in-between

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Location and Cat's Movement Path

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide on the installation location for the simple cat tower (450×450×1200mm). Ideally near a window or along a wall where the cat can easily jump on. Select a spot that allows fixing to the wall for tipping prevention.

   Measure

   W 450 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Leave at least 300mm distance from the ceiling to prevent the cat from pushing against the ceiling to climb.
   • Installing near a window is preferred as a sunbathing and outside viewing spot.
   • For multiple cats, build a height of 1200mm+ to create escape routes.

   Watch out

   • Avoid placing directly under air conditioners as direct airflow bothers cats.
   • Avoid structures where cats cannot get down after climbing. Arrange base boards stepwise.
2. 2

   Cut and Prepare Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut four base boards (15×450×450mm) from 15mm thick Lauan plywood. Prepare two hemp rope-wrapped poles φ90×1200mm, two 2×4 lumber pieces (38×89×1200mm). Prepare hemp rope φ8mm×3.6m, coarse-thread screws 50mm×40, and three boa fabric carpets (450×450mm).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm Lauan plywood has a good strength-to-weight balance; 12mm cannot support the weight.
   • Buying ready-made hemp rope-wrapped poles is faster, available at DIY stores.
   • Thin carpets are easier to adhere; overly thick carpets reduce claw grip.

   Watch out

   • Using thin plywood may crack from cat jumping impact.
   • Soft poles are unstable; even if wrapped with hemp rope, select hardwood core poles.
3. 3

   Sand All Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand Lauan plywood and 2×4 lumber in order from #120 to #240 grit. Since cats lick and scratch, avoid any splinters. Especially bevel edges carefully.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Smooth all cat-touching parts. Check smoothness by running fingertips.
   • Edges of plywood are rougher than surface; sand them thoroughly.
   • Perform sanding outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to avoid dust accumulation.

   Watch out

   • A single splinter can injure a cat's tongue or paws.
   • Dust sticking to the carpet is hard to remove; separate sanding area to prevent this.
4. 4

   Mark Post Positions on Base Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark with pencil where to attach posts on all four base boards. Arrange two posts in a square on base board 1 (bottom). Position base boards 2 to 4 at different heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, and 900mm). Offset positions slightly from center lines for easier cat walking.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • Uneven center of gravity makes it unstable; posts arranged in square base is basic.
   • Arrange boards at different heights in a stair shape for easier climbing.
   • Use a punch to mark hole centers clearly for easier drilling.

   Watch out

   • Placing posts near board edges may cause splitting during screwing.
   • Misaligned post positions cause overall distortion; confirm positions by overlaying boards.
5. 5

   Drill Pilot Holes in Base Boards and Posts

   ≈ 20 min

   Drill φ5mm pilot holes in the base boards and 2×4 lumber posts. Use a countersink bit on base boards to create recesses for screw heads to be flush. For hemp rope-wrapped poles, use the included metal brackets for screw attachment.

   Drill a hole

   φ5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

   • Countersinking creates a neat finish and prevents cats from snagging on screw heads.
   • Use a drill stopper to control hole depth and avoid drilling through.
   • Keep at least 20mm distance from 2×4 lumber edges to prevent splitting.

   Watch out

   • Driving 50mm screws without pilot holes causes 2×4 lumber splitting.
   • Too deep countersinking weakens screw holding strength.
6. 6

   Assemble Bottom Board and Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (a hemp rope-wrapped pole and 2×4 lumber) vertically on the 450×450 bottom board. From the board's underside, drive three 50mm coarse-thread screws per post (6 total). Check verticality with a carpenter's square during assembly. Use extra screws on the bottom board as it bears most load.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check verticality with a level in two directions (front and side), targeting zero degrees.
   • Apply wood glue on joint surfaces before screwing to improve rigidity.
   • Screw heads on the underside are hidden, so use more screws as needed.

   Watch out

   • Even slight post tilt causes upper boards to tilt and feel unstable for cats.
   • Insufficient screws make posts wobble under cat movement.
7. 7

   Attach Middle and Top Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Attach middle boards (at 300~900mm heights) horizontally to the posts. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from the underside and drive 50mm coarse-thread screws into the posts (6 screws per board: 2 posts × 3 screws). Use a level to confirm horizontalness. Secure firmly to withstand impact when cats jump.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • Unlevel boards cause discomfort for cats.
   • Drive screws along post centerline to avoid splitting edges.
   • Consider making upper boards smaller to optimize center of gravity.

   Watch out

   • Screw driving impact may misalign lower boards; check level after assembling all three.
   • Insufficient screws risk board detachment with dynamic cat loads over 10kg.
8. 8

   Wrap Hemp Rope for Scratching Post Function

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using ready-made rope-wrapped poles, tightly wrap 3.6m of φ8mm hemp rope around the 2×4 lumber post. Fix both ends with staples or screws. Wrap from bottom to top tightly, avoiding gaps.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Fix rope start by inserting it into a drilled hole and securing with wood glue for strong attachment.
   • Fix the rope with staples while wrapping to prevent loosening.
   • Hide the rope end by inserting back into the same hole for neatness.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope unravels when cats pull; wrap tightly and fix frequently.
   • Avoid synthetic fibers; cats may chew and ingest dangerous materials.
9. 9

   Attach Carpet (Boa material)

   ≈ 25 min

   Affix carpet pieces to the top surfaces of three boards (top, middle, and bottom) using double-sided tape or wood glue. Cut corners to match board shapes with a cutter. Ensure adhesive strength so cats’ scratching does not peel them off.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Use strong double-sided tape; regular tape can peel off under cat claws.
   • Align carpet pile direction when applying for better appearance.
   • Leave slight margin at edges and fold underside to prevent peeling.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion may cause peeling during play, risking ingestion.
   • Avoid cheap carpets with latex backing that decomposes into powder.
10. 10

    Fix Tower to Wall to Prevent Tipping

    ≈ 20 min

    Secure the top of the tower to the wall using L-brackets and anti-seismic belts to prevent tipping. Anchor firmly into wall studs using a stud finder before installation. This prevents toppling during earthquakes or from vigorous cat movement.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixing is essential for safety; a 1200mm high tower can easily tip when cats jump.
    • Anti-seismic belts are available even at 100-yen shops; specialized belts from home centers offer greater security.
    • Do not rely on drywall alone; always screw into wall studs.

    Watch out

    • Skipping wall fixing risks catastrophic tipping during earthquakes, causing injury.
    • Check load capacity of fittings to support total tower weight, cat weight, and seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final Inspection and Introducing Your Cat

    ≈ 15 min

    Check all screws are tight, carpets are secure, and posts are stable. Place tower in the installation spot and verify level with a level tool. If there is wobble, apply felt pads to leg bottoms for adjustment. Before introducing the cat, strongly shake to confirm stability.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Placing cat treats on boards upon completion helps cats approach without caution.
    • Do not force cats to climb on the first day; allow natural exploration.
    • Placing other furniture nearby as a 'staircase' for several days helps cats climb up easily.

    Watch out

    • Insufficient checks and assembly defects can cause cat injuries; perform thorough final inspection.
    • If the cat does not climb, location or scent may be unsuitable; wait and observe over time.

Warnings

• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.
• ⚠️Tighten all joints securely to withstand the cat's weight.

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