Cat Tower with Hideout

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking and confirming right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Using home center's cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric Screwdriver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontality during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixation during joining

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing

• ✓

  Stud Finder

  For confirming wall studs and framing positions

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Location and Cat Routes

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide on the installation location for the cat tower with hidden hideout (600×600×1500mm). Ideally near a window or along a wall position where cats can easily jump up. Choose a location where it can be secured to the wall to prevent tipping over.

   Measure

   W 600 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Leave at least 300mm distance from the ceiling to prevent cats from climbing by pushing against the ceiling.
   • Installing near a window is preferred for sunbathing and outdoor viewing.
   • For multiple cats, provide an escape area by building 1500mm or higher.

   Watch out

   • Avoid installing directly under air conditioners to prevent cats from disliking direct airflow.
   • Avoid designs where high climbing cats cannot come down. The lower base plates should be arranged in steps.
2. 2

   Cutting and Preparing Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut four base plates (15×600×600mm) from 15mm thick Lauan plywood. Prepare two poles wrapped with hemp rope (φ90×1500mm), two 2×4 lumber posts (38×89×1500mm), 4.5m hemp rope (φ8mm), 40 coarse-thread screws 50mm, and three carpets (fleece material) 600×600mm.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm Lauan plywood balances strength and lightness well. 12mm is insufficient to support the weight.
   • Buy pre-made hemp rope wrapped poles; they are available at DIY stores and faster to obtain.
   • Thin carpets are easier to attach. Thick ones make it hard for claws to catch.

   Watch out

   • Using thin plywood can crack from cats jumping on it.
   • Posts made of soft material are unstable. Even wrapped with hemp rope, core should be hardwood.
3. 3

   Sanding All Components

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand Lauan plywood and 2×4 lumber with #120 grit followed by #240 grit. No splinters allowed as cats will lick or scratch. Pay special attention to rounding off edges meticulously.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Make all cat-contact surfaces smooth; check by stroking with your fingertip.
   • Edges of plywood cross-sections are rougher than finished surfaces; focus sanding there.
   • Perform sanding in indoor or ventilated areas to control dust.

   Watch out

   • One splinter can injure cat's tongue or paw pads.
   • Dust adhering to carpet is difficult to remove; use separate work areas.
4. 4

   Marking Post Positions on Base Plates

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark the positions to attach posts on all four base plates with pencil. On base plate 1 (bottom plate), arrange two posts in a square. Plates 2 to 4 are positioned at different heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, 900mm). Slightly offset from centerline for easier cat walking.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • Base plate's center of gravity bias causes easy tipping. Use four posts forming a square base.
   • Staggered height base plates arranged like stairs make climbing easier.
   • Use a center punch to clarify hole centers to facilitate drilling.

   Watch out

   • Placing post positions too near plate edges risks end splitting when screwing.
   • Misaligned post positions across plates cause structural distortion. Transfer markings carefully by overlapping.
5. 5

   Drilling Pilot Holes in Base Plates and Posts

   ≈ 20 min

   Drill φ5mm pilot holes in base plates and 2×4 posts. For base plates, countersink with appropriate bit to hide screw heads flush. Attach hemp rope wrapped poles with metal brackets using included hardware.

   Drill a hole

   φ5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

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

   Watch out

   • Driving 50mm screws without pilot holes causes 2×4 splitting.
   • Too deep countersinking weakens fastening strength and screws may loosen.
6. 6

   Assembling Bottom Plate and Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (hemp rope wrapped pole and 2×4 lumber) vertically on bottom plate (450×450). Drive three coarse-thread screws 50mm per post (6 total) from underside of base plate. Use carpenter's square to confirm verticality. Increase screw count on bottom plate to support main weight.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check posts are plumb in two directions (front and side) with a level for perfect zero.
   • Applying wood glue to joint surfaces before screwing improves rigidity.
   • No need to worry about screw heads under base plate; increase screw count.

   Watch out

   • Any tilt in posts causes upper base plates to slant and makes cats uneasy.
   • Insufficient screws allow posts to wobble under cat movement.
7. 7

   Attaching Middle and Upper Base Plates

   ≈ 30 min

   Attach middle base plates (heights 300–900mm) horizontally to posts. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from underside, then drive 50mm coarse-thread screws into each post. For each plate, drive six screws (2 posts × 3 screws). Check horizontal levels with a level. Securely fasten to withstand impact from cats jumping.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • Improper horizontal alignment causes cats discomfort.
   • Drive screws along post centerline; driving near edges risks splitting.
   • Consider making upper boards smaller to reduce center of gravity.

   Watch out

   • Screw driving impact can shift lower levels; check level after assembling all three stages.
   • Insufficient screws can cause falls; design for cat weight about 10kg plus dynamic loads.
8. 8

   Wrapping Hemp Rope (Scratching Function)

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using pre-made hemp rope wrapped poles, tightly wrap 4.5m φ8mm hemp rope from bottom to top around 2×4 posts. Fix both ends with staples or screws. Wrap tightly with no gaps.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Start by inserting rope end into pre-drilled hole and secure with wood glue for better hold.
   • Fix rope periodically with staples during wrapping to prevent loosening.
   • Hide finishing end in a hole for a neat finish.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope can unravel when cats pull; wrap tightly and fix frequently.
   • Avoid synthetic fiber ropes as cats may chew and ingest them.
9. 9

   Attaching Carpets (Fleece Material)

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach carpets on top surfaces of three base plates (upper, middle, base) using double-sided tape or wood glue. Cut carpet corners with cutter to fit plate shape. Attach firmly to withstand cat clawing without peeling.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Use strong double-sided tape resistant to cat claws.
   • Align carpet pile direction for better appearance.
   • Leave slight excess at edges, fold under and fix for durability.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion causes peeling when cats play, risking ingestion.
   • Avoid cheap carpets with latex foam that degrades into powder.
10. 10

    Fixing to Wall to Prevent Tipping

    ≈ 20 min

    Secure top of the tower to wall using L-brackets and earthquake-resistant straps to prevent tipping. Fasten firmly into wall studs confirmed with stud finder. Ensure strength to withstand earthquakes and vigorous cat activity.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixing is essential for safety; 1200mm high towers easily tip when cats jump.
    • Earthquake straps available cheaply; higher quality products offer more assurance.
    • Do not rely on drywall alone; always fasten into studs.

    Watch out

    • Omitting wall fixing risks tower falling and injuring cats during earthquakes.
    • Verify load capacity of brackets to support tower weight, cat load and seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final Inspection and Introducing the Cat

    ≈ 15 min

    Check that all screws are tightened, carpets are secure, and posts do not wobble. Place tower at installation location and confirm levelness. If wobbling, add felt pads under legs for adjustment. Before introducing cats, shake the tower strongly to verify stability.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Place cat treats on base plates right after assembly to ease cat's wariness.
    • Do not force cats onto tower on first day; let them explore naturally.
    • Placing other furniture nearby to form 'stairs' encourages cats to climb.

    Watch out

    • Insufficient final checks can lead to assembly failures and cat injuries.
    • If cats avoid tower, location or scent may be unsuitable; observe for a while.

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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