Multi-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

  Use home center cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric Screwdriver

  Using an impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types, #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking levelness during assembly

• ✓

  Clamps (at least 2)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining

• ✓

  Brush and Paint Tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing

• ✓

  Stud Finder

  To identify wall studs and posts

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Location and Cat Traffic Path

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide the installation location for the cat tower for multiple cats (900×600×1800mm). Ideal spots are near windows or along walls where cats can easily jump on. Choose a place that can be secured to the wall to prevent tipping over.

   Measure

   W 900 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Maintain a gap of at least 300mm from the ceiling to prevent cats from pushing against and climbing it.
   • Installing near a window is preferred as a spot for sunbathing and watching outside.
   • For multiple cats, design the height to be 1800mm or higher to provide escape areas.

   Watch out

   • Avoid placing directly under air conditioners; direct airflow is unpleasant for cats.
   • Avoid structures where cats cannot get down after climbing high; ensure base boards are arranged stepwise.
2. 2

   Cut and Prepare Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut five base boards (15×600×900mm) from 15mm thick Lauan plywood. Prepare two hemp rope wrapped poles φ90×1800mm and two 2×4 lumber posts (φ90×1800mm). Also prepare 5.4m hemp rope φ8mm, 40 pieces of 50mm coarse-thread screws, and four sheets of boa material carpet (600×900mm).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm Lauan plywood offers a good balance of strength and light weight; 12mm is insufficient to support the weight.
   • Purchasing pre-made hemp rope wrapped poles is quicker; available at DIY stores.
   • Thin carpets are easier to attach; overly thick ones reduce claw grip.

   Watch out

   • Using thin plywood may cause cracking from cats jumping impact.
   • Poles made of soft material are unstable; even when wrapped with hemp rope, select hard wood core poles.
3. 3

   Sanding All Components

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand Lauan plywood and 2×4 lumber starting with #120 grit then finish with #240 grit. Cats lick and scratch, so wood splinters are unacceptable. Take special care to chamfer edges smoothly.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Sand all cat-contact parts smooth. Confirm by stroking with the pads of your fingers.
   • Lauan plywood edges (cross sections) are rough compared to finished faces; sand these intensively.
   • Perform sanding in indoor or ventilated locations to control dust.

   Watch out

   • Even a single splinter can injure cats’ tongues or paw pads.
   • Dust sticking to carpet is hard to remove; separate work areas.
4. 4

   Mark Support Post Positions on Base Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark with pencil the positions where the support posts will attach on four base boards. For board 1 (bottom board), arrange two posts as a square. Boards 2 to 4 will be positioned at increasing heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, 900mm). Offset slightly from the central line to aid cats’ walking balance.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • If the base board’s center of gravity is uneven, it becomes easy to tip. A square base with four posts is basic.
   • Height-varied boards arranged stepwise help cats climb easily.
   • Marking centers with a punch makes drilling easier.

   Watch out

   • Positioning posts too near the board edges may cause cracking when screwing.
   • Any misalignment among all base boards’ post positions causes distortion in the whole structure. Use overlay tracing to ensure accuracy.
5. 5

   Drilling Pilot Holes in Base Boards and Support Posts

   ≈ 20 min

   Drill φ5mm pilot holes in the base boards and 2×4 posts. Use a countersink bit on the base board side to recess screw heads flush to the surface. For hemp rope wrapped poles, use the metal brackets included with the product for screw fixation.

   Drill a hole

   φ5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

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

   Watch out

   • Driving 50mm screws without pilot holes causes splitting of 2×4 lumber.
   • Too deep countersinking reduces screw grip strength, risking screw loosening.
6. 6

   Assemble Bottom Board and Support Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (hemp rope wrapped pole and 2×4 lumber) vertically on the bottom board (450×450). From the underside of the board, drive three 50mm coarse-thread screws into each post (six screws total). Confirm vertical alignment with a carpenter’s square. Use extra screws here as the bottom board bears the most weight.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check post verticality with a level from two directions (front and side); both should read zero.
   • Applying wood glue to joint surfaces before screwing increases rigidity.
   • Screw heads on the underside aren’t visible, so increase number as needed.

   Watch out

   • Even slight tilt in posts causes upper boards to lean and feel unstable to cats.
   • Insufficient screw count results in looseness from cat movement.
7. 7

   Attach Mid and Upper-Level Base Boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Attach the mid-level base boards (300~900mm heights) horizontally to the posts. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from the underside, then drive 50mm coarse-thread screws into each post (6 screws per board: 2 posts × 3 screws each). Use a level to ensure each board is horizontal. Secure firmly to withstand impact when cats jump.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • Uneven boards cause discomfort for cats.
   • Screw into the post centerline to avoid splitting the board edges.
   • Consider making upper boards smaller for improved center of gravity.

   Watch out

   • Impacts during screwing may cause lower boards to lose level; verify levelness after assembling all three levels.
   • Insufficient screw count risks falls; design for cat weight of 10kg plus dynamic loads.
8. 8

   Wrap Hemp Rope for Scratching Post Function

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using pre-made hemp rope wrapped poles, tightly wind 5.4m φ8mm hemp rope around the 2×4 posts. Fix both ends with a staple gun or screws. Wind from bottom to top, keeping coils tight and gap-free.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Start by drilling a hole into the post to tuck the rope end, then secure with wood glue to prevent loosening.
   • Staple intermittently during winding to avoid slack.
   • Tucking the end rope into the same hole neatly finishes the wrap.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope can be pulled off by cats. Wind tightly and fix frequently.
   • Avoid synthetic fiber ropes; they pose ingestion hazards if chewed.
9. 9

   Attach Carpet (Boa Material) to Base Boards

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach carpet sheets on top surfaces of three base boards (upper, middle, and base) using strong double-sided tape or wood glue. Cut carpet corners to match board shapes with a cutter. Ensure adhesion is strong enough to resist cats’ claws.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Select strong double-sided tape; normal tape will peel off under claw pressure.
   • Align carpet nap direction uniformly for a neat appearance.
   • Leave extra carpet edges folded under for better adhesion.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion causes carpets to peel off during play, risking ingestion hazards.
   • Avoid cheap carpets with latex backing that breaks down into dust over time.
10. 10

    Fix to Wall to Prevent Tipping

    ≈ 20 min

    Secure the top of the tower to the wall with L-brackets and seismic straps to prevent tipping. Ensure fixation hits wall studs firmly using a stud finder before installation. This protects against earthquake shaking and vigorous cat movements.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixation is essential for safety; cats easily topple 1200mm+ towers by jumping.
    • Seismic belts can be purchased inexpensively; home center specialist belts are more reassuring.
    • Fixing into drywall alone is ineffective; always target wall studs.

    Watch out

    • Skipping wall fixation risks collapse during earthquakes, trapping cats beneath.
    • Confirm load ratings of brackets to support tower weight plus cats and seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final Inspection and Introducing Cats

    ≈ 15 min

    Check tightness of all screws, carpet adhesion, and absence of support post wobble. Place the tower in the planned location. Verify horizontal level with a level tool. If wobbling occurs, adjust by adding felt pads under legs. Test stability by shaking firmly before allowing cats on.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Place cat treats on base boards initially to encourage cats without fear.
    • Do not forcibly place cats on the tower on day one; allow natural exploration.
    • Position nearby furniture as steps for easier climbing during first days.

    Watch out

    • Insufficient checks may cause assembly failures leading to cat injuries.
    • If cats refuse to climb, location or scent may be unsuitable; observe patiently.

Warnings

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

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