Cat Tower Walkway

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Tape measure (5 m or longer)

  Used for measuring each component

• ✓

  Pencil and carpenter's square

  For marking layout lines and confirming right angles

• ✓

  Saw

  Home center cutting service recommended

• ✓

  Electric screwdriver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare two types: #120 and #240 grit

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking horizontality 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 locate wall studs and framing

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm installation location and cat's movement path

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide the installation location for the Cat Tower Integrated Walkway (600×400×1800mm). Ideal locations are by a window or along a wall where the cat can easily jump on. Choose a place where it can be secured to the wall to prevent tipping over.

   Measure

   W 600 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Leave a clearance of at least 300mm from the ceiling to prevent the cat from pushing and climbing the ceiling.
   • Installation by a window is preferred as it allows sunlight bathing and an outside view.
   • For multiple cats, consider adding escape spaces by having a tower height of 1800mm or more.

   Watch out

   • Avoid placing directly under air conditioners as the cold airflow can bother cats.
   • Avoid structures where cats can climb high but cannot get down; ensure the base boards are arranged in stepped levels.
2. 2

   Cut and prepare parts

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut one base board (15×400×600mm) from 15mm thick lauan plywood. Prepare one hemp rope wrapped pole (φ90×1800mm) and one 2×4 lumber post (38×89×1800mm). Prepare 1m of φ8mm hemp rope, forty 50mm coarse-thread screws, and one carpet piece (boa material) sized 400×600mm.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm lauan plywood offers the right balance of strength and lightness; 12mm thickness is insufficient to support the weight.
   • It is faster to purchase ready-made hemp rope wrapped poles, available at DIY stores.
   • Use thin carpets; thick carpet makes it difficult for claws to hook properly.

   Watch out

   • Using thin plywood risks breaking from the impact of cats jumping.
   • Soft posts are unstable; even if wrapped with hemp rope, select cores made of hardwood.
3. 3

   Sand all parts

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand lauan plywood and 2×4 lumber in order from #120 to #240 grit. Because cats may lick or scratch, absolutely no splinters are allowed. Pay special attention to gently bevel all edges and corners.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Make all surfaces the cat touches smooth; check by stroking with the finger pad.
   • The plywood's end grain is rougher than the veneered faces; focus sanding there.
   • Do sanding indoors or in well-ventilated areas to control dust.

   Watch out

   • Even a single splinter can injure the cat's tongue or paw pads.
   • Dust settling on the carpet is very difficult to remove. Use separate work areas.
4. 4

   Mark post mounting positions on base boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark with pencil where posts will be attached on four base boards. On base board 1 (bottom board), position two posts in a square layout. For base boards 2 to 4, arrange posts at different heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, 900mm). Offset slightly from the centerline of the base board for better cat walking balance.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • If the base board's center of gravity is off, the tower will tip easily; use a square base with four posts as standard.
   • Arrange the staggered base boards like stairs to ease the cat's climbing.
   • Mark punch centers clearly for drilling, making drilling easier.

   Watch out

   • Placing posts too close to the board edges causes edge splitting when screwing.
   • Misaligned post positions cause overall distortion; use overlay transfer for accuracy.
5. 5

   Drill pilot and countersink holes on base boards and posts

   ≈ 20 min

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

   Drill a hole

   φ5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

   • Countersinking creates a neater finish and prevents cats from scratching clawing screw heads.
   • Use a drill stopper to control hole depth and avoid drilling through.
   • Keep pilot holes on 2×4 posts at least 20mm from the edge to prevent splitting.

   Watch out

   • Driving 50mm screws without pilot holes cracks 2×4 lumber.
   • Too deep countersinks result in weak fastening and screw pull-out.
6. 6

   Assemble bottom base board and posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (hemp rope wrapped pole and 2×4 lumber) vertically on the bottom base board (450×450). Drive three 50mm coarse-thread screws into each post from the board underside (six screws total). Use a carpenter's square to keep posts vertical. The bottom board supports the most weight; use more screws here.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check post verticality with a level from two directions (front and side); aim for zero deviation.
   • Applying wood glue to joining surfaces increases rigidity when driving screws from the bottom.
   • Since the board underside is hidden, screw heads can be numerous without aesthetic concerns.

   Watch out

   • Even slight post tilt causes upper boards to tilt, unsettling the cat.
   • Insufficient screws allow posts to wobble under cat movement.
7. 7

   Attach middle and top boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Attach middle boards at 300–900mm heights horizontally onto posts. Drill φ5mm pilot holes on board undersides, then drive three 50mm screws into each post per board (6 screws per board with 2 posts). Confirm each board is level with a level. Secure strongly to withstand impact from cats jumping.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • If boards are not level, cats feel discomfort.
   • Drive screws along the post centerline; driving near edges leads to splitting.
   • Consider reducing board size higher up for better balance.

   Watch out

   • Impact from screwing can disturb the level of lower boards; re-check levels after assembling all three.
   • Insufficient screws directly risk falls; account for 10kg cat weight plus dynamic loads.
8. 8

   Wrap hemp rope for scratching post

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using a ready-made hemp rope wrapped pole, tightly wrap 1m of φ8mm hemp rope around the 2×4 post from bottom up, fixing ends with staples or screws. Avoid gaps by wrapping densely.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Start wrapping by inserting the rope end into a drilled hole in the post and fix with wood glue for better hold.
   • Fix rope frequently with a staple while wrapping to prevent loosening.
   • Hide finishing rope ends by inserting into the same hole.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope unravels when cats pull; wrap tightly and fix frequently.
   • Avoid synthetic fiber rope as cats might chew and swallow it, posing risks.
9. 9

   Attach carpet (boa material)

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach carpets on the top surface of three boards (top, middle, base) using strong double-sided tape or wood glue. Trim carpet edges with a cutter to fit board shape. Ensure adhesion withstands clawing by cats.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Use strong type double-sided tape; regular tape peels off under cat claws.
   • Align carpet pile direction for better appearance.
   • Leave slight overlap edges folded underneath to prevent peeling.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion leads to carpet peeling and ingestion hazards during play.
   • Avoid cheap carpet backing with latex sheets that degrade into powder.
10. 10

    Fix to wall for tipping prevention

    ≈ 20 min

    Secure the upper tower to the wall with L-brackets and seismic straps to prevent tipping. Confirm stud location with stud finder before installation, firmly anchoring into wall studs. This prevents falls during earthquakes or vigorous cat activity.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixation is essential for safety; a 1200mm high tower easily tips when cats jump.
    • Seismic straps can be purchased cheaply, but specialized hardware at home centers offer better assurance.
    • Do not rely on drywall alone; always anchor into studs.

    Watch out

    • Omitting wall fixing risks the tower falling during tremors, crushing cats.
    • Confirm hardware load rating supports the combined tower weight, cat weight, and seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final inspection and introducing the cat

    ≈ 15 min

    Perform final checks ensuring all screws are tight, no carpet peeling, and posts have no looseness. Place the tower at the installation site and verify level. If wobbling occurs, adjust feet with felt pads. Before introducing the cat, shake the tower firmly to test stability.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Placing treats on boards helps reduce cats’ apprehension and encourages climbing.
    • Do not force cats to use the tower on day one; allow natural exploration.
    • Place other furniture nearby to create 'steps' easing the cat's approach over several days.

    Watch out

    • Insufficient checks and assembly defects can cause injuries.
    • If cats refuse to climb, poor location or unfavorable smells might be the cause; 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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