Cat Ladder

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring tape (5m or longer)

  Used to measure each component.

• ✓

  Pencil & Carpenter's square

  For marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Recommend using a home center's cutting service.

• ✓

  Electric driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grit types.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for checking level during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush & Paint tray

  Used for oil or varnish finishing.

• ✓

  Stud sensor

  To check the location of wall studs and framing.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm placement and cat traffic flow

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide the installation location for the cat ladder (300×200×1200mm). Ideally near a window or along a wall in a spot where the cat can easily jump onto it. Choose a place where it can be fixed to the wall to prevent tipping over.

   Measure

   W 300 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Keep at least 300mm distance from the ceiling so the cat does not push the ceiling to climb.
   • Installation near a window is preferred as a sunbathing and viewing spot.
   • If you have multiple cats, make it 1200mm or higher to provide escape space.

   Watch out

   • Avoid directly below air conditioners; cats dislike direct airflow.
   • Avoid structures where cats cannot climb down; ensure the base boards are arranged stepwise.
2. 2

   Cut and prepare parts

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut one base board (15×200×300mm) from 15mm thick Lauan plywood. Prepare one hemp rope-wrapped pole φ90×1200mm, one 2x4 lumber post 38×89×1200mm, one meter of φ8mm hemp rope, forty 50mm coarse-thread screws, and one carpet piece (boa fabric) 200×300mm.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm Lauan plywood offers a good balance of strength and lightness; 12mm is not sufficient to support the weight.
   • It’s quicker to buy a pre-made hemp rope-wrapped pole, available at DIY stores.
   • Thin carpets are easier to adhere; overly thick carpets do not catch claws well.

   Watch out

   • Using thin plywood may cause splitting upon the cat's impact when jumping.
   • If the pole material is too soft, it is unstable; choose a hardwood core even for rope-wrapped poles.
3. 3

   Sand all parts

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand Lauan plywood and 2x4 lumber in order from #120 grit to #240 grit. Since cats may lick or scratch, there must be no splinters. Especially chamfer the corners carefully.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Smooth all parts that the cat will touch. Confirm by running your fingertip over them.
   • The edges of plywood (end grain) are rougher than the face and require intensive sanding.
   • Carry out sanding indoors or in a well-ventilated place to manage dust.

   Watch out

   • Even one splinter can injure the cat’s tongue or paw pads.
   • Dust stuck on carpet is difficult to remove; keep sanding away from the carpet.
4. 4

   Mark post positions on base boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark screw positions for posts on all four base boards with a pencil. On base board 1 (bottom board), place two posts in a square layout. Boards 2 to 4 are arranged at different heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, 900mm). Slightly offset positions from the board centerline left or right to make it easier for the cat to walk.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • If the center of gravity is not balanced, it may tip over. Basic layout is a square base with four posts.
   • Arrange boards at heights stepwise to make climbing easier for the cat.
   • Using a center punch to mark hole centers helps make drilling easier.

   Watch out

   • Placing post positions too close to the edge risks splitting during screwing.
   • If the marked post positions don’t align vertically, the whole structure becomes distorted. Use overlay transferring to ensure accuracy.
5. 5

   Drill pilot holes on base boards and posts

   ≈ 20 min

   Drill 5mm pilot holes in the base boards and 2x4 posts. On the base boards, use a countersink bit to add a recess so screw heads sit flush and are hidden. For the hemp rope-wrapped poles, use the metal brackets included with the product for fastening.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

   • Countersinking the screws results in a neat finish and prevents cats from catching claws on screw heads.
   • Use a drill stopper to control hole depth and avoid drilling through.
   • Keep pilot holes at least 20mm from the end of 2x4 lumber to prevent splitting.

   Watch out

   • Driving 50mm screws without pilot holes will split the 2x4 lumber.
   • If the countersink is too deep, screw strength will be compromised causing looseness.
6. 6

   Assemble bottom board and posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (hemp rope-wrapped pole and 2x4 lumber) vertically on the bottom board (450×450), then screw from the underside of the base board using three 50mm coarse-thread screws per post (6 screws total). Use a square to check the posts are vertical while working. Add extra screws on the bottom board to handle higher load.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check vertical alignment with a level in two directions (front and side), aiming for zero deviation.
   • Applying wood glue on the joint before screwing improves rigidity.
   • The underside of the base board is hidden so more screws can be used without concern for appearance.

   Watch out

   • Even slight leaning of the posts causes upper boards to tilt, making the cat unstable.
   • Insufficient screws cause posts to wobble during the cat's movement.
7. 7

   Attach middle and top base boards

   ≈ 30 min

   Attach the middle boards (at heights 300 to 900mm) horizontally to the posts. Drill 5mm pilot holes from the back of each board, then screw in 50mm coarse-thread screws (6 screws per board: 3 screws per post). Check with a level so each board is perfectly horizontal. Ensure strong fixation to withstand impact when the cat jumps on.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • Boards that are not level cause discomfort to the cat.
   • Drive screws along each post’s center line; screws near the edge risk splitting.
   • Considering weight distribution, making boards smaller at higher levels is an option.

   Watch out

   • Screwing shocks can throw off the level of lower boards; check all levels again after assembling all three boards.
   • Insufficient screws increase risk of falls; design to handle cat weight (10kg+) plus dynamic load.
8. 8

   Wrap hemp rope (scratch post function)

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using a pre-made hemp rope-wrapped pole, tightly wrap 1m of φ8mm hemp rope around the 2x4 post, fixing both ends with a staple gun or screws. Wrap from bottom to top, wound tightly with no gaps.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Start by drilling a hole in the post to insert the rope end, then fix the rope with wood glue to prevent slipping.
   • Stapling as you wrap frequently prevents loosening.
   • Hide the rope end by inserting it into the same hole for a neat finish.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope can unravel by cats pulling; always wrap tightly and fix constantly.
   • Avoid synthetic fiber ropes; cats chewing them may ingest harmful materials.
9. 9

   Attach carpet (boa fabric)

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach carpet pieces to the top surfaces of the top, middle, and bottom base boards using double-sided tape or wood glue. Cut corners with a cutter to fit the board’s shape. Ensure adhesion strength so the cat's claws do not lift the carpet.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Use strong double-sided tape as normal tape will peel off under cat’s claw force.
   • Align carpet nap consistently for better appearance.
   • Leave a slight overlap at edges and fold under when securing to reduce peeling.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion risks carpet detaching during play and posing ingestion hazards.
   • Avoid cheap carpets with latex backing that breaks down into powder over time.
10. 10

    Secure to wall to prevent tipping

    ≈ 20 min

    Fix the tower top to the wall using L-brackets and seismic straps to prevent tipping. Attach firmly into wall studs identified with the stud sensor to resist earthquakes and vigorous cat movement.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixation is essential for safety. A 1200mm tall tower easily tips if a cat jumps on it.
    • Seismic straps are available cheaply at 100 yen stores; dedicated items at home centers (~1000 yen) are more reliable.
    • Drywall alone cannot hold; always anchor directly into studs.

    Watch out

    • Skipping wall fixation risks collapse during an earthquake and injury to the cat.
    • Confirm the load capacity of brackets; they must support tower weight plus cat weight plus seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final checks and introduce cat

    ≈ 15 min

    Verify all screws are tight, carpets are secure, and posts have no wobble. Place the tower at the installation site and check level. If it wobbles, adjust by attaching felt pads under feet. Before letting the cat use it, test stability by shaking strongly.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Placing treats on the base boards right after completion helps the cat acclimate without suspicion.
    • On the first day, do not force the cat onto it; let them explore naturally.
    • Position other furniture nearby to create stairs, encouraging the cat to climb.

    Watch out

    • Insufficient checks can lead to assembly defects and cat injuries. Perform thorough final inspection.
    • If the cat doesn’t use it, the location or scent may be unsuitable; observe for a while.

Warnings

• ⚠️Please drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent wood splitting.
• ⚠️Ensure all joints are tightened sufficiently to support the cat's weight.

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