Cat Window Bed

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Measuring Tape (5m or longer)

  Used for measuring each part.

• ✓

  Pencil and Carpenter's Square

  For marking lines and checking right angles.

• ✓

  Handsaw

  Using a home center cutting service is recommended.

• ✓

  Electric Driver

  An impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grades.

• ✓

  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

  To confirm positions of studs and wall framing.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Confirm Installation Location and Cat Traffic Flow

   ≈ 15 min

   Decide on the installation location for the window-side bed (600×400×200mm). Ideal spots are near windows or along walls, where cats can easily jump on. Choose a place where it can be firmly fixed to the wall to prevent tipping.

   Measure

   W 600 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 11

   Tip

   • Leave at least 300mm of clearance from the ceiling to prevent cats from pushing and climbing onto the ceiling.
   • Placement near a window is favored for sunbathing and outside viewing.
   • If you have multiple cats, make escape spots by setting heights above 200mm.

   Watch out

   • Avoid placing directly under air conditioners; direct drafts bother cats.
   • Avoid structures where cats cannot safely descend from higher levels; stepwise arrangement of base boards is important.
2. 2

   Cut and Prepare Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Cut one base board (15×400×600mm) from 15mm thick lauan plywood. Prepare one hemp rope wrapped pole (φ90×200mm) and one 2×4 lumber post (38×89×200mm). Gather 1m of φ8mm hemp rope, forty 50mm coarse-thread screws, and one piece of boa material carpet (400×600mm).

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 2 / 11

   Tip

   • 15mm lauan plywood strikes a good balance between strength and weight; 12mm thickness is insufficient to support weight.
   • Purchasing a pre-wrapped hemp rope pole is faster; available at DIY stores.
   • Choose thin carpet, as thick ones reduce claw grip.

   Watch out

   • Thin plywood may crack under the impact of cats jumping.
   • Soft core poles are unstable; choose hardwood cores even if wrapped with hemp rope.
3. 3

   Sand All Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Sand the lauan plywood and 2×4 lumber in sequence from #120 to #240 grit. Since cats lick and scratch, splinters are unacceptable. Take special care to chamfer edges thoroughly.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 3 / 11

   Tip

   • Make all surfaces cats touch smooth; check by running your finger pad over them.
   • Wood edges (end grain) of plywood are rougher than finished surfaces; focus sanding on these areas.
   • Perform sanding indoors or in ventilated spaces due to dust.

   Watch out

   • A single splinter can injure a cat's tongue or pads.
   • Dust settling on the carpet is hard to remove; separate work areas accordingly.
4. 4

   Mark Post Positions on Base Boards

   ≈ 20 min

   Mark with pencil where posts attach on each base board. Place two posts in a square layout on base board 1 (bottom). For boards 2 to 4, position posts at different heights (e.g., 300mm, 600mm, 900mm). Slightly offset from the center line for easier cat walking.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 4 / 11

   Tip

   • Uneven center of gravity leads to tipping; use square base with four posts.
   • Stair-step arrangement of boards at different heights facilitates climbing.
   • Using a center punch to mark hole centers makes drilling easier.

   Watch out

   • Positioning posts too close to board edges risks splitting when screwing.
   • Inconsistent post positions across boards cause overall misalignment. Use overlay transfer for accuracy.
5. 5

   Drill Pilot Holes in Base Boards and Posts

   ≈ 20 min

   Drill φ5mm pilot holes in base boards and 2×4 posts. On boards, countersink with a countersink bit to hide screw heads flush. For hemp rope wrapped poles, use the included metal brackets for screw fixing.

   Drill a hole

   φ5mm

   DrillSTEP 5 / 11

   Tip

   • Countersinking creates a clean finish and prevents cats from catching claws on screw heads.
   • Use drill stoppers to control hole depth and prevent through holes.
   • Keep pilot holes in 2×4 lumber at least 20mm from edges to avoid splitting.

   Watch out

   • No pilot holes when driving 50mm screws splits the 2×4 lumber.
   • Excessive countersink depth reduces screw holding strength.
6. 6

   Assemble Bottom Board and Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Stand two posts (hemp rope wrapped pole and 2×4 lumber) vertically on the bottom board (450×450) and drive three 50mm coarse-thread screws into each post from underneath (total six screws). Use a square to check perpendicularity during assembly. More screws at the bottom provide firmer support.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 6 / 11

   Tip

   • Check post verticality with a level from front and side aiming for zero deviation.
   • Applying wood glue on mating surfaces before screwing increases rigidity.
   • Screw heads are hidden underneath so use as many screws as needed for strength.

   Watch out

   • Even slight post tilt causes upper boards to lean and cause instability for cats.
   • Insufficient screws cause posts to wobble under cat movement.
7. 7

   Attach Middle and Upper Boards to Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Horizontally attach the middle boards at 300 to 900mm heights to posts. Drill φ5mm pilot holes from back of boards, then drive 50mm coarse thread screws into posts (6 screws per board: 2 posts × 3 screws each). Use a level to ensure boards are horizontal. Fixation must withstand impacts from cats jumping.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 11

   Tip

   • Uneven boards produce discomfort for cats.
   • Screw near post center lines, not edges, to prevent splitting.
   • Consider downsizing higher boards to maintain center of gravity.

   Watch out

   • Screwing can disturb board level; re-check after installing all three levels.
   • Too few screws risks falls under dynamic loads of a 10kg cat plus activity.
8. 8

   Wrap Hemp Rope (Claw Sharpening Feature)

   ≈ 30 min

   If not using a pre-wrapped pole, tightly wind 1m of φ8mm hemp rope around the 2×4 post from bottom up, securing ends with staples or screws. Ensure no gaps by winding densely.

   Build the frame

   Tighten joints firmly

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 11

   Tip

   • Start winding by inserting rope in a drilled hole and fixing with wood glue to prevent loosening.
   • Fix with staples frequently during winding to maintain tightness.
   • Hide the rope end by inserting it into the same hole for a neat finish.

   Watch out

   • Loose rope unravels from cat pulling; wind tight and fix often.
   • Avoid synthetic fibers; cats may chew and ingest them.
9. 9

   Attach Carpet (Boa Material)

   ≈ 25 min

   Attach carpet on upper, middle, and base boards using double-sided tape or wood glue. Cut corners with a cutter to fit board shapes. Ensure adhesion strength resists cat clawing.

   Fix to the wall

   Anchor to studs

   InstallSTEP 9 / 11

   Tip

   • Use strong double-sided tape; ordinary tape peels under cat claws.
   • Align carpet nap direction for better aesthetics.
   • Leave excess at edges and fold under for secure attachment.

   Watch out

   • Weak adhesion causes carpet peeling and ingestion risk during play.
   • Avoid cheap carpets with latex backing that degrade into powder.
10. 10

    Fix to Wall to Prevent Tipping

    ≈ 20 min

    Fix the upper part of the tower to the wall with L-brackets and seismic belts to prevent tipping. Secure firmly to studs confirmed with a stud finder. This protects against earthquakes and vigorous cat activity.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 10 / 11

    Tip

    • Wall fixing is essential for safety; cats jumping destabilize 1200mm tall towers.
    • Seismic belts are sold at discount stores; specialty types from home centers offer greater reliability.
    • Do not rely on drywall alone; always fix into studs.

    Watch out

    • Skipping wall fixation risks tower falling during earthquakes and injuring cats.
    • Check load ratings of brackets; must support combined weight of tower, cats, and seismic forces.
11. 11

    Final Checks and Introducing Cat

    ≈ 15 min

    Confirm all screws are tightened, carpet is secure, and posts do not wobble. Place the tower at installation site, check level, and adjust feet with felt pads if wobbling occurs. Shake the tower firmly before introduction to test stability.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 11 / 11

    Tip

    • Place cat treats on the boards right after completion to encourage cats to climb without fear.
    • Do not force the cat to climb immediately; allow natural exploration.
    • Place nearby furniture for several days to create 'stairs' that help the cat ascend.

    Watch out

    • Poor assembly check can lead to cat injury; perform thorough final inspection.
    • If the cat avoids the tower, location or scent might be wrong; observe and adjust accordingly.

Warnings

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

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