Cat Tree Ideas

Does anyone have any ideas about what to cover a cat tree with other than carpet? I was thinking outdoor carpet or some cute fabric with batting under it to make it comfy. Any cat tree ideas or pics would be very helpful. thanx!

Well, posts *should* be covered in Sisal (trains the cats to sharpen on that instead of your carpet). As for the platforms, anything will do, but the lighter weight the fabric, the more you'll have to replace it. This is why they use carpet on the platforms most of the time. If you don't want typical carpet, then get some commercial carpeting... that still won't destroy so easily. Either that or canvas. Batting under canvas would be my choice if I were trying to build one again. I tried one a few years ago and it didn't work so well... I'm going to buy one off of eBay the first chance i get.

Amanda

I plan on starting on one when the weather warms up here. Instead of nailing the carpet, I plan on using my Dad's electric drill, and screwing the carpet on-- I think nailing it by hand will be too hard. I plan on using a thick-pile carpet as well to stand up to constant clawing. But I have'nt done any of this yet, so I don't know how smooth it will be All I know is cat furniture costs too much at the stores, geez!

I found some plans online. I am going to do my own version of them I think. I only know that I want it to have a lot of levels and to be tall. She isn't a bad scratcher except on our box spring. I have started hissing when I catch her doing it and hopefully this will keep her from doing it.

Originally Posted by RubSluts'Mommy

Well, posts *should* be covered in Sisal (trains the cats to sharpen on that instead of your carpet).
Amanda

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Where do you find sisal, and how would you attach it to the posts?

Originally Posted by Phenomsmom

I found some plans online. I am going to do my own version of them I think. I only know that I want it to have a lot of levels and to be tall. She isn't a bad scratcher except on our box spring. I have started hissing when I catch her doing it and hopefully this will keep her from doing it.

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Yeah, my box spring is ripped to shreds!! it's mainly Murphy, but Chichi is guilty too. Murphy just loves heights, so the taller the better

Originally Posted by chichismom

Yeah, my box spring is ripped to shreds!!

it's mainly Murphy, but Chichi is guilty too. Murphy just loves heights, so the taller the better

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I feel crazy hissing at her in the middle of the night. I know Lee thinks I am losing my mind!

Originally Posted by chichismom

Where do you find sisal, and how would you attach it to the posts?

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You can buy it at a hardware store....but ask for the UNTREATED as the treated has a nasty smell that the cats won`t like. We covered a 4" x 4' post about4 feet tall for about $15. It`s been on there for about a year now with 2 cats using it everyday and it is still holding up fine even though it is a bit "fluffy" now in spots.
Linda

Originally Posted by chichismom

Where do you find sisal, and how would you attach it to the posts?

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I find sisal rope of varying widths at Home Depot. Glue and nails/staples/screws are a thorough way of attaching it... start it at the bottom and then wrap, using glue and then the other items to help secure in place while the glue dries.

If you use Gorilla Glue (really strong stuff) then wear some latex gloves or some other expendable gloves... I made that mistake this weekend! That stuff does NOT come off so easily.

Sisal is virtually indestructible by claws. I have a sisal area rug and JJ claws the bejeezus out of it and it's shown no wear...

Amanda

Have you tried looking at the website felinedesign.net? They've got really reasonably priced cat furniture AND pre-wrapped sisal posts in four different length/heights -- 16, 19, 24, & 30 inches tall -- and they cost $14.99 to $26.99. The shipping is reasonable & they are very friendly & willing to combine shipping on some items to save you money. The builder is very friendly and great at answering questions. I'm planning on getting the Model CG after we move -- it's a combo perch, tunnel, and scratching post with cozy-looking fleecy trim. I'll probably a couple horizontal sisal posts, too, so that every room will have a "scratchee."

Originally Posted by Phenomsmom

Does anyone have any ideas about what to cover a cat tree with other than carpet? I was thinking outdoor carpet or some cute fabric with batting under it to make it comfy. Any cat tree ideas or pics would be very helpful. thanx!

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Hi, I just saw this and I made a larger top platform for our current cat tree and covered it with the very short "fake fur" some call it "fleece". We used carpet cement to glue it down and it worked very well, did the top and edges first, let it dry over night and then part of the underside where we let it hang over, I mitered the corners of the material so they didn't overlap. I should mention that the whole cat tree is covered in this type of material and so far it is holding up fine. I can send/post pictures if you want. There are some similar cat trees on ebay as that is where I got mine. They are are the "armarkat" type, or as I said I can post some pics if you want. I didn't use any batting nor is there any on the tree. If you do make your own I have one suggestion and that is to round the corners slightly on the platforms if you are makeing square ones. Good luck and I for one would like to see it when you get finished if you would post a picture, thanks

We have already bought $50 worth of materials and the boys just couldn't handle the job! So the woman will have to do it! I am giong to finish it this weekend. I have all the pieces marked where they need to be cut and then it will be ready for assembly!