Cats Getting Started

7 Free DIY Cat Tree Plans

By
Stacy Fisher
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Stacy Fisher
Stacy is a freelance writer, crafter, and nationally recognized freebies expert with 18+ years' experience writing about crafts, printables, and DIYs. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored one book.
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Updated on 11/28/23
Reviewed by
Nelva J. Bryant
Nelva J. Bryant, DVM, MPH
Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant
Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets.
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Illustration of a DIY cat tree plan

The Spruce / Jaime Knoth

If you're even a little bit handy with tools, you can build a DIY cat tree. You can build a cat tree using wood, branches, rope, PVC pipe, carpeting, and many more materials. It's a ​straightforward building project that you should be able to put together with ease for a reasonable cost. These 8 free cat tree plans include photos, diagrams, and step-by-step building instructions so you can build a cat tree that's perfect for your cat and the space you have to put it in.

Below, you'll find plans for the traditional cat tree but also for a cat condo, house, and simple stand.

10 Amazing Cat Trees You Have to See
  • 01 of 07

    DIY Cat Tree With Real Branches

    A photo of a cat in a DIY cat tree made with real branches

    By Brittany Goldwyn

    Brittany Goldwyn has designed this DIY cat tree that's more than just fun for your cat, it also looks like a piece of natural art you can place anywhere in your home. Using real tree branches, plywood, stones, rope, and faux greenery, your indoor kitty will love their new cat tower.

    There's a supplies list, building instructions, and color photos to help you build this beginning woodworking project. Once you're finished, you won't believe what you built for less than $100.

    DIY Cat Tree With Real Branches from By Brittany Goldwyn

  • 02 of 07

    Cat Tower Plan

    A cat on a carpeted cat tower

    Imgur

    This free cat tower plan at Imgur stands 6 feet tall with 2 platforms—one at the top and one a few feet from the base, as well as an empty, carpeted inside for the cat to move up and down through.

    There are several images in this plan as well as specific instructions on what to do to build the whole thing. It's a pretty easy project that would be perfect for the confidant beginner.

    Cat Tower Plan from Imgur

  • 03 of 07

    How to Make a Cat Tree

    Illustration of a cat tree with five platforms

    WikiHow

    This is another cat tree that should be very simple to build. It's made up of five platforms with four supporting beams. That gives your cat all sorts of areas to jump and climb to. IT also includes how to build a little ladder that your cat can use to get to the first perch.

    The second half of this guide at wikiHow shows how to make a different cat tree by using an old wooden ladder.

    How to Make a Cat Tree from WikiHow

  • 04 of 07

    Kitty Tree

    A cat on top of a cat tree

    Ana White

    This free cat tree plan explains how to build three platforms with ramps to access them. The estimated cost to build this is $20 to $50, and it should be easy enough to put together even for beginners. This one takes up some space, so be sure to measure before you build.

    There are a total of 10 steps in this guide, plus a tools and shopping list and several real pictures you can refer to as you move through them.

    A PDF version of this plan is also available.

    Kitty Tree from Ana White

    Continue to 5 of 7 below
  • 05 of 07

    Kitty Condo Plan

    Illustration of a cat tree

    Dadand

    The website Dadand has this one-page PDF file that serves as a guide for building a cat condo as seen in this picture.

    Including the bottom piece, this cat condo is comprised of four platforms and three support beams.

    The whole project is estimated to cost around $25 and take two hours to finish.

    Kitty Condo Plan from Dadand

  • 06 of 07

    How to Make a Cat Condo from HGTV

    A cat condo with baskets and a scratching post

    HGTV

    HGTV has a free cat condo plan that uses PVC pipe covered with rope for the stand and three baskets that are attached with brackets that are just waiting for your cat to hop in.

    There's a materials list, color photos, and written instructions to help you complete this project in an afternoon.

    How to Make a Cat Condo from HGTV

  • 07 of 07

    Building a Cat Tree

    Close-Up Of Cat Sleeping
    Ryo Shinyashiki / EyeEm / Getty Images

    ShowCatsOnline.com's free cat tree plan seems to have it all. It includes a top platform, small home, bed, and a tube, all of which are fully carpeted.

    The plan shows you everything you need for putting this together, including the list of materials, all the basic tools required, and 15 steps.

    Building a Cat Tree from Show Cats Online

    The 11 Best Cat Trees, Tested With Real Cats
FAQ
  • What can I use instead of a cat tree?

    There are wall shelves for cats, hammocks, cat staircases, even window-perches.

  • What is the best material for a cat tree?

    Sisal rope! Either woven and carpet-like, or wrapped around a tube.

  • Is it cheaper to buy or make a cat tree?

    It is much cheaper to make a cat tree than to buy one!