How to Make a Portable Cat's Tree House
You can build a portable tree house for your cat if you have some basic carpentry tools, a few simple materials, and a tree to cut a section of trunk from. Here are steps and tips to show you how.
Steps
- Select a section of tree trunk to begin with. You may use a single trunk tree, or if you are lucky, you might find one with multiple trunks. Make sure it is not too heavy or large so it you will be able to move it during and after construction. Also, choosing a tree like cedar will mean your project will naturally be resistant to insects and decay.
- Cut down your tree and trim it to length, then trim any sharp branches and limbs as close to the trunk as possible. You may decide to remove the bark if you like, or to leave it for a more natural appearance, the choice is yours.
- Make a straight, square cut on the base of your trunk. This will allow it to sit flat on the base you will be building later so it can be securely fastened. Use a chainsaw or hand saw for this step.
- Square the ends of the trunk (or trunks, if the tree has a fork) with a saw so platforms will sit level on them. You will want to decide how tall your cat tree will be and make these cuts accordingly. Since there are no flat sides on a round tree trunk, squaring the cut will depend on your ability, so cut as little as possible to assure you do not cut too much off if multiple attempts are needed to get it right.
- Build a solid base for your trunk to sit on. In the images, 1 inch thick red cedar is used, and pieces are assembled with large wood screws. Your base will consist of a band built with lumber fastened edgeways and decked with boards fastened flat on top of this band. The size of the base depends on the height and in the case of a forked truck, width of the tree trunk you are using. In general, you will want at least a 24 inch wide base, and for a large, tall, or multiple trunk tree, 36 inches or more is needed.
- Mount the trunk on your base with large wood screws or lag bolts. Since the trunk will be heavy, and will support the weight of your moving feline friend, make sure these screws or bolts are sufficient to hold the trunk upright. Make sure the tree trunk is oriented the way you want it, and if needed, re-cut the base or shim it so it is plumb, or leans the way you want it to.
- Fasten deck boards on the top of the tree truck with one edge flush with the trunk to allow your cat to access the deck. You can use light plywood or thin wooden boards to build your deck. Attach a brace if needed diagonally between the trunk and the base to help support it.
- Set a small house, or a basket or other feature on the deck for the cat to lay in. You can fashion a small wooden house to protect your pet from the weather, add blankets, carpet, or other items if you like.
- Attach strips of carpet or wind a small rope around the trunk of the tree house to give your cat something to grip easily when climbing the contraption. You may want to wrap the whole truck with strips of carpet so your cat can sharpen its claws on it, too.
- Stain, paint, or leave the wood in its natural condition if desired. Set it up in a place where it will be protected from the weather, and let your pet learn how to enjoy it.
Tips
- For very tall or heavy tree houses, fastening the base to the ground will prevent it from tipping over in windy conditions.
- Using a sound, dead log which is already dried will make your project lighter and it will have less environmental impact.
- You may decide to purchase posts instead of using an actual tree. Choose a type of wood in a suitable size for this project, such as a 4X4 western cedar post.
Warnings
- Use appropriate safety equipment when sawing and drilling.
- Do not allow children to play on or with this tree house, it can be tipped over and could injure someone or damage something.
Things You'll Need
- Basic woodworking tools like a saw, drill, tape measure
- Lumber or log of your choice
No comments:
Post a Comment