We know most cats just love hanging out. They are always looking for that high cat perch to get on and dangle their front legs over. If you’re handy on the tools, perhaps this DIY guide is for you.
Anyways, in this article you’ll find a handy DIY guide on building your cat perch, I’ll also review a couple of options available to buy if DIY isn’t your thing.
How To Build Your Own Cat Perch
If you’ve been thinking about buying a cat ledge or making your own cat window perch, then the below should be useful.
A big thanks to Pet Meadow Crew for the guide.
What You Will Need
You’ll need some basic, easy-to-find hardware and materials to build your own cat ledge. I have listed the materials and measurements required to replicate the cat ledge in the video.
Materials:
- (3) 8 ft – 2×4’s
- (1) 2×2 ft 3/4 to 1 inch plywood
- 2.5” wood screws
- 3” wood screwsCarpet (approx 2.5 yds x 1 yd)
Tools Required:
A good Quality Chop/miter saw, or get your local store to cut the lengths provided.
A Staple Gun to secure the carpet to the wood as required. Pneumatic is best and you will need a compressor to go with it. If you do not have one the PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake is the compressor and WEN 61702 Pneumatic 20-Gauge Stapler for the staple gun.
You can go electric if you think that would suit you better. The Stanley TRE550Z Electric Staple/Brad Nail Gun is my choice.
You’ll want a good quality drill to piece everything together with. The DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit will get the job done.
- Constructed to minimize user fatigue....
- Includes DC970 Drill/Driver Charger, two...
- Compact size fits into the tightest...
A sharp knife for cutting the carpet to length and finally, a level for obvious reasons. You might require a tape measure for measuring up also.
Step 1: Cutting The Cat Ledge
Cut wood to the following sizes:
- 2 x 2×4’s to length (height) you want your ledge ( Length used in the video: 7 ft for 9 ft ceilings)
- 1 x 2×4 @23.5”
- 1 x 2×4 @22”
- 1 x 2×4 @10” and cut this in half lengthwise
- 1 x 24” x 24” plywood with a 9×9” corner removed
All these sizes are customizable to your own space.
Step 2: Sanding
Lightly sand the two under support pieces to a smooth finish. Once you’re finished sanding you should paint or stain the wood depending on your preference.
Step 3: Carpeting The Cat Perch
Measure and cut some carpet pieces to fit the remaining wood parts. Carpet only the pole leaving the top and bottom bare. Be sure to wrap carpet tightly as you go, starting in the middle of the backside.
Carpet the top rails, leaving the bottom and back of them bare as well. Then carpet the ledge wrapping the carpet around all sides.
Using 45-degree cuts at the corners tends to work best (stopping your cuts about 1” from the wood). This takes practice and a lot of patience, so take your time.
Step 4: Install Rails
Install the top rails lining them up on the edge of the ledge with the back flush with the back of the ledge where it will butt against the wall. Use 2 2.5” wood screws per rail going from the bottom of the ledge up in to the rails.
Step 5: Find Wall Studs
Using a wall stud finder, find your wall studs where you will be installing the corner ledge and determine the install height (the top of the supports will match the top of your pole height)
- 【Safety always comes first】 VIVREAL...
- 【FOUR SCANNING MODES】The stud finder...
- 【GRAPHICAL LCD DISPLAY】The multi...
Step 6: Install Supports
Drill holes through the supports and install each one into at least two studs using 3” wood screws, 1 screw per stud is more than enough.
Step 7: Install Ledge
Install the ledge on top of the supports using two 2.5” wood screws. Screw into each support from the top down.
Step 8: Install The Pole
Install the pole under the ledge at your desired location. Make sure the pole is level on all sides, insert 3-4 3” wood screws through the ledge into the pole.
Step 9: Secure The Pole To Floor
If possible, use two 2.5” wood screws and toenail the bottom of the pole into the floor. If installing on a hard surface like tile, putting a furniture nonslip pad under the pole before install should reduce any movement.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Cat Perch
Enjoy watching your cat explore his or her new space.
Conclusion
While I hope this guide was useful in some way I understand that not everyone is handy with tools. If this was all a bit too much DIY and you are still wanting a cat perch or ledge for your cat then here are some of our recommendations.
Kitty Cot Original World’s Best Cat Perch
- Mounts to Windows using Giant PATENTED...
- Humane Society Approved and Easy to...
- Made with Super Tough 3/4" PVC Plastic...
This perch will stand the test of time with its strong build quality and giant suction cups. It can take a beating and will suit all cats.
Pros:
- Giant suction cups for a strong hold
- Solid material
- Stainless Steel cable
Cons:
- Some People Don’t like the Stainless Steel
- Not the most attractive Perch
K&H Pet Products Kitty Sill, Cat Perch
- CAT SUNBATHING: Bolstered elevated cat...
- REMOVABLE BOLSTER: This cat window...
- EASY MOUNTING: Bolstered cat window...
The vintage style won’t be suited to everyone, however the build quality is really good. Comfortable for all cats and will support even the chubbiest of cats or a those cheeky small dogs.
Pros:
- Can hold up to 40 pounds
- Solid material
- Vintage Look
- No Tools Required
Cons:
- Won’t suit all applications
Trixie Pet Product Baza Cat Trees
- Wrapped in soft long-haired plush fabric
- Natural sisal wrapped scratching posts
- Hammock with metal rim for added support
The Trixie is great value that doubles as a toy and scratcher. Its metal rim might not suit all cats however it is comfortable and looks good.
Pros:
- Soft Material
- Doubles as a scratcher
Cons:
- Prone to Wear and Tear
- Can be a little small
Last update on 2023-05-28 at 12:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
