5 DIY Cat Towers You Can Actually Build This Weekend

Your cat climbs everything except the pricey tower you bought? Same here. That’s why I put together 5 DIY cat towers that are actually doable, even if you’re not a builder.

5 DIY Cat Towers Ideas

1. Cardboard Box Tower

Great for: Tight budgets, quick builds, and recycling lovers
Best for: Kittens and small cats

What You Need:

• 3–5 sturdy cardboard boxes (all sizes work)
• Box cutter or scissors
• Hot glue gun or duct tape
• Pencil and ruler
• Blanket or old T-shirt (optional, for coziness)

Steps:

1. Pick your base box. This will be the bottom of the tower. Choose the largest and sturdiest box.
2. Cut entry holes. Use a pencil to mark circle or square openings on one or more sides of each box. Make sure they’re big enough for your cat to climb through.
3. Stack the boxes. Place the largest box at the bottom and smaller ones on top in a tower shape.
4. Secure the layers. Use hot glue or tape to attach the boxes together. Reinforce inside flaps if needed.
5. Add comfy bedding. Toss in a soft cloth or old T-shirt inside each level to make it cozy.
6. Decorate if you want. You can paint the outside or wrap it in fabric to match your home.

2. Bookshelf Cat Tower Hack

Great for: Apartment dwellers with limited space
Best for: Multiple cats

What You Need:

• An old bookshelf (3–5 tiers)
• Carpet scraps or rugs
• Strong adhesive or nails
• Staple gun (optional)
• Pillows or towels

Steps:

1. Clean the shelf. Make sure it’s stable and doesn’t wobble.
2. Line each shelf. Cut carpet pieces to fit each level. Glue or staple them down to give grip.
3. Remove a shelf or two. If your cat needs more space to move, remove a middle shelf or two.
4. Cut side holes (optional). You can cut holes in the side panels for your cat to crawl through.
5. Add bedding. Throw a small towel or pillow on each level for comfort.
6. Secure the unit. Anchor the bookshelf to the wall to prevent tipping.

3. PVC Pipe and Wood Tower

Great for: Long-term use and playful climbers
Best for: Active cats who love vertical space

What You Need:

• PVC pipes (1-inch thick), 4–6 feet total
• PVC connectors (T-joints and elbows)
• Plywood boards (cut into 1×1 ft or 2×1 ft pieces)
• Screws and drill
• Carpet or fabric
• Zip ties or adhesive

Steps:

1. Build the frame. Use PVC pipes and connectors to create a frame with 3–4 levels.
2. Attach platforms. Drill plywood into the frame at each level for your cat to sit on.
3. Wrap with fabric. Cover platforms with carpet or fabric for grip.
4. Secure everything. Make sure all joints are tight and boards are secure.
5. Add a base. Use a heavy plywood sheet or weighted box to avoid tipping.

4. Dollar Tree Tower

Great for: Budget builds and creative tinkerers
Best for: Small to medium cats

What You Need:

• Stackable wire cubes or crates (from Dollar Tree or similar)
• Zip ties
• Carpet squares or old mats
• Scissors
• Small blankets or towels

Steps:

1. Build the tower shape. Stack and connect wire cubes using zip ties. 3–4 levels work best.
2. Cut floor mats to size. Line the inside of each level with carpet or mat.
3. Cut crawl holes. Snip small openings in the sides if needed.
4. Add soft bedding. Place folded towels or blankets inside each level.
5. Secure the base. Anchor it to a wall or place it on a non-slip rug.

5. Tree-Stump Style Tower

Great for: Nature-inspired homes
Best for: Adventurous cats who love climbing

What You Need:

• Thick tree stump or sturdy large log
• Wood slabs (for platforms)
• Screws and drill
• Sandpaper
• Carpet or sisal rope (Get cat-safe sisal rope on Amazon)
• Wood finish (optional)

Steps:

1. Clean and sand. Make sure the stump is bug-free and sanded smooth.
2. Attach platforms. Screw wood slabs onto the trunk at different angles and heights.
3. Wrap parts with rope. Cover parts of the stump or platforms with sisal rope for scratching.
4. Add a base. If needed, screw the stump into a wider plywood base for stability.
5. Place indoors or on a porch. This makes a rustic tower your cat will love to climb.