DIY Cat Tree

Cat tree? But I'm a dog person...
Well my little sister, SisV, has a cat (Machiato) and as a part of "homemade Christmas," I wanted to make the presents for the pets too since they are family.
The toughest and longest part of this project was figuring out what kind of cat tree I was going to make.  All the wood and hardware I used was extra bits and pieces from my basement "workshop", so all I really had to buy was the carpet (remnant at a local shop) and the sisal rope for the scratching area.

Instead of explaining how I built it, I am documenting the assembly instructions for BroJ (SisV's husband). Hopefully I can explain it at least as well as Ikea instructions.

What is included in the "Kat Tree Kit":
- One large rectangular base (darker colored wood)
- Two side boards (each is 5 feet long)
- Three carpet covered shelves
- Bag of screws (provided. Please note there are two different sizes)

What you will need:
- Philips head screwdriver (at the very least, but your wrist will be sore!)
- Power drill with screwdriver attachment (not required, but HIGHLY suggested)

Step 1: Take a look at the parts
As you look closely, you will notice a few things. First of all, the carpet covered shelves have labels on the underside, denoting which one is "Top, Middle, or Bottom." Obviously the shelves are placed with the carpeted side up. If you look at the assembled picture, you will notice that they alternate. The top and bottom shelves point one way, and the middle shelf points the other. This is to balance the tree and so Machiato can jump from one shelf to the other.
Now take a look at the two long side boards. One end will have three in-line holes for screws, and the other end will have "Top" written on it.  Also, one of them has sisal rope wrapped around it as a scratching post. This is a clue... in order to get the screw holes lined up, all the parts need to be oriented correctly. To do this, I have added some "clues" to help you. (You're welcome).

The clues are the sisal rope. Take a look at the base... you will see a piece of rope stapled to one side. The purpose, is that all the parts with rope are on the same side of the tree. For ease of assembly, let's consider the "rope-side" the "Front" of the tree. So which side of the shelves face front?  The middle and top shelves have cat toys attached to them.... with rope! The rope is stapled off-center toward one side. That is the front. As for the bottom shelf, it faces the same way as the top.

Clear as mud?

Step 2: Start your screwdrivers
A second set of helping hands is VERY useful here, and you may want to begin assembly on it's side. We will begin by attaching the shelves to one of the sides. Let's start from the top.
Find the long side board with the rope on it and your top shelf.
Looking at the side board; the white painted side faces out, and is the side you will attach screws from. The unfinished wood faces the inside of the tree and is where the shelves butt up against.
Look at your top shelf: See the cat toy attached underneath it? That is toward the side you will attach first.
Place your shelf against the unfinished side, making sure you are toward the top of the side board.
I have tried to draw handy-dandy lines on the boards to help you align the holes. (You can always use a toothpick to see if the holes are aligned)
Now to the different sizes of screws. There are 6 shorter, shinier screws. You will need one of those and two of the longer screws. Where you placed the shelf against the side, there are three holes. Two holes are closer to the top and at the edges of the board. The longer screws go there. The middle hole, a little bit lower, is for the shorter screw. (If I had used a long screw it would have stuck out the other side.)

You will be starting your screws from the outside (white painted wood) through the side board, and into the shelf. Since the holes are pre-drilled and have already been assembled once, you shouldn't need to screw too deep. Just make sure the screws are flush or a little below the surface so they don't stick out.

Step 3: Rinse and repeat... well, just repeat
Repeat this process with the middle and bottom shelves, making sure they are oriented correctly. The bottom shelf should point the same way as the top shelf, and the middle is opposite.
Now you should have all three shelves attached to one side.
Ever so carefully, turn this assembly around, so you can attach the other side. Once again, make sure the white painted side is facing outward and the unfinished side is touching the shelves.
Screw this side into the shelves as you did with the previous side.
Ta-Dah! Now it should be a little more rigid and less fragile.

Step 4: Attach to the base
You should have just six long screws left.
You should see three holes in the bottom of each side board.
Take a look at the base. On the inside, in the middle of the long ends you will also see three holes.
Making sure the "rope sides" match, hold the shelf assembly upright and insert it into the base so that the sides are inside of the base. It will be a tight fit, and you may need to "squeeze" the sides together a little.
Align the holes, and you will need to screw from the inside of the tree, through the sides, into the base. It is a tight fit and your drill may not fit. (Sorry!)

Step 5: Use! (with caution)
You are done! Place in the location of your choice. Please note that it should be very sturdy side-to-side, but is a little less stable in the front-to-back direction. Unless Machi tries to make a flying leap from the top shelf in that direction, you should be fine. Placing it against a wall or window could help.
You will probably need to train/guide Machiato up the first couple of times using treats or a favorite toy. Placing a cat bed on the top shelf may also help. If all else fails, you could try rubbing a little bit of catnip on the carpet shelves.

Hopefully Machiato likes it! Send me pictures when she uses it!