A Fun DIY Project – Building a Simple and Cozy Cat House

Cat owners know how important it is for their cats to have little spaces that are intimate, cozy, and all their own. Instead of spending a lot of money on pre-made cat furniture, take a bit of time to delve into a DIY project that’s easy to follow and quite rewarding. This cat house doubles as a side table that can fit well with most modern homes.

The Right Tools and Materials for the Job

To measure, cut, and assemble all the parts for the DIY cat house, it will be useful to have a measuring tape, a half-inch drill bit, a carpenter’s square, a nail gun, and a drill. It’s also necessary to have a jigsaw, miter saw, a table saw, and an orbital sander or sandpaper. All the pieces for the cat house can be cut out from a 4×8 sheet of plywood. 18-gauge brad nails, trim-head screws, and some wood glue will also be needed.

The DIY Process

On the plywood, measure and draw four 19.5-inch by 10.5-inch fronts and backs. Continue with four sides, each 16 and a half by 10 and a half inches. We will need 8 side cleats that are 1.5 by 10.5 inches, and four platforms that are 19.5 by 32 inches. Lastly, draw 6 build-up sides of 1,5 by 32 inches, and six build-up ends that are 1.5 by 19.5 inches.

Cut out and begin assembling, starting with the sides, and followed by the fronts and backs. Wood glue and nails are used for the assembly process. Attach the build-ups to the platforms and, using a jigsaw, cut out portholes for the cat to traverse through. Finally, attach the platforms to the boxes.

Sand and Finish for the Cat’s Comfort

Sand all the exposed edges of the plywood to make sure that your cat is comfortable and doesn’t get a scratch or a splinter from its new DIY home. Finish the assembled cathouse using clear varnish or any color that goes well with your home.