How to Make a Cat Condo

Measure Area

Measure the distance from the floor to ceiling in desired mounting location. Mark PVC pipe to size using a pencil based on these dimensions. Note: This mark is an approximation of where the PVC pipe will be cut for perfect floor-to-ceiling fit.

Cut PVC Pipe

Use a hack saw or reciprocating saw to cut the PVC pipe according to your measurement minus a 1/2 inch to accommodate for the mounting angle brackets.

Add Notch to Pipe

Cut a 3/4-inch notch into half of the top and bottom portion of the PVC pipe with a hack saw or reciprocating saw, allowing pipe to slide over wooden disc.

Drill Hole for Securing Rope

Using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill a hole at the very bottom of the pipe. Next, tie a knot in one end of the rope, securing it snugly into the hole.

Cover Pipe With Rope

Starting with the knotted end, wrap the rope around the pipe starting at the bottom. Pull it tightly as you wrap, and cover the entire pipe. Tip: If you run out of rope, use a piece of tape to secure the wrapped section to the pipe, and start another length of the same rope. Repeat as many times as necessary to cover the entire pipe.

Install Angle Bracket

Align the top of an 8x10 angle bracket on the mark with the rest of the bracket beneath the pipe. Attach with #10 wood screws using a drill in each of the mounting bracket holes. Be careful not to overtighten and strip the plastic pipe.

Add Second and Third Brackets

Measure 10 inches up from the top of the first bracket and rotate the pipe so that the first bracket is turned about a quarter from the second. Mark as you did in step four, and attach the second bracket. Attach the third bracket 10 inches up and on the opposite side from the second bracket.

Cut Supports for Wicker Baskets

Measure the inside of the bottom of a medium-sized square wicker basket (image 1), then mark and cut to size a mounting board from a scrap piece of 3/4-inch plywood (image 2). Repeat two more times for the remaining baskets.

Attach Wicker Baskets

With the mounting board inside the basket (image 1), firmly hold the basket against the pipe with the bracket centered on the bottom (image 2). Attach with 1 1/2-inch wood screws and a drill. Repeat for remaining baskets.

Attach Wood Disc

Using a pencil, mark where the bottom of the cat condo will be installed (image 1). Secure the wood disc to the floor using a wood screw and a drill (image 2).

Slide PVC Pipe Into Place

Before securing the condo to the bottom disc, slide it into place making sure it's level (image 1). Once level, make a mark at the top (image 2) and install the second wood disc (images 3 and 4).

Attach Pipe to Discs

Use 1-inch wood screws to attach the pipe to the wood discs with a drill.

Secure Rope End

Secure the end of the rope back to the PVC pipe using a hot glue gun.