Turn a Step Stool Into a Sensory Playground for Cats

Create the ultimate sensory playground for felines with brushes, fringe, jute and more.

Show: Easy Does It

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DIY Cat Condo
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Materials + Tools

  • two-tier solid wood step stool
  • small shag rug
  • thick jute rope or twine
  • cotton embroidery thread
  • (2) boar bristle beard brushes
  • old t-shirts
  • assorted cat toys
  • scissors
  • staple gun
  • pet-safe adhesive/sealant

Splash on Some Paint

If your wooden step stool is unfinished and you want to jazz it up with a bright hue, make sure to use non-toxic, pet-safe paint. Do this step at least 24 hours before starting the condo transformation.

DIY Cat Condo, Step 3

Photo by: Andy Vinson

Andy Vinson

Add a Rug

Create a comfy lounge spot by adding a small shag rug to the top step of the stool. Use scissors to cut the rug to size, then attach it to the stool with a staple gun.

Attach Brushes

Using pet-safe adhesive, attach a boar bristle brush to the front two legs of the stool.

Add Jute Rope

Wrap thick jute rope around the back two legs, extending the rope to the top of the stool.

Create Fringe

Cut two-inch-wide strips out of a soft, worn t-shirt. (You may need two or three t-shirts for this.) Then, double-knot the t-shirt strips around the side rails.

Hang Toys

Use cotton embroidery thread to attach an assortment of cat toys to the stool. We used catnip-filled fish, feathers and bells to complete the look.

Watch Them Play

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