Repair Cat Tree
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Also see:
Blog: tips from the workroom & trails
Pet Bed
Cat Window Platform
Animals & Pets
Easy DIY Furniture
Save Your Cat’s Tree
Our cat, Rooster Rudy, earned his name by his success in waking everyone each morning at sunrise. He is the cat who thinks he is a rooster. Once he is sure everyone is up, he goes back to bed. We love him in spite of this odd behavior. He is our fur pal.
He loves his “cat tree” in front of a window in the family room. He can climb up high and dream of being a wild cat, high in a tree, watching out the window for birds and other entertaining critters.
However, he is also a very large cat. I call him my baby bobcat. He really shreds the rope on the tree. At least once per year my husband has to replace the rope. It is usually shredded and falling off by then (better the rope than my furniture!).
I asked my husband to take photos and write up the steps during the last repair, because I knew it would be helpful to others. Cat trees are expensive, and the only thing that wears out (usually) is the rope.
SUPPLIES
Rope
Twisted Sisal Rope: 3/8” we buy it on a roll
It is used for landscaping and outdoor projects and is said to hold up to 108 pounds. You really just need a good strong rope that a cat can claw.
Other Supplies
gloves (optional)
heavy duty scissors
heavy duty u-shaped staples (we used Gardner Bender 1/2” NM Cable Wood Staples)
hammer (to pound in staples)
drop cloth - to protect floor and other surfaces (optional)
pliers - if needed for removing old staples
* NOTE: a heavy duty staple gun can be used instead of hammer and staples
Safety Precautions
Follow all precautions and instructions for your tools.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove old, frayed piece of rope. We often only need to replace a section of rope.
2. Lay out the old rope, and cut the new rope to the same length as the old piece.
3. Staple the end of the new rope into place on the back of the post, using a hammer and staple, or staple gun. This will be your beginning point for winding the new rope around the post.
4. Wind the rope around to the front, and keep winding the rope around the post until the area where the rope was removed has been covered with new rope.
5. When the entire area has been covered, staple the end of the new rope to the back of the post.
Beautiful Post - Happy Cat!
My cat couldn’t wait to get his claws into the beautiful new rope!
Rustic wood bar made from wood pallets. Quick and easy.