Turn Old Dresser Drawers Into A Cat Wonderland With This Fun DIY Project

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Cat owners know just how adventurous their fuzzy friends can be. The more they get to jump, climb, scratch, and explore, the happier they are. With this cat tree DIY that repurposes old dresser drawers, you can make an indoor playground that satisfies all their natural urges and keeps your furniture safe from being shredded by sharp claws. 

Find a vintage dresser at a thrift store and spray paint the drawers in a color that suits the room where you'll be creating their playground. Six drawers will give you enough to work with, though you can add more, particularly if you have multiple cats. You'll need a pair of shelf brackets for each drawer, such as the Goovilla Heavy Duty Floating Shelf Brackets. Spray paint them to match. Start the climbing area by placing a 4-legged stool in the corner with one of the drawers on the seat. Tie a scarf to the four legs to create a cozy sleeping hammock and wrap the legs using Pelzin Natural Sisal Rope as satisfying scratching spots.

Plan out where to position the rest of the drawers, allowing for comfortable spaces between each one that cats can navigate safely. Mark where the drawers and the shelf brackets need to go. Measure, mark, and drill into the walls to mount the shelves. Here are a few points to consider before drilling into brick. Check that the supports are level. Place the drawers onto the support brackets and attach them to make sure the drawers don't budge when kitties jump and play.

Personalize the DIY kitty playground to suit your floofs

This DIY will make your home a cat-friendly oasis with space to eat, sleep, and play. But we all know that each cat is a unique creature with their own whims and fancies. The fun part of this creation is adapting it to include all the things that make your floofball a happy kitty. Do you have a burrower? Create a simple tent by using two pieces of narrow PVC pipe tucked diagonally from corner to corner. Secure the central crossover point with a cable tie and cover it with fabric, leaving a gap on one end as an entrance. Place a soft, fluffy blanket inside for extra coziness.

Add a bridge between two drawers by suspending a garden border log roll. Wood is a great natural substance that provides grip for their claws, making it easier for them to cross between drawers without slipping. Drawer knobs are handy for suspending danglies for swatting. Create your own from string, feathers, or pom poms. Repurpose cute throw pillows to make the purrfect diy cat tree to add some whimsy to the setup.

While the playground is all for your kitties, there's nothing stopping you from making it match the aesthetic of your home. Your cat won't mind if you avoid bold primary colors and opt for neutrals such as sage green, mushroom, or wood tones. Replace the knobs with these divine Iwadecky Cats Cabinet Knobs that add sweet charm to your space.

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