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An Update on Our DIY Tree Branch Cat Tree

This post shares an update of our DIY tree branch cat tree.

I’m not famous for anything. But if I wanted to be famous for something, it’d be the DIY tree branch cat tree my dad and I made using real tree branches. (See the full original post here.)

Well, it’s now the two-year anniversary of when I first published the post about my cat tree. Here are some pics of the tree when we first finished it and brought it home to our apartment. Blanche makes the perfect model.

When I first made the tree, I was definitely worried that all of the time and effort we put into it would be a waste. Cats, after all, are famous for preferring the box a cat tree comes in over the actual tree. Thankfully, that was not the case with Henry and Blanche and this tree.

DIY Cat Tree using real branches
DIY Cat Tree using real branches

The Cat Tree Now

The tree made its move with us from Rockville to Frederick. It was one of the only items I instructed the movers to handle with extreme care. (Most of our furniture is Ikea, and even though I love Ikea, I wouldn’t be super bummed if they broke an Ikea Lack table. This tree, though? I’d cry for days.)

It’s been two years since we finished the cat tree. As I write this post, Henry is sleeping peacefully on the top level. (I think they’d both be on it, but Henry doesn’t usually let Blanche use it as the same time as he is using it because he is a rude boy.) I swear I am not exaggerating when I say that these cats use this tree every single day…probably for a total of 10-12 hours a day between the two of them.

DIY cat tree using real branches
DIY cat tree using real branches
DIY cat tree using real branches
DIY cat tree using real branches

And nothing makes me happier! Everyone who comes over tells us they love the tree. The movers even took pictures of it when we moved into this house. And this is honestly the reason I DIY…I love telling people that my dad and I made it together. Sure, you can buy a cool tree. But making one that stands the test of time and that your cats love? That’s the best, man.

In our house now, we have the tree behind the couch. When we park it on the couch (which we do often these days with our little Ramona), one cat will often jump up onto the tree. It’s right by a window, so they get to watch what’s going on outside. It also gets some serious sun for some hardcore Blanche sunbathing.

DIY cat tree using real branches
Beautiful tabby cat
DIY cat tree using real branches

What I’d Change…

And honestly, we haven’t had any issues with it. The only thing I think I’d change is to make the faux fur parts detachable so I could throw them in the wash. They don’t smell, but they obviously get caked with cat hair. I run a vacuum over them and call it a day, but it’d be nice to have a full wash option.

I’ve toyed with the idea of making a smaller version of the tree for elsewhere in the house, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Too many other projects in the hopper. For now, I’ll continue to admire this one and hope our babies still love it as much another two years from now!

DIY cat tree using real branches
DIY cat tree using real branches
DIY cat tree using real branches

And just before this post went up, I caught a rare moment. Both babies on the tree for some morning sun 🙂

DIY cat tree using real branches

I have a lot of favorite projects, but this one is by far my favorite. Do you have a favorite project?

See the full original post about this cat tree here

collage that says DIY tree branch cat tree

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  1. Mom says:

    It really is so very cool. I’d like to have one that sits in front of our living room window that has a dog bed on the bottom for Claire Bear and all the kitty bells and whistles up top. Claire and Frankie love to hang out together. Too bad you’re not looking for a project to do….

  2. Jennifer Meyers says:

    So glad it is holding up!! Because it is one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my life.

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