10 Clever DIY Cat Trees For Small Spaces

A cat tree is a must-have accessory for any cat owner. It provides the needed vertical space for scratching, climbing, and perching.

But if we are honest, those bulky, sprawling, multi-tiered cat trees can be a nightmare in a small apartment or condo.

If you’re short on space but big on cat love, you’ve come to the right place because this post features 10 DIY cat trees for small spaces.

We’re talking about how to make a cat tree that utilizes corners, walls, and even existing furniture without taking over a huge part of your living room.

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10 DIY Cat Tree For Small Spaces

1. Compact DIY Cat Condo

This DIY cat condo for small spaces includes rubbing brushes, a hammock, scratching posts, and a minimal design to fit in tiny corners.

It’s got a super sleek, modern design that will enhance your interior home décor and not clutter it up.

Diana Hansen made this simple cat condo using an old stool, so you don’t need to spend too much on raw materials.

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2. Star Wars Wooden Cat Tree

If you’re a Star Wars fan who loves to DIY, this epic CAT-CAT tower is about to become your new favorite project.

Modeled after the iconic AT-AT walker, this cat tree is overflowing with fun details like mini-Stormtroopers and Snowspeeders.

But it’s not just a showpiece. This thing is designed for feline fun. The ‘legs’ double as sturdy scratching posts, and the spacious body makes a perfect sleeping cubby.

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3. DIY Cat Tower with Carpeted Shelves

This DIY cat tree has everything your feline friend could want: comfy carpet-covered shelves for lounging, plenty of scratching surfaces to keep their claws happy, and multiple levels for climbing and exploring.

It’s the perfect combination of cozy and engaging, giving your cat a place to relax, play, and survey their kingdom.

And the best part is, it’s compact enough to fit in even the smallest of spaces within your compact apartment.

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4. Simple Cat Tower

If your cat is a climber who loves a good vantage point, this 6-foot-tall narrow cat tree is the perfect vertical playground.

It’s designed to be both fun and functional, with a clever hollow interior that lets your feline friend climb both inside and out, keeping them entertained and active.

Smartly placed openings make it easy for them to move up and down, and the spacious top platform is ideal for lounging and keeping an eye on the surroundings.

Covered in tough, comfy carpet for good grip, this tall, slim cat tree looks great and is built to last, making it a great addition to smaller homes.

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5. IKEA-Inspired Minimal Cat Tree

You can use this clever design to turn IKEA Frosta stools into a stylish, wall-mounted cat playground, which is perfect for small spaces.

The project author used the stools’ curved legs and sturdy seats to create multiple levels for your cat to climb, lounge, and jump.

This minimalist cat tree makes the most of vertical space and fits right in with the modern décor of apartments or small spaces.

We love the clean lines and natural wood finish because it gives the tree a sophisticated look, and the modular design means that you can easily adjust it to fit any wall.

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6. Two-Platform Sisal Rope Cat Tree

Image Credit: Attmos

If you’re short on space but your cats insist on having the best spot for watching birds and squirrels, a double window perch is the ideal answer.

This minimal cat tree design combines practicality and comfort, letting two cats relax and enjoy the view without taking up valuable floor space.

Adding sisal rope or fabric not only gives your cats a place to scratch and keep their claws healthy but also adds a nice decorative touch.

We love how this easy-to-assemble DIY project can let your indoor cats soak up the sun while staying within the comfort zone of your home.

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7. Budget-Friendly Frugal Cat Tree

Sharing a small space with multiple cats can be a challenge, which is what inspired this creative and budget-friendly cat tree.

Designed to give your feline friends their own space and reduce chaos in a multi-pet household, this DIY project cleverly uses free or scrap materials like cardboard, cores, and a wooden base.

Even though this small space cat tree is lightweight and easy to move around, it’s surprisingly sturdy and can hold several kitties.

It also includes thoughtful touches like scratchable rope-wrapped legs, a comfy hammock, and well-carpeted steps.

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8. Wall-Mounted Cat Tree for Small Spaces

This amazing wall-mounted cat tree shows that even in a small apartment, your cats can have a paradise of their own.

A family created this DIY project in a cozy apartment who wanted to give their two rescue cats the best life possible.

They used sturdy pine slats, outdoor carpet, sisal rope, and some smart shelving to create a cat tree with everything a cat could want: scratching posts, climbing surfaces, and cozy spots to curl up.

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9. Versatile DIY Cat Tree from Lowe’s

Image Credit: Lowes

This project, inspired by Lowe’s, shows how to build a cat condo for small spaces that’s both practical and stylish.

With multiple levels and a tough scratching post, it covers all the bases: climbing, lounging, and scratching.

Using durable materials ensures it will last, and the customizable design means you can adapt it to fit your exact space.

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10. Natural DIY Cat Tree with Real Branches

Image Credit: youroldpalmick

For indoor cats with a taste for adventure, this DIY natural cat tree idea is a fantastic option to consider, especially if you’re living in an apartment.

Taking inspiration from their natural urge to climb and perch, the project author uses a fallen poplar trunk to create a stylish and functional piece for your cat.

Combining natural wood with comfortable carpeted platforms gives your cat a high spot to relax, keep watch, or play—all while saving space and looking great in your home.

The rustic appeal of the tree trunk and the cozy carpeted areas make it a win for both cats and their owners.

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Conclusion

You don’t need a huge house or a lot of money to create a fun and enriching space for your feline friends.

As you’ve seen, a little creativity and a little DIY spirit can go a long way in building minimal cat trees that are perfect for small spaces.

Repurposing existing furniture or using vertical space with wall-mounted designs provides plenty of options when building a cat tree with space considerations in mind.

If you’re a DIY pro or a beginner, these 10 DIY cat trees for small spaces will inspire you to build cat furniture that’s big on fun and small on clutter.