Cat Step

Cats have a particular character. They always want to get the high ground. Therefore, they will appreciate when you help them to get there.

This Instructable will show you how you can create wooden steps for your loved roommate.

For one wooden step you will need the following materials:

• wood 18 mm thick (bamboo or your preferred wood style)         
• 500 mm * 135 mm

Or

• 225 mm * 135 mm
• 100 mm * 135 mm
•  50 mm * 135 mm

•  7 wooden dowels (6 mm diameter)
• wood glue
• felt fabric ~ 3mm thick
• wood oil
• 2 screws
• 2 dowels

you also need the following machines:

• drill
• chop saw
• router
• sand paper
• cutter knife
• (optional) laser cutter

Cut the Wood into the right length. You can print out the template or cut at the right dimensions, because even for the support beam only two dimensions are relevant. The curved side is only an aesthetic part.

Cut the wood with the chop saw to the following dimensions:

• 225 mm * 135 mm
• 100 mm * 135 mm
• 50 mm * 135 mm       

Print out the template document and use a scissor to create your stencil. Mark the shape of the support piece with a pencil. Cut the wood with an jigsaw or an bandsaw according to the markings. You can also use the jigsaw or bandsaw to create smooth corners.

To create an seamless integration of the felt in the step, you need to create a pocket. First, measure and mark 11 mm of every side. This is where the pocket will be. Then you use the router to mill a pocket which has the same dimensions as your felt. Do yourself a favor and use some ruler and stop to create a straight line. 

You can also skip this part to create the the wooden step without felt pocket.

Drill the holes according to the plan. Make sure to drill the holes to the right size for the wooden dowels. 

For an smooth corner and to make sure that your cat can´t stub a toe, you need to round the edges. You can use the router with an rounding mill or use an wood file and sandpaper. In the next step use fine sandpaper to create a smooth surface. 

The easiest way to cut the felt precisely is the laser cutter. But this isn´t a standard tool. An alternative possibility best way is to use a cutter knife and an ruler. Mark the dimensions or use the plan as template. Test the fit in the pocket.

Glue the felt pad with wood glue after assembling and oiling the wooden parts.

Use wood glue and the wooden dowels to connect the three pieces. Make sure to close every gap with a rubber mallet and secure the pieces with an screw clamp. 

Use some natural oil like walnut oil to create a nice finish.

Look for the place where your cat always wants to go and is allowed to. Mount the wooden steps with two screws to the wall. For a better acceptance throw some treats onto it and soon your cat will be in love with it´s new high ground. 

If you liked this Instructable leave a like. For Questions leave a comment. 

Keep in mind, that my cat Merlin on the picture is fairly big. For this reason the step looks quite small.