We're gonna need a bigger tree

[ancientgirl]

I finally was able to get some pictures downloaded on the computer of the Dynamic Duo on their tree, but looking at them, I think it might be too small, at least some of the platforms look sort of small for Vlad.



That's Oksana, with the laser eyes



Vlad trying to get the upper paw



Oksana doing some impressive climbing



I love these last two.

Vlad looks like he barely fits



Oksana's just chillin'




I really think this might be to small for Vlad. He can't really lie down on any of the platforms. It's best suited for Oksana's size I think.

[want4rain]

do you have a Home Deopt or Lowes or similar near by? they do classes you can take to learn the short way of putting together wooden things, carpeting and stuff. i would think there would be a great deal you could do in simple squares if you use the saw at HD and then get yourself a power drill. make a large square platform of 2X4's or even 1X6's and then use a brace to attach 2 2X4's together to make the center piece... then make a large tray that goes on the top of it and cover the whole thing in carpeting!! look like a mushroom when you are done but with the cap turned up side down?? or like a bird bath??

if you are interested, i should be able to draw somethignup for you, write out the supplies you will need... i should have taken drafting classes.

-ashley

[ancientgirl]

I've got a Home Depot pretty close to me. I briefly thought about putting something together myself before I went and bought this. It might be an interesting project. But I'd definitely have to get all the stuff pre-cut for me.

Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it soon.

Or I might just be lazy and buy them a new one for Christmas.

[want4rain]

most of the stuff there you can get cut with saws they ahve there. ive found this whole 'remodeling' thing to be waaaaay easier than i feared it would be. its not so bad once you do the first thing.... its ALL OVER after that though!!

-ash

[ancientgirl]

I'm going to buy a faucet on Saturday so I think I'll walk around and do some investigating.

I need to take down the shower door I have. Vlad has learned he can jump up on it and watch me shower. The poor bugger slipped yesterday and fell. He hit himself either on the toilet or the tub. He wasn't limping but he stayed pretty much to himself the rest of the night. I figured he must be hurting and just wants to be alone. He wasn't limping or anything this morning, but his fall only made me want to get rid of that stupid thing even more. I've been thinking about getting it out of there anyway, this just makes me realize I have to do it NOW. I hate shower doors on tubs!!!!!

[krdahmer]

That tree looks great! They are meant more for play and exersise, not really sleeping, although they all do get slept in. I think cats like to squeeze themselves places they don't fit, I know mine do here for sure! What Buddy will do, at 20lbs, is sleep some in the cat tree, then jump down and spread out somewhere. It looks like they are enjoying it, so I wouldn't worry about Vlad, kitties love to teeter on small ledges and test their climbing skills....

[ancientgirl]

True, I hadn't thought about that. It's just another thing to climb.

[want4rain]

if your HD is anything like MY HD, if you go to the lumber section look for the saw in the back. should be a circular saw and a hand saw. the green stuff is called 'treated' wood and is toxic... i dont believe it is for in home use.

you can buy lumber at 6 food, 8 foot and 10 foot lengths. if you wanted the tree to be 3 foot tall, 4 foot tall or 5 foot tall you can cut the lumber in half and use it that way. you need to put together the 2x4 to make a 4x4 (which arent really 2 and 4 inches heh) because all ready made 4x4's are treated.

ask someone to tell you about the braces. there should be a display somewhere in the lumber department that has all kinds of braces for putting wood together like fences and and roof rafters. thats what you would use to attach the '4x4' to the platform you make (or MAY make!). a staple gun would make life easier but you dont NEED it. a hammer and some nails will work just fine. or even that twine stuff, mine just *love* things wrapped in twine. that would be time consuming but worth it i think. different textures and all that.

just keep in mind.... anythign you make, you also gotta get the hair off of!!

-ashley

[ancientgirl]

Hm...I think I'll start out small. I did see some 4' ones at the pet store that looked comfy. They were wide at the base and had a nice platform for sitting and lounging. Not incredibly high, but if I put it near the window its high enough for them to enjoy the view in comfort.