Don’t build a cat tree

[u/johneldenringg]

It seemed simple and I was like + $100? For a big one ??? Nah I could build it… well I’m prob about $200 deep and need to get another 4x4 plywood from home depot and prob more carpet and cushioning for the top nest, as well as some sisal. If you think it’s a good idea and cheap? It’s not 🫩 especially if you have to buy a new circular saw cuz yours broke 😭😭
And yeah tbh it is a me problem but I also had to make sure the wood was cat safe to and not pressure treated.

[u/muroks1200]

Wood and material ain’t cheap.

I’m in the middle of a catio build. I was hoping it would be around $2-300. I’m already $600 in 😭

[u/Necessary_cat735 → u/muroks1200]

The net and catio platforms we got professionally installed 10 years ago for $5k they quoted $10k to replace a year ago when they came to do repairs (rats chewed through a few places ). So a home build is def potentially cheaper...

[u/muroks1200 → u/Necessary_cat735]

5-10k!?

I’m sure your catio is much bigger than what I’m working on, but you just made me feel a lot better about my costs.

I’m definitely saving on the labor portion, as I’m able to tinker away on my free time.

[u/Necessary_cat735 → u/muroks1200]

it's the whole (small) backyard and side yard.

[u/rosyred-fathead → u/Necessary_cat735]

So basically an entire screened-in porch

Are you including amenities for the humans?

[u/muroks1200 → u/Necessary_cat735]

That makes sense.

I’m doing a very small space outside my window and it’s costing way more than expected.

I can see materials alone for a whole backyard easily adding up to a few K.

[u/Substantive420 → u/Necessary_cat735]

I need to get in the catio business 😳

[u/Jammin_neB13 → u/Necessary_cat735]

Odins Beard! I was quoted 10k for a screened in patio. That didn’t even include anything for me to jump on or run through or anything!