If you want to make your own cat window perch without any screws, then you’re in luck! All you need are some simple supplies and tools, some elbow grease, and a few easy steps. It’s as easy as one, two, three! If you’re not afraid of a little cutting and drilling, this project will take less than an hour to finish. You can also customize it with any kind of wood or wood-based material that you like best!
Drill Holes in the Wood
Once you’ve measured your wood, flip it over and drill holes into the back of each plank. The size of your holes will depend on what type of screws you’re using. Using large-head exterior screws? Drill 4-5/8 diameter holes. Regular deck screws? Go with 3/4 diameter holes. For smaller screws, just eye ball it for a good fit and make small pilot holes before drilling larger ones.
Drill a Hole for Each Peg
Put your drill on a low setting (you don’t want to splinter wood with an aggressive drill) and use an awl or ice pick as your guide. Drill slowly and steadily through one side of each of your pegs. You’ll end up with eight holes—three for each side. Add Felt Pads: Next, you’ll need some felt pads—the same kind used in chair legs. If you’re lucky, these will come in your window perch kit (but if not, they’re easy enough to find at any hardware store). For now, put one pad on each of the three exposed screw holes from Step 1. Don’t glue anything down yet—that’s next!
Secure with Rawhide
As shown in our video, one of the simplest ways to make a window perch is by simply securing it with rawhide. The advantage of using rawhide is that you don’t need any tools or screws and your cat will be able to easily get on and off it. The main disadvantage of using rawhide is that your cat can chew it off which may not be ideal if you want your cat’s perch to stay in place for some time (or ever). If you think your cat might nibble at their perch, you could secure it with rope or even double-sided tape.
Get Your Kitty Comfortable
Before purchasing any materials, spend some time getting your cat used to perching on something other than your furniture. Place a scratching post or blanket in front of a window and encourage your cat to sit on it. This will allow him or her to get accustomed to being perched near an open window. You can also try opening windows for short periods throughout the day so that your pet can enjoy fresh air while resting near an open window frame; just make sure that you don’t leave them unsupervised outside! If possible, try making yourself comfortable sitting up high with ample cushioning—your cat will appreciate it later. Your little buddy may be used to standing on his feet all day but sometimes we all need a break, right?
Hang Away from Existing Furniture
Sure, you could screw into your walls and attach your cat perch that way—but then it’d be more permanent than you may want. One option is to use command hooks, which can adhere without damaging your walls. Or, try drilling directly into studs in your wall. If there are no studs available on one side of your window, simply place adhesive-backed velcro strips on either side of where you want to hang (you don’t need very much). Positioning them at different lengths along each edge of your perch will give you better stability and movement options for when your kitty wants up and down action while they look out at the world below.
Admire Your Handiwork
There’s something about building something from scratch that makes it all your own. That sense of pride is just one reason why homemade window perches are so great. They look nice, they work well and they’re pretty easy to make. Best of all, you can customize them in ways that suit your space—and your cat’s needs! So instead of thinking up yet another you should buy our stuff! post today, why not put on some tunes and go build yourself (or someone else) a window perch? With any luck, we can beat back some of those winter blues by making things we need (instead of buying them).
Pros & Cons
Keeping cats entertained and active is important for their mental health. Cats can get bored easily and are prone to mischief if they have nothing better to do than sleep all day, so it’s important that you provide them with high-quality cat toys and safe play areas. But sometimes life gets in the way, and you don’t have time or space for new purchases. In that case, how do you keep your kitty happy? The solution is simple: You can create a DIY cat window perch no screws! A window perch can be created from virtually anything that will give your feline friend something sturdy and stable to sit on while looking out of open windows, doors or glass walls.
