How to Build a Star Trek Cat Tree: A DIY Guide for Cat and Sci-Fi Enthusiasts

If you have a high-energy cat who loves to climb but find most commercial cat trees unappealing, a DIY approach can be the perfect solution.

When my husband and I decided to build a cat tree for our two-year-old feline, Saavik, we wanted something that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Since we are big Star Trek fans, we designed a cat tree inspired by the iconic starships from the franchise. Here’s how we built it step by step.

Why This Cat Tree Works

• Designed for Active Cats: The multiple levels provide ample climbing opportunities, making it a great energy outlet.
• Scratch-Friendly: Sisal-wrapped trunks allow for plenty of scratching space, saving your furniture.
• Custom Aesthetic: Unlike generic cat trees, this design is a statement piece for any sci-fi-loving household.
• Modular and Stable: The structure can be disassembled for transport, and wall braces keep it wobble-free.

What You Will Need

Materials:

• PVC Pipes: 9’ and 5’ lengths (for trunks and ship structures)
• Plywood Boards:
  • 2’ x 3’ (for base)
  • 15” and 18” pine round panels (for saucer sections)
  • 1’ x 3’ (for Romulan Bird of Prey wings)
• Caps & Connectors:
  • 8 round caps (for nacelle tips)
  • 4 flat caps (for pipe-to-ship and pipe-to-base connections)
  • 3 T-connectors
  • 1 X-connector
  • 2 elbow connectors
  • 2 straight connectors
• Hardware & Fasteners:
  • 15 bolts (2” length, 5/16” or 1/4” diameter)
  • 3 bolts (2 1/2” length for Bird of Prey assembly)
  • 18 matching nuts
• Other Materials:
  • 250 feet sisal rope (1/4” diameter)
  • Carpet remnants (12’ x 4’)
  • Pipe adhesive
  • L-braces (for wall stabilization)

Tools:

• Utility knife (for cutting carpet)
• Handsaw (for cutting PVC and wood)
• Staple gun (5/16” minimum staple length)
• Drill (for bolt holes and assembly)
• Ratchet wrench (for securing nuts)
• Scissors (for carpet trimming)

How to Make It

Step 1: Constructing the Enterprise

The Enterprise design consists of a large saucer section with a PVC frame.

1. Attach a flat cap to the 18” round plywood saucer section using bolts.
2. Assemble the frame using PVC pipes, T-connectors, elbow connectors, and an X-connector. Use pipe adhesive to secure the joints.
3. Carpet the saucer section and frame separately, using staples to secure the fabric.
4. Glue a small piece of pipe between the cap and T-connector to attach the frame.
5. Ensure no staples are exposed by pressing them firmly into the carpet.

Step 2: Building the Romulan Bird of Prey

This section required some custom wood cutting to create the distinctive winged shape.

1. Cut the 1’ x 3’ plywood board into two wing-shaped pieces.
2. Attach a small leftover wood piece to the center for additional detailing.
3. Bolt the nacelle pipes to the wings.
4. Attach a flat cap to the bottom center to connect the ship to the PVC trunk.
5. Fully carpet the structure after assembly.

Step 3: Creating the Base and Trunks

The base provides stability, while the PVC trunks elevate the ships.

1. Cut two PVC pipes to 3’ and 5’ lengths.
2. Carpet the 2’ x 3’ plywood base board.
3. Bolt two flat caps onto the base, using four bolts per cap for stability.
4. Attach straight connectors to the PVC trunks, but do not glue them into the base (to allow future disassembly).
5. Secure the ships onto the top of each trunk without gluing, for removability.
6. Wrap sisal rope tightly around the PVC trunks to create scratching surfaces.
7. Staple a small piece of sisal rope under the Enterprise to serve as a toy.

Step 4: Stabilizing the Structure

Given the weight of the starships, the tree initially wobbled. To prevent this:

1. Install L-braces to secure the ships to the wall.
2. Use 10” and 8” L-braces, attached with 2”–2.5” long screws.
3. Position the braces discreetly to maintain aesthetics while ensuring stability.

Other Details for Display

• Saucer sections are carpeted for comfort and better traction.
• The scratching posts are wrapped in natural sisal rope for durability.
• Wall-mounted braces ensure stability, making it safe for energetic cats.
• The modular build allows for easy transport and adjustments.

Summary

This Star Trek cat tree combines functionality with fandom, giving your feline a fun, high-energy climbing space while adding a unique sci-fi touch to your home.

With durable materials and a sturdy build, it’s an excellent DIY project for cat lovers who want a custom-built, aesthetic alternative to traditional cat trees.

This plan is a contribution by [hatstand4510]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.