what material for climbing?

John Doe wrote:

That sounds OK for a perch, or maybe for multiple cats. Multiple
cats might chase each other. But it's a lot of work.

I hear ya, definetely, the stretcher would be a breeze, just using
solid wood shelving material, it's the corners and bridges that would
require alot of custom work.

Far as chasing, maybe line the topside with rubber matting.

Im not going to build this, but if I built a new house, I would do it.
If I had vaulted ceilings, I send them right up there. Stairs and ramps
and bridges.

kaeli wrote:
,

Old car tires come to mind, but that doesn't make a very good
looking climbing post for inside your home.
Other ideas: old fire hose, old rubber garden hoses (real
rubber)
More ideas:
* Wood (lumber already cut and cleaned)
* Plyboard / cardboard
* Tree stumps (fresh, with bark still on)
* Carpeting turned inside out
* Tent fabric (very sturdy outdoor)

I picked up some heavy duty canvas dropcloth at the hardware
store. Covered one 2x4. The surface is hard and they aren't
thrilled about scratching it yet, but they walk up it with no
problem and it should keep the splinters away. Will see in a month
whether it lasts.

* Screening (like for screen doors)
* Rubber mats

Or rugged vinyl like for truck bed covering, saw one yesterday. Or
other rugged rubber/vinyl maybe in conbination. Maybe something
used with exercising equipment. That to be hotmelt glued/whatever
onto wood or other structure.

The idea being to allow their claws to grip but not necessarily
puncture, and for it to take a lot of punishment over time,
without debris falling off of it.







* Old upholstery (people put old crap by the side of the road
for pickup all the time...or visit flea markets, garage sales,
and the like.)

None of these are very attractive, but if you have a basement...