Blogger Challenge: Do-It-Yourself Cat Castles

This Blogger Challenge goes out to all the cat people — you know who you are. And we have a few of your kind here at Made + Remade. Yes, that’s you, Ellen Foord, Lish Dorset and Mick Telkamp. When we asked these creative bloggers if they’d like to design a DIY cat castle, they all jumped at the chance to employ their imaginations for the good of their feline friends. And they came up with these cat castles as varied as the cats they love.

Project #1: Snooze Tubes

Inspiration can come from anywhere, as Ellen shows with her cat-nap pyramid. Looking for materials with a modern shape, she had an “Aha!” moment with some cardboard tubes normally used for creating concrete posts. Cut in sections, covered in felt, wrapped in sisal and lined with fleece, the tubes became a comfy, scratch-friendly snooze spot for Ellen’s three family cats — with the clean, crisp look she loves.

 >> See Ellen’s comfy project for cat naps.

Project #2: A Real Cat Tree

Felines love indulging their natural instinct to perch up high in the forest and survey the surroundings. For indoor cats who can only dream of the rugged outdoor-cat lifestyle, Mick created this cat tree from branches found in his backyard. His easy project combines natural appeal with the comfort of carpeted platforms for climbing, lounging and lying in wait for the errant cat toy that might stray from the herd.

 >> Get Mick’s how-to for a rustic cat tree.

Project #3: “Camp Meow” Tent

For a cat who shies away from rambunctious crowds (read: children), preferring quiet, mellow days of solitude, Lish Dorset crafted this cool, campy, private hangout. The avid crafter and sewing guru took her design cues from vintage-chic campground style to make a simple no-sew tent that opens on both ends, giving her pampered pet plenty of space to stretch out, relax, get away from it all and enjoy the good life.

>> See how Lish made this no-sew pet tent.

Now that you’ve seen all the projects, tells us which one’s your favorite! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

This post is brought to you by Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Zero Grain™ Whitefish & Potato Recipe, the first grain-free food for cats from Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®. It’s naturally delicious and easily digestible, with real whitefish as the number one ingredient. And it’s available where you shop for your family’s groceries.