Turn a Step Stool Into a Sensory Playground for Cats
Create the ultimate sensory playground for felines with brushes, fringe, jute and more.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/unsized/2016/4/0/hgtv-easy-does-it-showchip.jpg)
![DIY Cat Condo](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/029/0297/0297659.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661786851233.webp)
Materials + Tools
- two-tier solid wood step stool
- small shag rug
- thick jute rope or twine
- cotton embroidery thread
- (2) boar bristle beard brushes
- old t-shirts
- assorted cat toys
- scissors
- staple gun
- pet-safe adhesive/sealant
Splash on Some Paint
If your wooden step stool is unfinished and you want to jazz it up with a bright hue, make sure to use non-toxic, pet-safe paint. Do this step at least 24 hours before starting the condo transformation.
![DIY Cat Condo, Step 3](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step3_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226935463.webp)
Andy Vinson
Add a Rug
Create a comfy lounge spot by adding a small shag rug to the top step of the stool. Use scissors to cut the rug to size, then attach it to the stool with a staple gun.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step5_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1521226935265.webp)
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![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step6a_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1521226935428.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step6b_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226935516.webp)
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![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step7b_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1521226935873.webp)
Andy Vinson
Attach Brushes
Using pet-safe adhesive, attach a boar bristle brush to the front two legs of the stool.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step11a_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226936304.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step11b_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1521226936431.webp)
Andy Vinson
Add Jute Rope
Wrap thick jute rope around the back two legs, extending the rope to the top of the stool.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step9a_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1521226935981.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step9b_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226936043.webp)
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Create Fringe
Cut two-inch-wide strips out of a soft, worn t-shirt. (You may need two or three t-shirts for this.) Then, double-knot the t-shirt strips around the side rails.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step12_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1521226936298.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step13_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226936876.webp)
Andy Vinson
Hang Toys
Use cotton embroidery thread to attach an assortment of cat toys to the stool. We used catnip-filled fish, feathers and bells to complete the look.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step14a_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226936640.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step14c_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226936683.webp)
Andy Vinson
Watch Them Play
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step1a_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226937224.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step1e_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226934846.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step1d_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226934829.webp)
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![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step1f_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226934843.webp)
Andy Vinson
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2018/3/16/1/Original-Loch-and-Key_EDI800_DIY-Cat-Condo_Step1b_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1521226933788.webp)
Andy Vinson