Our cats love the Cat Crib, but they really haven’t used them when attached under a chair. Instead, we made some inexpensive and easy to assemble stands for the cribs.
This version will make a unit about 20″ square and 34″ tall.
Here’s what you need:
- Three 10′ pieces of 3/4″ PVC Schedule 40 pipe. This is the kind you get for plumbing. They are about $2.28 each at Lowes.
- Four 3/4″ Schedule 40 couplings. $2.61 for a pack of 10.
- Eight 3/4″ Schedule 40 90 degree Side Outlet Elbow. $1.60 each.
Total cost will be about $22.25 + tax.
The only tool you’ll need is a saw. I do mine on a miter saw, because it’s so quick. But you can use a hack saw, sabre saw, or PVC pipe cutters (if you own them already). I would not recommend a table saw and definitely don’t use a circular saw — too dangerous.
- Cut eight pieces 18″ long. This makes the size of the square and is the smallest size for a Cat Crib to work. I’ve make some with 21″ spans, and that works fine, too. You’ll use all of one piece of 10′ PVC pipe and some of another.
- Cut four pieces 28″ long. These make the legs. You can adjust to just about any height. As little as 6 inches, but I wouldn’t go over 28″ (it becomes too tippy). You’ll use most of one piece of a 10′ PVC pipe.
- Cut four pieces 3″ long. These are used, with the couplings, to keep the crib from slipping down. Don’t go any less than 3″, or the straps won’t fit. Anything from 3″ to 6″ is fine.
Assembly
- Use four 90 degree side output elbows and four 18″ pieces of PVC pipe to make a square. Make sure the open outlets all face the same direction (ex. “up”) and that everything is square and tight. Tap together the pieces with a rubber mallet for a tight fit — but don’t bang too hard, or you’ll crack the elbows.
- Repeat the above step to make a second square.
- Attach a coupling to the end of a 28″ piece of pipe. Attach the 3″ piece to the open end of the coupling. So, you have 28″ + coupling + 3″ piece.
- Repeat the above step for the other three legs. You’ll have four in total.
- Using the four legs, make an elongated cube using the two squares. I usually put the four legs into one of the cubes, then align the other on top, and tap together. Make sure that the couplings (near the 3″ piece) are all on the same side (ex. “top”).
You’ll notice that I didn’t use any PVC cement on this. I’ve found that with 3/4″ you really don’t need it. The friction fit is pretty strong. And it allows you to play with the height of the unit, if you want. If you find it’s not tight, then use cement.
That’s it. Now, hang the crib from the upper part (the couplings keep it from sliding) and you’re set. Very simple design and easy for kids to assemble.
And remarkably sturdy. Our 20# cat jumps into it without a problem. If you are going to have it outside, just drill some holes in some of the bottom pieces and screw into a deck. Or stake down. The cribs aren’t rated for outdoor use, so I’d keep it under cover. Or, make your own, out of canvas or whatnot.
Here’s a shorty version I made. This one is even easier, as you don’t need a bottom square.
A modified version, using 90 degree elbows at two corners. So it would fit around the back of our Precor.