D.I.Y cat tree help required

[Younglad1]

I’m getting two kittens a week on Friday and I’ve decided to build a D.I.Y cat tree using a real tree. I’ve felled the tree and stripped it of its bark. I’m wondering what treatment steps to follow if any. It’s freshly stripped so the interior is still moist to the touch. Any help would be great. I’m a 21 year old panel Beater this isn’t my forté but I’m game to see it through. 

[Mark J]

A light dusting of glitter before it dries out would finish it off nicely.

Or you could just let it dry out. Looks like ash.

[Younglad1]

7 minutes ago, Mark J said:

A light dusting of glitter before it dries out would finish it off nicely.

Or you could just let it dry out. Looks like ash.

Was thinking I’ll use wee plastic gems instead of glitter cheers for the suggestion anyway ? how long is the recommended drying period? And once dry what should I treat it with? Shellac or wood varnish or some kind of oil? Cheers 

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, Younglad1 said:

And once dry what should I treat it with? Shellac or wood varnish or some kind of oil? Cheers 

Nothing that is toxic to cats . Just leave it .

[Younglad1]

1 minute ago, Stubby said:

Nothing that is toxic to cats . Just leave it .

What can I expect in regards to it being aesthetically pleasing without treating it in any way?

[Stubby]

Just now, Younglad1 said:

What can I expect in regards to it being aesthetically pleasing without treating it in any way?

Is it for you or for the cat ? If its for you then sequins and glitter , if its for the cat leave it . He will only sharpen his claws on it .

[Younglad1]

33 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Is it for you or for the cat ? If its for you then sequins and glitter , if its for the cat leave it . He will only sharpen his claws on it .

Had my heart set on those wee gems as well ? am I best to leave it outside to dry or keep it in a dry warm room? I live in a pretty cold and typically wet although it’s nice out just now. Cheers 

[Squaredy]

It doesn’t matter what you finish it with, the cats will totally ignore it and scratch your sofa and stair carpet anyway.

[nepia]

Make sure there are no sharp cuts etc; kittens learn to be agile beasts, they're not born that way.

 

And yes, they will use your furniture, clothing, carpets too.  You can try spraying the tree with Feliway; it does attract them but doesn't deter them from everything else.

 

But the tree... round off the cuts, leave it as it is.  When you can no longer bear the sight of slivers hanging off it and a pile of sawdust round the base get a new one.

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, Squaredy said:

It doesn’t matter what you finish it with, the cats will totally ignore it and scratch your sofa and stair carpet anyway.

This . After all its just a stick .