We made a 3 tier cat pole that let cats go from an inside window outside to a play cage. They loved it - laid in it, played in it and used it just to get from inside to outside and back.

Pros: custom made it for our needs

Cons: not as good looking as professional made ones

We have built tons of these and put them all over the shelter i volunteer for. The cats love them - good for napping or excercise. Whatever the modd of the cat. We do haveone that is kind of intricate - it is really big and has 2 bottom sections leading up to 1, this one can sway a little bit if a cat gets too rowdy. The cats do enjoy them and also work as a great scratch post.

Pros: Cat junglegym - they love it!

Cons: Dont go too intricate

A friend of mine made one for my cats when they were babies,and they still play with them.
The nice thing about these,is that you can keep them simple/basic,or you can go as extreme as you like.
Mine are pretty simple.All materials were leftovers and recycled.They're really nothing special to look at,but all three of my cats love them to death!

Pros: cheap you can recycle wood carpet

Cons: none

its a great way to make one tha suits you and your cats style. I think its better to personalize one and that way if your cat doesnt love it you didnt spend hundreds of dollars on one.

Pros: cheap

Cons: none

My husband built a cat tree when we got our first cat. He eventually outgrew it, but it was a huge money saver and it was more fun because it was custome designed!

Pros: Saves money

Cons: May be less safe