Rachel, if you want to make a simple lair, then all you will need is a piece of 3/8" plywood, appx 18" x 8" square and secure it into the windowsill by using 3, 2" dry-wall screws. If you want to cover it with padding, then secure the padding under the plywood first, before attaching it to the windowsill. If you want to make a window box, something they can sleep in, but the sides not high enough to keep them from looking out, you need to attach sides to the plywood, (without placing the padding on it.) The sides should be made of wood, appx 3/8" to 1/2" thick and about 3" to 3 1/2" high. These side pieces should be thick enough to place at least 2 , 1-1/4 " drywall screws in them through the bottom of the plywood to secure them to the plywood. For the box's padding, you can use a piece of pre-cut carpet or a folded towel.
Any type of windowsill box that is more fancy than this simple example would require more tools, time and material. The only objectionable factor with the one just described is that it attaches directly to the wood in the sill (assuming that there is wood to attach). As far as painting and staining, personally I would not do either. To match decor of your home you could simply sand down the wood before assembling the box or cover it with matching carpeting.
For tools. you will need a saw, and a phillips screwdriver and probably a sander. Sometimes, if the wood is brittle, then it is a good idea to drill small holes in the wood where you are going to insert the drywall screws. This keeps the wood from splitting, when you tighten down the drywall screws.
........wayne
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