Cats are natural climbers, always looking for a higher spot to perch, observe, or nap. If your furry friend constantly seeks out high places—whether it’s the top of the fridge, bookshelf, or even your closet—it’s time to give them a space of their own.
DIY cat shelves are the perfect way to satisfy your cat’s climbing instincts while keeping your home stylish and functional. They offer exercise, entertainment, and cozy resting spots—all without taking up precious floor space.
Ready to create a fun and safe vertical world for your cat? Here are 23 creative DIY cat shelf ideas that will transform your home into a feline paradise!
1. Floating Cat Shelves for a Minimalist Look
Floating cat shelves provide a sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly with your décor. These shelves let your cat climb, jump, and rest without taking up floor space.
They are easy to install using brackets or hidden supports. Placing them in a staggered pattern allows your cat to move up and down comfortably. Covering them with non-slip material ensures safety while climbing.
2. Wall-Mounted Staircase for Cats
A wall-mounted cat staircase creates an engaging climbing path. Cats love to jump from step to step, exploring their surroundings from different heights.
This idea is perfect for apartments where floor space is limited. The steps can be arranged in a straight line, zigzag, or even a spiral pattern for added fun. Soft padding or carpeting makes each step more comfortable.
3. Corner Cat Shelves to Maximize Space
Unused corners often go to waste, but they can be transformed into a cozy climbing zone. Installing corner shelves provides your cat with a unique play and rest area.
Stacking the shelves vertically makes climbing easy. Adding a soft mat or blanket creates a warm resting spot. This design blends well with any home décor.
4. Multi-Level Cat Shelving Unit
A multi-level shelving system offers endless entertainment. Cats love jumping between levels and choosing different perches for relaxation.
This idea is ideal for multi-cat households. Each level can serve a different purpose—some for climbing, some for resting, and some for play. Adding dangling toys or scratching posts makes it even more engaging.
5. Hexagon Cat Shelves for a Modern Look
Hexagon-shaped shelves bring a trendy, artistic touch to your walls. They create a honeycomb effect that doubles as a modern décor piece.
Cats enjoy the enclosed sections for napping and the open ones for perching. The modular design allows you to add more hexagons over time, making it a flexible and expandable setup.
6. Cat Shelves with Built-In Scratching Pads
Cats love to scratch and climb, so why not combine both? Attaching scratching pads to shelves gives them a place to sharpen their claws while exploring.
Sisal, carpet, or textured wood makes great scratching surfaces. Replacing worn-out pads is easy and prevents damage to your furniture. This setup keeps your cat entertained and your home scratch-free.
7. Ladder-Style Cat Shelving
An old wooden ladder can be repurposed into a fantastic climbing structure. Leaning it against a wall or mounting it horizontally creates multiple resting spots.
Painting or staining the ladder gives it a fresh look. Securing it properly ensures stability, and adding cushions makes it more comfortable. This is a great way to upcycle while giving your cat a fun new space.
8. Bookshelf Cat Shelves
A bookshelf can double as a cat climbing area. By modifying a few shelves, you can create an engaging space without sacrificing storage.
Cutting entry holes between sections allows easy movement. Adding soft mats or a hammock inside the shelves creates a cozy retreat. This setup keeps everything looking neat while giving your cat a private escape.
9. Window Perch Shelves
A window perch is perfect for cats who love looking outside. Placing a shelf near a window allows them to sunbathe and observe the world.
Using sturdy L-brackets ensures stability. A soft cushion or blanket makes the space even more inviting. Your cat will spend hours here watching birds, squirrels, and passersby.
10. Bridge-Style Cat Shelves
A cat bridge adds excitement by connecting two shelves with a fun walkway. Cats love the feeling of walking on a bridge while exploring their surroundings.
Using strong wood planks or rope makes it sturdy. Ensuring the bridge is secure and non-slip keeps it safe. This creates a unique obstacle course for your cat.
11. Hidden Cat Shelves Behind Curtains
Hiding cat shelves behind curtains creates a secret climbing zone. This idea is perfect for minimalist homes where pet furniture needs to blend in.
Lightweight fabric keeps the space breathable. Choosing soft materials adds comfort while keeping the shelves discreet. Your cat gets a private hideout, and your décor stays intact.
12. Cat Shelves with Hammocks
Adding hammocks between shelves creates a soft resting spot. Cats love curling up in hanging fabric for a cozy nap.
Using durable, washable material ensures long-lasting comfort. Secure attachments keep the hammock stable while allowing gentle movement. This is a great way to mix climbing and lounging.
13. Puzzle Piece Cat Shelves
Puzzle-shaped shelves add a playful touch to your walls. Their unique design doubles as a decorative feature while serving as an exciting climbing space.
Arranging them in different patterns makes climbing more fun. Painting them in bright or pastel colors adds a stylish touch. This idea lets you create a fully customized climbing zone.
14. Triangle Cat Shelves
Triangle-shaped shelves offer a modern alternative to traditional designs. Their unique shape adds depth and variety to your cat’s play area.
Placing them at different angles keeps climbing interesting. Mixing open and enclosed triangles provides both perching and hiding spots. This setup adds a geometric aesthetic to your home.
15. Wall-Mounted Cat Condo
A wall-mounted condo combines enclosed cubbies and open perches. This gives your cat plenty of options for play and rest.
Stacking multiple cubbies creates a tree-like effect. Providing soft bedding inside makes it the ultimate relaxation spot. This design works well in both small and large spaces.
16. Step-by-Step Climbing Wall
A climbing wall with staggered platforms mimics natural rock formations. This layout encourages your cat to jump and exercise.
Spacing the steps evenly ensures smooth movement. Adding grip-friendly surfaces prevents slipping. This is perfect for active cats who love high places.
17. Under-Stair Cat Perches
The space under stairs is often wasted, but it can be turned into a climbing paradise. Installing shelves or small cubbies makes the most of this hidden area.
Including different levels keeps the setup fun. A mix of open and enclosed spaces provides variety. This is a great way to use awkward spaces creatively.
18. Hollow Box Shelves
Hollow boxes with entry holes offer a mix of climbing and hiding. Cats enjoy jumping inside and peeking through openings.
Placing them at different heights keeps movement dynamic. Choosing lightweight materials ensures safety. This idea works well for shy cats who love cozy spaces.
19. Colorful Wall Perches
Painting wall-mounted shelves in bright colors makes them stand out. This adds personality while keeping them functional.
Matching the colors to your home creates harmony. Cats enjoy the visual stimulation of colorful surroundings. This is an easy way to personalize your pet’s space.
20. Cat Walkway Along Ceiling
A walkway running along the top of walls creates a private aerial path. Cats love surveying their territory from high above.
Securing the walkway prevents accidents. Adding escape routes ensures a safe return. This is perfect for adventurous cats who love height.
21. Rope Bridge Between Shelves
A rope bridge connects two perches, adding an adventurous jungle feel. Cats enjoy the slight movement as they cross.
Using strong rope prevents wear and tear. Keeping the bridge low reduces risk. This adds excitement to any cat climbing setup.
22. Mounted Basket Shelves
Woven baskets make soft, cozy perches. Mounting them on walls creates a floating bed.
Lining them with blankets makes them even more inviting. This is a great alternative to traditional wooden shelves.
23. Light-Up Cat Shelves
Attaching LED lights under shelves gives a futuristic touch. This makes night climbing safer and adds ambiance.
Using soft, warm lights keeps it comfortable. Motion sensors make it even more interactive. This setup turns your cat’s space into a glowing playground.
Final Thoughts
DIY cat shelves enrich your cat’s life while keeping your home organized. Whether you prefer minimalist floating shelves, adventurous bridges, or cozy hammocks, there’s a design for every home.
Which one will you try first? Grab your tools and start building a dream playground for your cat today!
