Installing a wall shelf for your cat can add great vertical space and enjoyment to your home. With a DIY approach, you can create a customized shelf that perfectly fits your cat’s personality and your home décor.
Follow these DIY tips and project ideas to handcraft amazing cat-friendly wall shelves on any budget.
Benefits of DIY Cat Shelves
Building your own cat wall shelf has many advantages:
- Customize to your unique cat’s needs
- Select fun colors and designs
- Incorporate personal touches
- Cost-effective using basic supplies
- Adjust sizing to fit your space
- A creative outlet for you
- Matches your home’s style
- Learn useful new skills
- Control over the quality of materials
- Ability to repair or adjust anytime
- Satisfaction of completing a DIY project
With a DIY shelf, you control the look, quality, and features rather than relying on store-bought limitations.
Planning Your Design
Before building, think through your shelf design:
- What size cat(s) will use it?
- Single or multi-level?
- What material: wood, rope, fabric?
- Simple ledge or more complex?
- Fun theme or color scheme?
- Match existing furniture style?
- Complement room décor?
- Allow for future design flexibility?
Measure your space and cat size. Browse inspirational photos online or in magazines. Sketch your ideas before starting. Consider easy ways to modify the design later if needed.
Gather Your Materials
Standard hardware store items allow you to DIY sturdy cat shelves:
- Boards, plywood – for basic ledges
- Brackets, screws, anchors
- Sisal rope, carpet – covers
- Fabric, felt – cushions
- Wood glue, stain, paint
- Drill and basic tools
- Non-toxic plants for decor
- Adhesives and hardware
- Craft store embellishments
Many materials like scrap wood can often be sourced affordably or even free. Raid your craft supplies for embellishments. Shop discount or salvage stores. Compile all materials before starting.
Prime Building Locations
Look for these ideal spots to install DIY cat shelves:
- Above windows for sunlight
- Inside closet spaces
- On the wall beside the furniture
- Between kitchen cabinets
- Inside cat entertainment the
- Mount over doors for aerial spaces
- Add to existing bookcases or hutches
- On the backside of room dividers
- Unused nooks or crannies
Measure and find voids to place your custom-crafted shelves without interfering with home life. Look for unused vertical real estate.
Safe Mounting Practices
When installing any DIY shelf, be sure to:
- Use stud finder to locate studs
- Pre-drill holes for screws
- Follow standard mounting instructions
- Use robust brackets for weight
- Test stability before cat accesses
- Check for safety regularly
- Ensure adequately secured to the wall
Never compromise on safety just because it’s a homemade shelf. Follow the same secure mounting steps as store-bought shelves.
Simple Wall Ledge
A basic ledge can be created with:
- Half-inch plywood cut to the desired size
- Wooden right-angle brackets
- Carpet or sisal rope cover
- Stain, paint, or decorate edges
Measure bracket location to align with wall studs. Adhere to cover securely. Add edges to help contain cats.
Window Perches
Create a window lounging spot with:
- 1×6 inch boards, cut to fit
- Brackets placed at stud points
- Soft cushioning fabric atop
- Attach securely to a window sill
Consider plexiglass sides for added security on window sills. Cover with cozy fabric for comfort.
Cubby Shelves
Utilize wasted space by making cubby shelves:
- Measure void dimensions
- Cut plywood to size
- Attach L brackets to the sides
- Paint or decorate the back & sides
- Add plush cat bed inside
Great for using awkward understairs or closet spaces. Provides a cozy nook.
Multi-Level Climbers
Connect shelving for stairs and tunnels:
- Stack boards or boxes of varying heights
- Link together with wooden dowels
- Wrap sisal rope around for grip
- Attach to wall studs at the top
- Cover platforms with carpet
Add interesting layers but keep sturdy by anchoring the top. Include lookout holes and hiding spots.
Hammock Shelves
For dual lounging space try:
- Sturdy wooden shelf ledge
- Hang fabric hammock underneath
- Attach hammock corners with eye screws
- Add pillows and soft padding
- Consider removable washable cover
Great way to double cat relaxing spaces while saving floor space. Use strong hardware.
Window Box Shelves
Create an enclosed window relaxer with:
- Build simple plywood boxes to fit the space
- Cut out an opening to see the outdoors
- Hige front door for access
- Drill ventilation holes for airflow
- Add plush bedding inside
Provide your cat with a view outdoors from a cozy, safe space. Hinges allow for cleaning.
Modern Concrete Shelves
For contemporary style try:
- Forming wet concrete atop a wood base
- Let fully cure before mounting
- Smooth and sealed concrete
- Paint or stencil creative designs
- Bracket to wall with concrete anchors
- Add colorful accent pillows
With the right sealer, concrete can make very durable shelves. Get creative with artsy designs.
Rustic Wood Planks
Use old barn wood to craft:
- Reclaimed wood boards as a base
- Sand down rough edges
- Attach paired metal pipe brackets
- Stain or finish natural wood look
- Add cozy fabric cushion
- Great for farmhouse decor
Rustic wood makes beautiful sturdy shelves with vintage charm using salvaged barn boards.
Finishing Touches
Personalize your DIY shelf with fun additions:
- Paint, stencil or decoupage whimsical patterns and images
- Incorporate fabric with cat prints
- Add shelves above for cat toys
- Include dangling toys they can paw at
- Affix sisal scratch pads if needed
- Attach mini flower boxes with cat grass
- Add label with your cat’s name
- Include hideaway tunnels or cubbies
- Use colors that match your cat’s personality
The options for embellishing and customizing your homemade cat shelf are endless!
Additional DIY Shelf Ideas
Even more unique DIY cat shelf concepts:
- Tree branch shelves mounted to look like natural perches
- Mosaic tiled shelves with glass fragments and stones
- Shelves made from old recycled skateboards for durability
- Benches with built-in side cat perches and cubbies
- Sturdy baskets or hammocks hung from the ceiling as shelves
- Shelving built into cat climber furniture for extra spaces
- Placing cubbies within existing bookcase compartments
- Litter box enclosures with shelves and hideaways on top
- Shelves made from old drawers for repurposed charm
- Metal wire shelves for a minimalist modern vibe
Repurposing old items makes for inventive shelf projects. Let your creativity lead to the perfect functional shelf your cat will adore.
Usage and Maintenance
Once complete:
- Tempt cat to the shelf with treats
- Slowly increase height over time as they acclimate
- Check stability and safety regularly
- Tidy shelf area and launder bedding
- Watch for signs of wear requiring repair
- Make any adjustments needed for your cat
Don’t forget to continue safety checks and maintenance even with DIY shelves to ensure longevity. Enjoy your custom shelf and happy cat!
Ongoing Considerations
Keep these usages and care tips in mind:
- Check for rough edges and sand down
- Test weight capacity before allowing the cat
- Reinforce as needed over time
- Add anti-slip pads where needed
- Disinfect wood and fabrics
- Replace consumables like scratch pads
- Repaint or restain as required
DIY shelves allow you to inspect and make improvements at any time needed. Modify as your cat ages or your household evolves.
Troubleshooting Issues
Some common DIY cat shelf problems and solutions:
- Shelf feels unstable – Add more mounting points into studs
- Cat fearful of shelf – Gradually increase height over time
- Cat attempts unsafe jumps – Limit height, add padding below
- Cat scratches wall – Provide scratching posts, affix pads
- Materials wear out – Replace with same quality materials
- Damage from moisture – Improve water protection sealants
- Fraying fabric – Use no-pill fabric, bind edges
- Discoloration over time – Sand and refinish wood surfaces
Part of the benefit of DIY shelves is the ability to fix any problems that arise over time.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when crafting custom cat shelves tailored exactly to your cat and home decor. With some simple tools, imagination, and proper mounting techniques, you can create incredible DIY shelves to delight your feline.
Building your own shelf is very rewarding and results in quality cat furniture at a reasonable cost. Follow safety best practices combined with your unique personal flair. Soon both you and your cat will be enjoying the wonderful handmade wall-mounted shelf creation.
So grab your toolbox and get ready to DIY some amazing new shelves your beloved cat will adore!
