Nowadays there is a range of DIY cat wall shelves and perches to suit every home and feline. From mounted shelf creations and climbing walls to hammock-style shelves and cat ledges. There’s something for every kitty to get their claws stuck into.
Just like the best cat trees, these DIY cat wall shelves and perches can help your feline friend take a much-needed perch up high, while keeping an eye on the world below them. And, depending on how far you want to take your custom creation, you could also add some of the best cat toys — like a mechanical moving mouse or a string-based toy — to your masterpiece, so it’s a place to rest and play.
DIY cat wall shelves and perches are a great addition to every cat kingdom. Especially if your kitty tends to jump up on your kitchen tabletops, curl up on the couch or pounce on the dining table. While it can feel like your furry friend is everywhere you don’t want them to be, there’s a valid reason why cats like high places: they are hardwired to seek out elevated resting spots, and the best DIY cat wall shelves and perches can help them do just that.
So along with looking good, these shelves and perches make your kitty feel safe, secure, and right at home. But they can also tap into your cat’s natural instincts by giving them a designated space to climb, rest and play. From inexpensive and compact designs that are ideal for those short on space to elaborate showpieces that take up a full wall — there really is something for every cat realm.
Undecided about whether some DIY cat wall shelves and perches are right for your home? Take a look at the best DIY cat tree plans , the top DIY cat window box plans, or the most creative DIY cat hammocks for felines. All of these creations can offer your feline greater visibility, and also provide a suitable spot to lounge.
1. DIY wall mounted cat shelves
If you’re pretty good at working out your own measurements for things and don’t need too much detailed instruction, this video by The Saunders Pack (opens in new tab) provides easy to follow visuals that walk you through the basic process of creating your own set of wall mounted cat shelves.
Cut the boards to different sizes to add some variety or attach some toys to make these shelves even more enticing.
2. Climbing wall for cats
These cat shelves courtesy of Vivianne Yi Wei (opens in new tab) are absolutely ingenious, not just because there are so many different types of shelves and angles involved in the design but also because they’re a great way of making the most of small spaces.
There’s also the option of attaching a large scratching post to one of the shelves, so you can kill two birds with one stone. This one will probably take you a bit of time, but the instructions are easy to follow and the finished product makes it well worth the labor of love.
3. DIY hammock shelves for cats
We have a feeling this one will prove pretty popular with the feline in your life thanks to its hammock design and cloth covers that will leave your kitty feeling like they’re floating on a cloud.
The instructions for this purrfect project by Aaron Fixes Stuff (opens in new tab) are nice and detailed and the materials are minimal and inexpensive, so these shelves are ideal if you’re on a budget and looking for a design that will blend seamlessly into your home
4. Cat ledge
If you’re like us and you’re not hugely confident when it comes to DIY, you’ll love this tutorial from Pet Meadow (opens in new tab) that’s been targeted at beginners.
Alongside the video there is a full set of detailed step-by-step instructions as well as a material list, so you’ll have everything you need to create and mount this shelf for your feline friend. The ledge is supported by a carpeted scratching post, so this design is perfect if you’re looking to incorporate two pieces of cat kit into one.
5. IKEA budget cat wall shelves
Another wonderfully affordable option is to use some cheap and cheerful materials from IKEA to construct your wall shelves. This idea from Liyana DIY (opens in new tab) won’t take you long to mount and your cats will love not just sleeping on them but running up and down them as well.
6. Martha Stewart’s cat window perch
Not all of us want a whole series of shelves lining our walls, so if you’re in that basket and would prefer to opt for something a little simpler, then this cat window perch courtesy of Martha Stewart (opens in new tab) is a real winner.
It still provides your feline friend with a place to perch and gives them a decent vantage point from which to survey their kingdom, but it’s more subtle and less intrusive than a full set of shelves, so you’ll find it blends into your home in a much more seamless way.
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