Cat shelves provide an excellent way to create an enriching space for your frisky feline, since cats naturally love to jump, climb, and perch up high. Experts recommend giving kitties lots of vertical space wherever possible, and wall shelves are a space-saving and practical solution. Many cat wall shelf systems feature modular designs so you can customize for your specific space and needs. Choose from a variety of wall-mounted cat shelf components to create the perfect feline playground:
Think of wall shelves for cats as a highly customizable cat tree you can hang on the wall. Although wall systems do require some basic tools and knowledge to mount properly, they're usually fairly easy to install. Most wall shelves come with clear instructions and all the hardware you need to safely install them. With a little time and know-how, you'll have a vertical playground ready for your cat in no time!
Cat shelves are perches, scratchers, and other cat-friendly components you mount on the wall for your cats to use. They can be used as standalone items, or mount multiple shelves together to create an enriching feline play space. Wall shelves make a wonderful choice for smaller spaces, multi-cat homes, bored cats, and more!
Cats don't necessarily need wall shelves, but they do provide an enriching space where your cats can play and lounge. Some cat behavior experts emphasize the importance of providing vertical spaces for felines, and wall shelves can be a good solution—especially if you don't have much room for freestanding furniture like cat trees, scratchers, and condos.
Secure cat shelves to the wall according to the product instructions. Most wall shelves for cats come with their own set of hardware for secure and easy mounting. You may need a few basic tools like a drill and screwdriver for assembly and mounting. If you feel uncomfortable mounting the shelves yourself, you can hire a handyperson to hang them for you.
You can usually put cat shelves on drywall, but check the product instructions for the best guidance. While most cat shelves allow for secure mounting in drywall and often come with drywall screws for this purpose, some heavier shelves may recommend mounting in a wall stud for added security.
Cat shelves can usually hold between 25-50 lbs. of weight, but check product details for specific weight recommendations. This range is usually enough to hold even the biggest cats and withstand impact from jumping. However, if you have larger or very active cats, you may want to find extra-sturdy shelves and consider stronger mounting hardware for added safety.
Cat wall shelves should be big enough that your cat can easily jump onto and lounge on them comfortably. For lounging platforms, look for shelves at least 10 inches wide and deep, sizing up if your cat is bigger. For components like steps, ladders, and scratchers, ideal sizes will vary. Getting a wall shelf set that goes together can help ensure it's easy for your cat to jump between components and levels.