It definitely won’t come as a surprise that cats love to climb! How often have you come home, couldn’t find your cat, only to spot he or she perched in an elevated location, overlooking their territory?

While outdoor cats have infinite options when it comes to climbing, those who spend more time indoors will need some help with reaching new heights. Without dedicated places to climb and perch, you’ll often find the contents of bookcases and worktops overturned, as your cat uses your existing furniture to their advantage. 

So, if you’re thinking about adding a new dimension to your home’s design, here are our top tips on adding a stylish cat wall to offer hours of endless fun for your feline.

MAKE USE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Quite simply, you can integrate your current furniture to create a clever catwalk. Start by moving things around and clearing the tops of cupboards or shelves, which serve as perfect cat perches. Once you’re happy with the positioning, begin to assess if you could add a shelf or two to connect the various surfaces, to allow you cat to leap between destinations. Need inspiration? Check out these 5 incredible ‘catified’ homes for more cat wall ideas. 

MEASURE YOUR SPACING CAREFULLY

A clever cat wall is one which is easy for your cat to navigate, while giving them the opportunity to leap and climb. Leave 9 to 12 inches between shelves to offer a good distance for safe jumping.

ADD DESTINATIONS

By this, we mean pit-stops that offer added entertainment. Scratching posts are a great option, while making use of a window ledge will allow your cat to get up high and watch out over their surroundings. No doubt, your cat will make use of the shelves for naps too, so incorporating cosy areas with soft bedding and blankets is an idea we love too.

CONSIDER THE HEIGHT

Believe it or not, some cats prefer to be down lower. It’s not so much about being high but the act of climbing that cats love. Start your cat wall at table height and build it up. And it doesn’t necessarily need to be ceiling height, especially for older or cats who are less mobile.

KEEP IT CLOSE TO YOU

If there’s an area in your home that you spend a great deal of time in, add some shelving here so that your kitty can be close to you and play carefree, while you relax.

MAKE IT STYLISH

At StyleTails, we’re massive fans of bridging the gap between style and function. Cat climbers can definitely be a fashionable addition to your home. If you are creating your own, customise it so that it flawlessly matches your home’s décor.

BUY A READY-MADE CAT WALL

Wall-Mounted Cat Bridge

This wall-mounted cat bridge from Etsy is the ideal way to join together other points of interest on your cat wall. Install it in between shelves or other furniture to allow your cat to get from A to B with the opportunity for a snooze in the middle should they so desire. Got a larger feline? No worries, this cat bridge can take up to 40kg.

Spaceship Gamma Wall Mounted Cat Bed

Your cat wall should feature places for your cat to stop and rest — and what better spot for a catnap than this spaceship-inspired wall-mounted bed from MyZoo? Made from curved wood with a clear acrylic window for your cat’s viewing pleasure, the Spaceship Gamma also features four air holes to keep your kitty well ventilated.

Busycat Wall Mounted Hexagon Cat Perch

Create a honeycomb-inspired hive for your busy friend with these cat shelves, also from MyZoo. Mount them on the wall and give your kitty the chance to climb and explore the verticle space in your home. You can even add some points of interest like cat grass or a scratching pad.

Modcat Vertical Cat Climbing System

With a 1.2-metre sisal scratching post, this cat climbing system is a hit with its many feline fans. This cat wall uses a series of mounted planks, connected with 100% washable cotton canvas to create a vertical playground for your cat. Choose from three different shades of wood to suit your home.

Do you have any DIY stylish cat climber tips to share? Tell us in the comments below.