10 Cat Climbing Wall Plans You Can Make Yourself at Home (Including Pictures)

Pet ownership comes with many perks, one of which is the opportunity to provide enrichment for your furry friends. Cats, in particular, require stimulation in their environment to maintain their physical and mental health and prevent unwanted behaviors. This often means investing in new toys, scratching devices, and climbing features to keep them engaged and entertained. Cat climbing walls are a fantastic way to meet these needs while also adding a fun and exciting element to your home.

Building a cat climbing wall can be a rewarding DIY project that allows you to customize the design to fit your space and decor. While pre-made cat walls are available for purchase, creating your own climbing wall can be more fulfilling and cost-effective. Here, we will explore 10 DIY cat climbing wall plans that you can start on today.

1. Cat Shelves – madlab5
This DIY cat climbing wall plan involves using 1×8 pine boards, paint, Liquid Nails, carpet sections, shelf brackets, and drywall screws. By following the tutorial provided by madlab5, you can create custom kitty landing pads for your cat to climb and jump around. Adding decorative brackets and carpet covers for grip and comfort will enhance the overall look and functionality of the climbing wall.

2. DIY Cat Perches
Using PVC pipe, PVC caps, screws, cardboard, rope, and cloth, you can create a wall-mounted playground for your cat. Wrapping and gluing rope around the PVC pipes will provide a secure foothold for your cat to climb and explore. This DIY project is relatively easy to complete and can be customized to suit your cat’s preferences.

3. Ultimate DIY Indoor Cat Playground
For a more elaborate cat climbing wall, consider building a DIY indoor cat playground using scrap lumber, tape, wood glue, rope/twine, and carpet scraps. This project involves creating bridges, hideaways, scratching posts, and perches for your cat to enjoy. While it may require some intermediate woodworking skills and tools, the end result will be a comprehensive and engaging play area for your feline friend.

4. Apartment-Friendly Cat Wall
If you’re looking for a renter-friendly option, this cat shelf plan is a great choice. Using carpet, shelves and brackets, drywall screws, pine board, and rope, you can create a simple yet functional climbing wall for your cat. The design is easy to install and remove, making it ideal for apartment dwellers who want to provide enrichment for their pets without causing damage to the walls.

5. Easy DIY Cat Climbing Wall – mamaandmore
This creative DIY cat climbing wall plan utilizes bath mats, a wood crate, plywood or boards, screws and shelf brackets, glue, and staple gun staples. By repurposing old materials, you can create a unique and colorful climbing wall for your cat. The tutorial offers tips on creating sturdy shelves using wood scraps and a staple gun for added security.

6. Cheap Cat Climbing Rope Wall – ikeahackers
For a budget-friendly option, consider this cat climbing wall plan that uses a sisal rug, screw hooks, wire, shelf brackets, and doormats. By attaching a sisal rug to the wall, you can create a simple yet effective climbing path for your cat. This project is easy to complete and provides a safe and engaging environment for your pet.

7. DIY Floating Cat Steps – charlestoncrafted
These floating cat steps are both functional and stylish, featuring 1×4 boards, pocket hole screws, wood glue, and rope. By mounting four shelves to a backing board, you can create a floating effect that allows your cat to climb to high-up destinations with ease. This project may require intermediate woodworking skills but will result in a sleek and modern climbing wall for your cat.

8. Modern Floating Cat Shelves – brooklynfarmgirl
For a minimalist and contemporary look, consider building modern floating cat shelves using decorative floating shelves, carpet squares, wall anchors, and screws. By choosing bracket-free shelving with colored carpet squares, you can create a sleek and stylish climbing wall for your cat. Be sure to check the weight capacity of the shelves to ensure they can safely support your cat’s weight.

9. Cat Shelves with Scratching Post – worstontheblock
This cat shelf plan incorporates quarter round, sandpaper, stain/paint, screws, and wall anchors to create a stylish and functional climbing wall for your cat. The addition of a sisal-wrapped post provides a new way for your cat to scale the wall and reach new heights. While the post may require some additional planning and construction, it adds a unique element to the climbing wall design.

10. Cat Adventure Wall – littlethings
For a creative and multifunctional climbing wall, consider building a cat adventure wall using 1×6 boards, carpet pieces, LED strip lights, rope, beads, screws, and sandpaper. This project features box shelves, a covered hideaway, a perch reachable by a rope bridge, and other fun features for your cat to explore. By incorporating LED lights and decorative elements, you can create a visually appealing climbing wall that enhances your home decor.

When securing cat shelves to the wall, it is essential to prioritize safety and stability. Always consider your cat’s weight, the size of the shelf, and the type of wall anchors or screws you will use. Wall studs should be used as anchor points whenever possible, and drywall anchors should be used for additional support. Ensuring that the climbing wall is securely mounted will prevent accidents and keep your cat safe while they play and explore.

In conclusion, building a DIY cat climbing wall is a fun and rewarding project that can provide enrichment and stimulation for your feline companion. By following these 10 DIY plans, you can create a customized climbing wall that suits your space and your cat’s preferences. Whether you opt for a simple shelf design or a more elaborate indoor playground, your cat is sure to appreciate the new and exciting environment you have created for them. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your materials, and get started on building your cat’s perfect play place today!