Best Cat Shelves

Want a happy cat? Giving your feline friend a place to climb and look down from can make a big difference. Cat shelves provide both physical fun and a quiet spot.

Cats naturally enjoy high places. A good shelf lets them exercise and feel safe. It’s like their own little lookout tower, but on your wall.

This guide shares our top cat shelves. We also cover wall-mounted play towers and build-your-own sets. You’ll find options with steps, bridges, and even hammocks.

Best Cat Shelf Reviews

We checked out our favorite cat shelves. These are all available in the UK. Here’s what we found.

1. Pawhut Wood Cat Shelves Wall-Mounted

Summary

The Pawhut Shelf is a curved, well-made cat shelf. It uses good quality MDF with a smooth finish. It’s about 21cm high, 41cm long, and 28cm deep. This shelf holds cats up to 4.5kg.

You attach it to the wall using a board under the shelf. This keeps it firm and safe. All needed parts come with it. We found it very simple to put up. You can buy more than one to make a climbing spot. Our cat loves the soft Berber fleece cushion. It’s also very good value.

What we like:

• It’s very simple to put up, instructions are clear.
• Holds cats up to 4.5kg.
• Features a soft Berber fleece cushion.

2. 7 Ruby Road Cat Hammock

Summary

This isn’t a typical cat shelf. But we really like the Ruby Road hammock and climbing posts. It has several rope-covered climbing posts. The hammock design is unique and looks great. It fits your cat well for lounging.

The set is simple to put together. It comes in separate pieces. You attach it to the wall using the included screws. Detailed instructions and even a video guide are provided. It’s a great space saver and offers good value.

What we like:

• A soft hammock gives your cat a cozy spot to rest.
• Rope-covered posts are good for gripping and clawing.
• It measures 53.3cm x 47cm x 7.6cm.

3. IK Style Wall Mounted Cat Shelf With 3 Steps

Summary

This is a DIY set by IK Style. It includes a cat shelf and three steps. The shelf has an extra soft cushion for your cat’s comfort. The cushion stays attached to the shelf, so it won’t slide off.

These shelves are made from solid pine wood. They can hold up to 30kg. The main shelf measures 54cm by 43cm. The smaller steps are 20cm x 23cm. Use raw plugs, like red ones, and 60mm x 5mm screws for a secure fit.

What we like:

• Good for homes with several cats.
• You can create your own setup.
• It can hold up to 30kg.
• Works with other IK Style items for a larger play wall.
• Screws are not included, so you’ll need to buy them.

4. Wall Mounted Soft Cat Bed

Summary

This cat shelf is very sturdy and a good value. It comes with a soft bed that attaches right to the shelf. The shelf itself is made from untreated plywood. It’s quite heavy, so use longer screws to make sure it’s secure on your wall.

The product is well-made and solid. You won’t worry about it breaking. The beds are removable and you can machine wash them. You can use several of these beds on one wall if you have multiple cats.

What we like:

• Attaches to the wall without fuss.
• The soft bed cover comes off and is machine washable.
• A raised edge helps keep your cat safe while up high.
• It measures 45cm W x 42cm D x 21 cm H.
• Screws or raw plugs are not included.

5. IK Style Large Wall Mounted Cat Bridge Walkway

Summary

The IK Style cat bridge goes well with the IK Style cat shelf with steps. That was product number 3 on our list. This bridge adds more fun to your DIY cat shelf setup. With it, you can make cool climbing paths for your cat to reach high spots. Just like the other kit, this bridge doesn’t come with screws. You’ll need to buy your own.

What we like:

• The bridge is about 100cm long when installed.
• It has a maximum weight limit of 20kg.
• You can use it with other kits to build an amazing climbing wall.

6. IK Style Wall Mounted Cat Play Platform

Summary

We like this cat play platform from IK Style. It has three levels, taking cat shelves up a notch. This platform is great for giving your cat many spots to perch. It also gives them a safe way to get high up.

The platform is made from solid pine wood. It attaches to the wall in many places, making it very sturdy. It’s safe for several cats, holding up to 20kg total. You’ll need your own screws to install it. When put together, it measures 130cm x 100cm.

What we like:

• It comes in two colors: black and white.
• Great for multiple cats, with a 20kg weight limit.
• It’s easy to keep clean.

What To Consider When Buying Cat Shelves

Picking out a cat shelf might seem easy. But here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy one for your kitty.

• How much does your cat weigh?
• What materials and textures does your cat prefer to relax on?
• Is the shelf simple to install?
• Is your wall solid, or is it a stud wall?
• How high can your cat jump? Will you need steps for them?
• What materials will look best with your home décor?
• Can you wash or clean the shelf easily?

Once you think about these points, you’ll be ready to choose your cat shelves.

Benefits Of Having Cat Shelves

Adding cat shelves to your home can solve several common issues for cat owners. Here’s how they can help.

• Cat shelves provide a secure spot for cats to go when they feel afraid. They don’t have to hide under beds or couches.
• Shelves can help an overweight cat stay active. They’ll jump from one shelf to the next.
• Good-looking cat shelving can also add to your home’s style.
• Cat shelving offers a play area for your kitten that doesn’t take up floor space.
• Shelves keep indoor cats busy and moving, even without going outside.
• Many cat shelves come with cat beds or hammocks already built-in.

Buying Guide For Cat Shelves

Choosing the right cat shelf makes your cat feel truly at home. You have many ways to give your cat a high spot in your house. Options include cat trees, shelves, and perches. Even small homes can use cat shelves if a cat tree won’t fit. Here’s what to think about when you look for a cat shelf.

Weight Limits

Is your cat a bit on the heavier side? The weight of your cat really matters when buying shelves. Make sure the shelf can hold your cat’s weight. If not, it could fall when your cat is using it. Most cat shelves list their weight limit. Check that the limit is higher than your cat’s weight.

Construction Materials

You need to check the material of the cat shelf and its quality. This tells you if the shelf will last. It should also appeal to your cat. Pick a material your cat will like walking and sleeping on. Cat shelves are flexible. You can easily add your own blankets or cat beds to a shelf. This can help attract your cat to it.

The Size

Cat shelves come in many sizes, lengths, and shapes. Think about your wall space. Do you have room for the shelf to fit well? Can you fit more than one? You might also need to move decorations. This ensures they won’t get in your cat’s way as they jump or play.

Maintenance

You should clean cat shelves often. Your cat is an animal after all. They might drool, vomit, or even have an accident there. Buy a cat shelf that’s simple to clean and keep in good shape.

Many cat shelves have anti-slip fabric stuck to them. This makes them hard to clean. The best designs have a cushion or carpet you can remove or change. This makes cleaning quick and easy.

Stability

Cats like high places because they feel safe there. But a wobbly shelf isn’t good. If it shakes or creaks when your cat jumps, they won’t feel safe. They probably won’t use it again. Look for a cat shelf that can mount to one or more wall studs. The studs will hold the shelf firmly. This helps keep it from falling.

Shelf Design

Solid wood shelves are usually more stable than shelves made of particleboard. Some shelves are single units. Others use mounting brackets. Some come with cat beds attached. Look for curved beds or beds with a raised edge, like a marshmallow bed.

Floating shelves can look nice, but they might not hold your cat’s weight over time. If you choose a floating shelf, be careful about its maximum weight capacity.

Shelf Anti-Slip Coverings

Most cat shelves should have carpet or fabric to stop your cat from slipping. Metal or plain wooden shelves are not always safe for climbing. Try to buy a shelf with a non-slip surface, like rope or carpet. We suggest picking one with tough material. This helps keep your cat from scratching it up.

Assembly And Installation

The best cat shelves might take a bit more effort to set up than cheaper ones. But it doesn’t always have to be hard. You can find some that are easy to hang.

Higher-end shelves are often heavier. A few might need two people to install due to their size and weight. Look for cat shelves you can easily put together and install yourself. This can save you money on hiring someone.

What to Look For in Cat Shelves

Cat shelves are more than just furniture. They give your cat a safe place to play, rest, or hide. Larger cats will like bigger, more stable platforms. Homes with multiple cats might need many shelves for running and jumping. Pick from our reviewed shelves. Think about your cat’s habits to find the perfect one for them.