DIY Floating Cat Shelves: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Cats are notorious for their love of high places, offering them a commanding view of their kingdom and a sense of security. While commercial cat trees can be expensive and bulky, a fantastic alternative is creating your own stylish and space-saving floating cat shelves. These DIY projects allow for complete customization, enabling you to perfectly match your décor and your feline friend’s preferences, whether that’s a sleek, minimalist design or a cozy, carpeted haven. You can choose the perfect size, shape, and placement to cater to your cat’s unique personality and your home's aesthetic.

This guide will empower you to build beautiful and functional floating cat shelves, transforming your walls into exciting new feline playgrounds. Forget pricey store-bought options and get ready to unleash your inner craftsman (or craftswoman!) with this simple, step-by-step project that’s sure to impress both you and your furry companion. Let’s dive into the process and start building!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Two-by-fours
  • Plywood
  • Pine boards
  • Deck screws
  • Drill
  • Countersink bit
  • Sander
  • Radial arm saw
  • Glue
  • Pin nails
  • Spackle
  • White paint
  • Stud finder
  • Level
  • Carpet
  • Staple gun
Safety Guidelines
  • Ensure shelves are securely mounted to studs in the wall using appropriate weight-bearing hardware. Improper mounting can lead to shelves collapsing and injuring your cat.
  • Use non-toxic materials and finishes. Cats often lick surfaces, so avoid paints, stains, or adhesives containing harmful chemicals.
  • Regularly inspect the shelves and hardware for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged components immediately to prevent accidents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Support Brackets

    • Rip down two-by-four scraps to 2.5 inches tall and then rip two 22-inch pieces to 1 inch thick. Attach these to two-by-four brackets using pre-drilled holes, countersinking, and deck screws.
    Prepare the support brackets: Rip down two-by-four scraps to 2.5 inches tall and then rip two 22-inch pieces to 1 inch thick. Attach these to two-by-four brackets using pre-drilled holes, countersinking, and deck screws.
    Prepare Support Brackets

  2. Cut Plywood Shelves

    • Cut the plywood shelves to your desired dimensions. Consider the cat's size and weight to avoid excessive overhang.
    Cut the plywood shelves to your desired dimensions. Consider the cat's size and weight to avoid excessive overhang.
    Cut Plywood Shelves

  3. Prepare Pine Boards

    • Cut and prepare pine boards for the shelf fronts and sides. Leave a gap at the top for carpeting.
    Cut and prepare pine boards for the shelf fronts and sides. Leave a gap at the top for carpeting.
    Prepare Pine Boards

  4. Sand Wood Pieces

    • Sand all the wood pieces to achieve a smooth surface.
    Sand all the wood pieces to achieve a smooth surface.
    Sand Wood Pieces

  5. Assemble Shelves

    • Glue and nail the pine boards to the plywood, creating a frame. Use the wall mount to help create the inset for the carpeting.
    Assemble the shelves: Glue and nail the pine boards to the plywood, creating a frame. Use the wall mount to help create the inset for the carpeting.
    Assemble Shelves

  6. Fill and Smooth Imperfections

    • Fill holes and imperfections with spackle and sand smooth for a clean finish.
    Fill holes and imperfections with spackle and sand smooth for a clean finish.
    Fill and Smooth Imperfections

  7. Paint Shelves

    • Paint the shelves white (or your preferred color).
    Paint the shelves white (or your preferred color).
    Paint Shelves

  8. Locate Wall Studs

    • Locate studs in the wall using a stud finder. Pre-drill holes for screws.
    Locate studs in the wall using a stud finder. Pre-drill holes for screws.
    Locate Wall Studs

  9. Mount Shelves to Wall

    • Securely attach the support brackets to the wall studs using screws, ensuring they are level.
    Mount the shelves: Securely attach the support brackets to the wall studs using screws, ensuring they are level.
    Mount Shelves to Wall

  10. Attach Carpeting

    • Attach carpeting to the top of the shelves.
    Attach carpeting to the top of the shelves.
    Attach Carpeting

Read more: DIY Cuddly Cat & Dog Bed: A Super-Warm, Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Don't extend the shelves too far from the wall to prevent bending if cats lean on the edge.
  • Use plenty of nails to secure the pine boards to the plywood while the glue dries.
  • Ensure that the shelves are securely mounted to the wall studs for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Support/Uneven Weight Distribution

Reason: Using shelves that are too thin, too small for the cat's weight, or not properly secured to the wall can lead to collapse or wobbly shelves, potentially injuring your cat.
Solution: Use sturdy, appropriately sized shelves and ensure they are firmly attached to wall studs with heavy-duty screws and appropriate wall anchors.

2. Neglecting Safety Considerations

Reason: Sharp edges, protruding screws, or unsecured wires can lead to injuries for your cat. Inadequate edge protection makes the shelves unsafe for climbing and playing.
Solution: Sand down any rough edges, cover screws with caps, and use protective materials like silicone or edge banding to prevent injuries.

FAQs

What kind of adhesive should I use for my floating cat shelves?
Strong construction adhesive is best for securely mounting the shelves. Look for one specifically designed for use with wood and your wall type (drywall, etc.). Ensure it's rated for the weight of your cat and the shelves combined.
How do I make sure the shelves are safe and won't fall?
Safety is key! Use plenty of adhesive and consider adding extra support like L-brackets or strategically placed screws if needed, particularly for heavier cats or larger shelves. Always test the weight capacity before letting your cat use them.