How to Create Vertical Space Your Cat Will Love — Design a Cat Wall

When we decided to adopt a puppy, we wanted to make sure our cat still felt safe and confident in her own home, so we built a cat wall! Creating vertical space gives your cat a sense of security, independence, and fun. Plus, it’s so much more aesthetically pleasing than a bulky cat tree from the pet store! You can design shelves and perches that blend beautifully with your home while keeping your cat happy and secure. It’s more than just décor — it’s a stress-free escape zone and a playground all in one.

Benefits of a Cat Wall

Provides a Safe Retreat A cat wall gives kitty a high-up place to escape from busy household activity, which is especially helpful if you have kids or other pets. Vertical space lets your cat establish boundaries and observe their environment from a distance. This sense of security can greatly reduce the stress of territorial tension, particularly during new introductions or changes in the home. Your cat can watch from above without feeling threatened — which makes the adjustment smoother for everyone.

Promotes Enrichment & Confidence Cats thrive in stimulating environments. A thoughtfully designed wall keeps them mentally and physically engaged every day. Since cats are natural climbers, a wall setup encourages healthy movement and exploration, helping to prevent boredom and obesity. With their own vertical territory, your cat will build confidence, allowing them to engage on their own terms.

Adds Style to Your Home What's in it for the humans? Unlike bulky cat trees, wall-mounted shelves and perches save floor space. This is especially important for smaller homes or apartments. Cat walls can look sleek and intentional, blending seamlessly with your décor. You can choose finishes, layouts, and accessories that complement your space. No more carpeted towers clashing with your furniture!

Designing a Cat Wall That Works With Your Space

When we decided to build our cat wall, my husband actually drew out a full blueprint first, complete with shelf heights, climbing steps, and a cozy hammock — and of course, I had to give my final stamp of approval before construction began! Having a plan helped us visualize how everything would fit together and made the installation process go much smoother.

We also wanted the wall to feel like part of our home décor, not just a pet project. To make it more visually appealing, we added touches of greenery using fake plants — that way, it looked fresh and natural without tempting our cat to take a nibble. You’d be surprised how much life a few small plants can add to a wall design! If you're wanting to use real plants, just be sure to do your research on which ones to avoid as some may be toxic to cats.

If you’re lucky enough to have a larger wall to work with, think about creating a sense of flow from one section to the next. Cats love having multiple routes to climb, jump, and explore, so connecting shelves, bridges, or steps can make the wall feel like their own little jungle gym. The key is to make it functional for your cat while still complementing your home’s style.

Start with a Plan Even if it’s just a quick sketch, having a visual plan helps you decide how many shelves, perches, or stairs you’ll need — and where they’ll go. Take note of your wall’s dimensions and how high your cat can comfortably jump.

Think About Your Cat’s Personality Some cats are bold climbers; others prefer lounging up high and watching the world below. Design your layout around their habits. Not sure what type of climber your cat is? That's ok; neither were we! Our girl started out slow and cautious until she figured out the path we mapped out. Now she races up the wall without hesitation and can be found napping in the top hammock. The best part about our cat wall is the confidence she has found from using it.

Prioritize Safety and Stability Make sure each shelf is securely anchored to the wall and can support your cat’s weight. If your cat is new to climbing, start with lower levels and build upward once they’re confident. We also found that our shelves were too slippery for her. At first, she would slide forward once she landed on a shelf. We quickly installed some scratch pads on the floating shelves in order to provide some texture for her to grab on to. Plus, she loves being able get a quick scratch in! Which brings me to my next point...

Blend Function with Style Choose colors and finishes that complement your home’s décor. We actually purchased items that were unfinished wood, so that we could stain each piece to match the rest of the furniture in our home. This is one of the biggest advantages of a custom cat wall — it can look beautiful while still being practical.

Be sure to also mix things up! Use a combination of shelves, ramps, hammocks, or even sisal-covered sections for scratching. Adding texture will give your wall a variety for your cat to explore.

Keep It Evolving As your cat grows or your space changes, update the wall! You can always add new elements or rearrange pieces to keep things fresh and fun. There also may be some slight maintenance as kitty continues to scratch at pads and ropes.

Final Thoughts

Building a cat wall is such a rewarding project — both for you and your feline friend. It adds personality to your home and gives your cat a safe and enriching space. With a little planning, creativity, and a few sturdy shelves, you can create a vertical haven your cat will absolutely love.