If you have a cat your goal in life is to probably wow them. If it isnt, then you should get on it right away. There’s a cat waiting!
Ways to wow them? You can try:
Singing and dancing to them, or even better with them. Most likely they won’t be wow’d at all and will ask you to put them down.
Buying them a new toy. They might get wow’d, but most likely they are going to like the box it came in better.
Buying them a new bowl. They don’t care, it only matters what goes in it.
Dressing up like a cat. Ok, I did this over the weekend and the cats were just weirded out by it.
What I found is that the best way to wow them is to make them feel special. Rub their bellies when they provide it, rub under their chin for a few seconds longer than expected, or next time you’re reading snuggle up with your cat and let them sprawl out as big as they want.
What else do they love? Entertainment that doesn’t involve a human. Sure, they love when you play “chase the fly”(best toy ever) with them but you aren’t always home.
They love to sleep while you’re going (so they can store up all their energy for when you’re trying to sleep) but they also love to play by themselves.
DIY cat tree alternative
Instead of a cat tree, we decided that we were going to build cat shelves on our wall. This would be a spot for the cats to climb, sleep and let the cats show each other who’s boss (answer always: Xanadu).
The outcome is a series of brightly colored shelves for our kitties to climb up. Goblin loves relaxing on the shelves. He’s a little guy so he doesn’t go very high.
What you need is:
Shelves: We got 18 inch and 24 inch shelves at Home Depot. We got 2 different sizes to make it more interesting. These shelves are great because they come with their own mounting hardware.
Wall Anchors: The shelves come with wall anchors but they only hold 8 pounds. These wall anchors we got hold 50 pounds. That means the cats are safe. Heck, it means my dream can come true and all the cats can sleep together on a shelf! Oh, one day..!
Tools: Screwdriver and level
Carpet to cover Shelves: This is important so the cat has traction to climb. This also gives you a opportunity to add color to your home and make these cat shelves fit into your decor (unlike most cat furniture).
I found carpet squares at CB2 for $4 a piece. They come in playful colors which was exactly what we were looking for. We have 8 shelves but only needed 4 squares as we would be cutting them in half.
Now, time to get building. Now grab your assistants. Just kidding. They will voluntarily help.
“Dad, is it level? I think a little on the right needs to come down”.
“We’re getting paid overtime, right? We’re getting paid in Fancy Feast Broths, right?”
When the shelves are up, the cats will act like they did all the work. Just suck it up and tell them they did a good job.
Now stand back and let cats do what they do; ignore everything.
“I’m going to sit on the ladder instead of the shelves because Mom and Dad are staring at me too hard.”
And then when you least expect it… cats will start to climb!
Watch out little buddy, that’s a little too high for you.
“Ok, mom, I’ll stay on the lower shelf.”
Hope your cat loves their shelves!
If you make these cat shelves, please leave a comment or share it on Instagram with tag #brooklynfarmgirl – I’m always looking for photos to feature and share!
Looking for more cat posts? Here’s my top 4 ways on how to give a cat pill without bleeding!
Skrdykat says
Thank you for showing some even I think I can make! One question, how do you apply the carpet, glue? Staples?
Pamela says
We used glue. Have fun, hope your cat enjoys! 🙂
Rhonda & Pikka =^^= says
Hi Pamela, Thanks for the great inspiration!!! I just bought 2 sets of 4 shelves, so I can install a set in two different rooms. I visited CB2 yesterday and they no longer sell FLOR carpet tiles, but I ordered a bunch of samples from them online (6″ x 6″ each). Can’t wait to install them and mix it up with the carpet tiles. My demanding little calico will be very happy!
Pamela says
Awww, Calicos are the best! We’ve had 2 Calicos, Essy and FiFi Bofinkles, and they both were feisty and loving Queens! <3 Good luck installing the shelves, I'd love to see how it looks with all the different carpet tiles. Send me a pic if you can!
Allegra Rogaar says
How did you attach the carpet to the shelves? Did you glue it?
Pamela says
Yup, we glued it.
guy w/cat says
This is a great idea with simple shelves going up the wall, simple=elegant and my cat likes shelves.
Pamela says
Thanks! Hope your cat enjoys it!
Colleen Canyon says
Hey can you send a link to the CB@ carpet squares for $4? I don’t see that on their site. Thx!
Colleen
Michelle M says
Hi wanted to know if you have found an alternative product for the cb2 carpet tiles as they no longer sell it. I would still love to keep the concept of the bright colors!!
Thanks
Pamela says
Hey Michelle, if you google carpet squares you’ll see many different kinds, colors and prices. You can visit a local carpet store to see if they have carpet samples too! Also if you go to Lowe’s or Home Depot you can find really cheap carpet that range in colors – just get the size cut you need.
Jamie says
Where did you buy the carpet squares? I’m not sure what CB2 is. Thanks.
Pamela says
Hey Jamie. CB2 is a home store: http://www.cb2.com (you can buy from there). You can also find carpet squares to use at most carpet stores – just get a small piece and cut it or ask them if they have leftovers of a roll.
Angel says
Hello! I love this post! I’m wanting to do something like this for my handsome fella. I was wondering how they’ve held up? Thanks for the tutorial and awesome idea! 🙂
Pamela says
Hey Angel – Thanks! Shelves are still up and running for the kitties to explore and hang out on. Hope your handsome fella enjoys! Would love to see a picture if you build them!
Emma says
Really lovely shelves! It’s true, cats absulutely LOVE being high up above the ground. It’s a good way for them to check on their owners 😉
Mary Celichowski says
Hi, Looks great. How do you attach the wall anchors to the shelves? SORRY for being ignorant.
Pamela says
Hey Mary, you screw the shelf bracket into the wall anchor. After that, the actual shelf slides onto the bracket. Hope that helps!
Trevor says
Can you tell us where to find the wall anchors that you used?
Pamela says
Hey Trevor, any home improvement store will have them, Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.
Trevor says
Thanks for the reply! Are there products that are labeled specifically to allow for the floating shelf look? I have bought corner brackets before, but they don’t provide the same aesthetic as the ones you use.
Pamela says
Hey Trevor, the shelf comes with a included wall bracket that slides into it to give it the floating look. The wall anchors get covered by the shelf – and aren’t anything special – anchors are anchors, what gives it the floating look is the shelf/bracket. Hope this helps.
Hayley says
Pamela,
I’m about to do these shelves in our loft. Might as well use our insane ceiling height for kitty. How far apart did you place the shelves and how high is each shelf from each other?
Pamela says
Hey Haley. There’s a range of 12-16 inches in height. We did a variation just to mix it up, with the higher numbers closer to the ground. With distance apart, we mixed that up too just to make it look more interesting. There’s some that are 5 inches apart, while others overlap one another so the cats can just pull themselves to the next one, instead of jumping completely (example is this pic: http://d1czgk0286f186.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/How-to-Build-Cat-Shelves_14.jpg). Take a pic once they’re done! 🙂
Aaron Dady says
One last question, do you happen to have the SKU for the shelves you used?
Pamela says
Hey Aaron, here is the link to the 18 inch shelf: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-17-7-in-W-x-7-75-in-D-x-1-25-in-H-Black-Slim-MDF-Floating-Shelf-9084638/203631480 Hope your cat (cats?!) have fun! 🙂
Aaron Dady says
Thank you! And I just have one kitty (for now). My first one since living on my own, and he’s a four month old grey with black spots and striped coon cat named Mozart. 🙂 So far I think I’m doing well for my first introduction to fatherhood haha!
Pamela says
Awwww, Mozart is going to love these shelves (and Dad for putting it together for him!).
Aaron Dady says
Never mind! I do see where you answered this question in previous comments. Thanks again for your guide! You and your cats are very cute. 🙂
Aaron Dady says
This is an excellent tutorial!! I’ve been looking to create some cat shelves but hadn’t been able to find a guide that doesn’t require a bunch of measuring, cutting, saws…basically things that I don’t have readily available. I do have one question though: how did you adhere the carpet to the shelves? Did you use carpet glue or staple it down?
Ali says
Yes! I have been thinking about putting some of these in my closet to give them a food bowl that won’t constantly be under by the dog. Thank you so much for the tutorial!
Colleen says
My kitty would be heaven!
Mitersawbuzz says
Love these shelves and love your style as well!! Your cats are beautiful.
Pamela says
Thank you!
kelly says
Aww how adorable i want more cats! they are so cute.
Tracy Williams says
Wow Pamela! Great idea for the cat’s entertainment…I too have a cat and I am going to do this for her and I know she is going to love it. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.
Carol says
How did you adhere the carpet to the shelves?
This is my next project, I have just the space for it. All of my babies love Fancy Feast. They especially love the Gravy Lovers.
Pamela says
Hey Carol, I used epoxy. Hope your kitties enjoy their new shelves!
Suzzette says
Would E6000 be safe to use to adhere the carpet?
Pamela says
I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
This is such a cool idea and oh so true! Cats certainly do love climbing up high, mine always used to climb to the top of my wardrobe and sit there all day!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
What a great idea – I am sure my cat would love these. I have been wanting to do some sort of shelves like this for her, but we can’t in our rental…. that makes me sad – we need to get a house!
Sophie says
hahahahahhaha! What a fun post this is! Lucky cats! xxx
Rhonda Martin says
I love cats and have two that are sisters. They are about 9 months old and love to climb~! This would be perfect for them. I need to do this. Thanks for sharing it. I’ve pinned it to my How To Pinterest board. Your cats are just adorable.
Pamela says
Thanks Rhonda, I think your cats will love it! Since they are sisters, do they snuggle? I want cats who snuggle but sadly none of ours does (except the boys who occasionally let their tails touch). 🙂
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
You totes make me want a kitty cat. 🙂 Your babies sure are beautiful.
Pamela says
Yes, you need a kitty! 🙂
Cassie says
The Siamese cats are absurdly cute–in the best way! <3
Pamela says
Siamese are the best Cassie, they’re so smart and loving!
Dee @ The Kitchen Snob says
These pictures had me chuckling. So cute! Love the shelves. Love the Fancy Feast broths. My cats eat them every morning! Your kitties are the best blog models.
Pamela says
Haha, thanks Dee. Goblin just poses in the most ridiculous ways naturally.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
You have some happy kitties! My cats would love this too.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I have wanted to do this fr ages, but I have a feeling that my cats would’t be interested. They would much rather sit in a box.
Patty says
I plan to affix two baskets to the top shelves. Done!
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies says
Why you gotta show us all up? My boys would loooove climbing shelves, but I have all around too much crap to give up that kind of wall space (sorry, fur babies!) so they get a lame, normal kitty tower. If I ever get myself more organized, this is definitely something I’d do. At least I give them Fancy Feast broths, right? I keep them on hand so if the boys are ever being finicky about eating a particular flavor of food, I can pour the broth right on top and every body wins. Especially Chester, because he steals the chunks and runs away with them 🙂
Pamela says
That’s a great idea about pouring them on top of food that they are being finicky about. Our kitty patrol sure are picky sometimes. 😉