26 DIY Cat Shelves and Climbing Walls for 2025

Cats are natural climbers, always curious and eager to explore.

Providing them with dedicated climbing walls and creative shelves not only satisfies their instincts but also enriches their environment.

Whether you’re looking to maximize space, enhance your decor, or simply spoil your furry friend, DIY cat shelves offer endless possibilities.

This article features 26 inspiring ideas that blend functionality with style, ensuring your cat’s happiness while elevating your home’s charm.

Cat Shelves and Climbing Wall Ideas

1. Sleek Vertical Tower

This vertical tower features a simple design, maximizing vertical space without cluttering the room.

Each shelf is spaced to challenge cats, encouraging them to jump while providing a comfortable resting place at each level.

The minimalistic natural wood finish complements a variety of home decor styles, making it an appealing choice for cat owners who prefer a subtle yet functional piece.

2. Triangular Corner Shelves

The triangular shelves tucked neatly into a corner make excellent use of often-wasted space.

The unique shape allows cats to explore and rest at various heights, providing an optimal layout for observing their environment or napping.

The bare wood aesthetics ensure that it blends seamlessly with the home environment, ideal for corners that need a touch of simplicity and functionality.

3. Cubist Play Area

This arrangement of cubed shelves on a plain wall creates a playful area for cats to climb and explore.

Each cube acts as a little room, offering privacy and a vantage point for cats.

The clean lines and uniform color keep the wall looking organized, while the varying depths of the shelves add an element of interest for the cats and visually for the home.

4. Natural Branch Wall Mount

The wall-mounted branches provide a rustic and more natural climbing experience, mimicking the outdoor environment.

Cats can enjoy the feel of real wood under their paws, enhancing their indoor activity.

This design not only serves as a practical exercise feature for cats but also as a striking natural art piece for the owner’s wall decor.

5. Ascending Wooden Shelves

Create a staircase effect with these ascending wooden shelves, offering both style and function.

Space each shelf evenly to promote play and exercise. Opt for wood in natural shades to add warmth to the room.

The staggered arrangement keeps cats engaged, encouraging them to climb up and down with ease, transforming your walls into vibrant activity zones.

6. Stairway to Haven

Design a staircase-style shelf system to give your cats a direct path up the wall. Ensure each step is wide and gently sloped for lounging and accessibility.

Use neutral-toned wood to ensure it complements your décor seamlessly.

This sleek design creates a cozy climbing experience for cats of all ages while adding a modern touch to the space.

7. Window Watcher Shelves

Enhance your cat’s view with these window-side shelves, perfectly placed for restful birdwatching.

Choose shelves that are spaced for easy climbing, catering to both kittens and senior cats. Utilize vertical space effectively by installing them near windows.

These minimalist yet practical designs make the most of small spaces, adding utility and charm to your cat’s favorite sunlit spot.

8. Scratching Post Tower

Combine a cat platform with scratching posts to create a multifunctional tower. Use vertical scratching posts with rich textures to satisfy natural instincts.

Add a wooden platform with a contrasting warm tone to elevate the design.

This smart setup not only protects furniture but also serves as a centerpiece that’s both practical and visually appealing for your space.

9. Tri-Level Perch Pads

Create a structured climbing haven for your cat with tri-level perch pads. DIY by spacing three sturdy shelves evenly to form a vertical play zone.

Use wooden brackets for stability, ensuring your cat’s safety as they climb and stretch.

The clean, minimal design effortlessly blends with decor while encouraging fun exercises like jumping between levels. Perfect for both play and rest!

10. Colorful Cube Retreats

Turn your wall into a playful paradise with colorful cube retreats. Build box-shaped shelves and paint them in bright, inviting colors to catch your cat’s eye.

The functional design allows cats to leap from one cube to another while doubling as a bold decor statement.

A lively DIY project that adds energy to your space and your feline’s day.

11. Circular Adventure Ledges

Get creative with shelves featuring large circular cutouts for a playful DIY climbing wall.

These unique pathways serve as hideaways for curious cats, enticing them to explore and perch. The interactive design invites peeking through the circles while providing secure lounging spots.

Practical and engaging, these shelves make every climbing session adventurous and entertaining for your furry friend.

12. Honeycomb Hideaway

Craft a modern masterpiece with the honeycomb hideaway. Use interconnected hexagon-shaped shelves for a geometric look your cat will adore.

This DIY project provides ample space for lounging, climbing, and playing, while the artistic design doubles as a stylish wall feature.

Perfect for multi-cat homes, this structure merges functionality and sleek aesthetics, creating a unique centerpiece for any room.

13. Modular Hex Wall

Create a dynamic climbing haven with the Modular Hex Wall, featuring a massive pegboard and hexagon-shaped boxes that can be rearranged endlessly.

Use natural wood for a neutral, refined look that fits seamlessly into any decor.

This setup is all about customizable paths, turning walls into a playground of discovery for adventurous cats.

14. Chalkboard Climber

Combine art and utility with the Chalkboard Climber.Use dark accents for the chalkboard and light-colored wood for contrast.

Attach sturdy wooden shelves to a chalkboard-painted wall, giving cats a fun climbing space while letting owners sketch routes or designs.

This idea creates a fun interactive experience for cats and a creative outlet for owners.

15. Cubbyhole Retreats

Make cozy hideaways with Cubbyhole Retreats, featuring wood units with large circular entrances.

Use smooth-finished natural wood to design spacious interiors for pads or blankets.

These versatile cubbies are perfect for creating a relaxing retreat for cats while complementing minimalist or modern decor with their clean, airy design.

16. Rope Bridge Riser

Build a thrilling climbing adventure with the Rope Bridge Riser. Connect sturdy wood platforms with thick natural fiber ropes, creating a playful yet stylish structure.

Choose warm wood tones and earthy rope textures to effortlessly blend into any room.

Ideal for multiple cats, this design brings out their inner explorer with its challenging layout.

17. Circular Portal Ledges

Transform your walls with Circular Portal Ledges, which resemble charming circular windows that pop out stylishly.

To get this look, craft smooth wooden circles with hollow centers, giving your cats cozy spots to relax.

The sleek finish doubles as unique wall decor. These floating ledges satisfy your cat’s curiosity while adding an artistic, modern flair to your home.

18. Multi-Level Lounging Shelves

Maximize vertical space and comfort with Multi-Level Lounging Shelves perfect for homes with multiple cats.

Build soft-lined wooden platforms at varying heights for layered lounging and play.

Ensure each shelf is padded for naps or observation, and align them neatly for a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

19. Playful Steps Wall

Recreate the fun of climbing with the Playful Steps Wall, arranged in an ascending step-like design.

Use wood to build shelves in different sizes and include dangling toys or scratchable accessories.

Position these elements at playful intervals to create a full entertainment system. Not only functional, this dynamic design is an eye-catching way to keep cats active in style.

20. Elegant Curved Shelves

Invite elegance into your home with Elegant Curved Shelves, designed for smooth and graceful movement.

Curve wooden shelves gently for a soft, flowing design suitable for older or more relaxed cats.

The minimalist natural wood finish blends effortlessly into modern decor while offering your cat a tranquil, elevated spot to unwind.

21. Contemporary Cat Wall

Enhance your home with a sleek cat wall unit featuring LED backlighting for a vibrant and modern touch.

Install floating shelves at varying heights to encourage climbing and jumping.

The green LED glow adds a fun, artistic feel, transforming the space into a stylish yet functional cat playground that blends seamlessly into your interior decor.

22. Jungle-Themed Cat Playground

Create a mini indoor jungle with natural wood shelves entwined with realistic green vines.

Perfectly spaced for leaping and climbing, this setup gives a sense of the wild outdoors.

The added foliage offers stimulation for cats and a refreshing, lush look for your home. It’s a decorative centerpiece that’s as functional as it is visually stunning.

23. Vertical Cat Tower

Maximize small spaces with a vertical cat tower combining multiple cubbies and platforms. Its tall structure encourages climbing and private retreats for cats.

Customize with durable, light wood to blend effortlessly with any decor.

Each level provides room to rest or play, satisfying your cat’s natural instincts while keeping your interior neat and elegant.

24. Cat Shelves with Scratching Posts

Craft versatile cat shelves that double as scratching posts. Cover each shelf with durable materials like sisal to promote natural scratching behavior.

Space them strategically for active play and climbing.

The use of earthy tones in wood makes them a subtle, stylish feature for your home while keeping your feline friends entertained and your furniture safe.

25. Playful Pegboard Climbing Wall

Transform your space with a dynamic pegboard climbing wall that’s both fun and versatile. Install a floor-to-ceiling pegboard and add tiny shelves for cats to climb and perch.

Customize with toys and accessories to create a playful, personal touch.

Perfect for cats of all sizes, this setup blends functionality with an eye-catching, modern design.

26. Triangular Nook Shelves

Add elegance and comfort with minimalist triangular shelves spaced along your wall.

These wooden nooks offer secure resting spots for cats who love to lounge and observe.

The sleek triangular design enhances both functionality and style, making it a chic decor piece that’s perfect for modern homes while giving your feline friends the cozy retreat they deserve.