10 Cat Climbing Wall Ideas Your Cat Will Actually Use

Tired of spending money on fancy cat furniture only for your cat to ignore it completely? You’re not alone.

Most cats are picky, and let’s be honest—some climbing walls look better on Pinterest than they work in real life.

This list is different. I picked 10 cat climbing wall ideas that cats actually use.

They’re simple, smart, and tested by real cat parents.

10 Cat Climbing Wall Ideas

1. Floating Shelf Highway

What it is:
A series of wall-mounted shelves arranged like a pathway across the wall. Think of it like a cat skywalk.

How to do it:
Buy 3 to 5 sturdy floating shelves (at least 6 to 8 inches deep). Use a stud finder to locate wall studs and mount the shelves at staggered heights so your cat can hop from one to the next. Leave 12–18 inches between each shelf vertically and at least 16–24 inches horizontally depending on your cat’s agility.

You can add non-slip mats or carpet tiles on top of each shelf to prevent slipping. At one end, place a shelf near a tall piece of furniture or a cat tree for easy access.

What you need:

Floating shelves (IKEA Lack or similar)
Wall anchors or wood screws
Carpet grip tape or non-slip pads
Level, drill, measuring tape

Tip: Paint the shelves to match your wall or go bold with contrast if you want a statement look.

By the way, if you're into DIY Hacks stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: 5 Indoor Cat Room Ideas That’ll Make Your Kitty Purr with Joy

2. IKEA Hack Cat Ladder

What it is:
Turn IKEA spice racks or basic shelves into a stylish cat climbing ladder.

How to do it:
Use IKEA BEKVÄM spice racks or picture ledges. Mount them vertically like a ladder, each 10–14 inches apart. You can paint or stain them to match your space.

Attach sisal rope or small carpet pieces to the top of each ledge to make gripping easier for your cat. At the top of the ladder, add a resting platform or a window perch.

What you need:

4–6 IKEA BEKVÄM racks or similar
Screws, wall plugs, drill
Sisal rope or carpet tiles
Optional: L-brackets for added support

Tip: Add a small plant or two near the setup (but keep them non-toxic to cats) to make it blend into your decor.

Oh, and speaking of DIY Hacks, here’s another one you might like: 5 Kitty Corner Ideas That’ll Cozy Up Any Room

3. Corner Climber Tower

What it is:
Use the corner of a room to build a vertical cat tower using L-shaped platforms or step shelves.

How to do it:
Start from the base and move upward in the corner. Each platform should wrap around one side slightly and be wide enough for your cat to perch or jump. Use triangular corner shelves or build custom ones with plywood and brackets.

Cover the tops with soft felt or carpet and secure everything tightly into studs. You can go all the way to the ceiling or stop at a cozy perch.

What you need:

Corner shelves or plywood cut into triangles
Carpet or felt pads
Wall brackets and screws
Drill, level, stud finder

Tip: Corners feel safer for cats since they’re protected on two sides, so this is perfect for shy or senior cats.

Also, just throwing this in—this DIY Hacks post is a fun read too: Want a Cool Cat Tree? Try These 10 DIY Ideas

4. Rustic Tree Branch Wall

What it is:
A climbing wall made from real (cleaned and sealed) tree branches mounted horizontally like natural steps.

How to do it:
Find thick, sturdy branches about 2 to 4 feet long. Make sure they’re dry and free of pests. Sand them smooth, then seal them with a pet-safe clear coat.

Mount them horizontally on the wall using heavy-duty brackets or L-braces. Place each branch 12–18 inches apart in height, slightly overlapping like a staircase. You can wrap parts of each branch with sisal rope for grip and scratching.

What you need:

3 to 4 thick branches
Brackets or L-braces
Sandpaper and pet-safe sealant
Drill, screws, wall anchors

Tip: This setup looks great in a boho or rustic-styled room.

5. Corner-to-Ceiling Cat Shelf Maze

What it is:
A complex shelf system starting in one corner and wrapping around two walls, leading up to a ceiling perch.

How to do it:
Start in a corner and build shelves that zigzag from one side to the other. Use strong wall-mounted boards or ready-made floating shelves. The setup should include platforms, turning points, and one or two wide shelves as resting zones.

Add a ceiling-mounted cat hammock or a final top perch with soft bedding. This works well if your cat loves vertical space and watching from above.

What you need:

6–8 floating shelves
Wall anchors, screws, and a level
Optional: ceiling hammock or top box perch

Tip: Don’t make every shelf the same height. Cats love variety, so mix tall jumps with short ones.

6. Cat Climbing Wall with Hidden Storage

What it is:
Wall-mounted cubes or boxes that act as both cat shelves and hidden storage for toys or treats.

How to do it:
Use cube storage shelves (like IKEA EKET) and mount them securely on the wall at different heights. Cut a round or cat-head-shaped hole into the front of each cube for entry.

Line the inside with felt or cushion pads. You can leave some cubes open for lounging, and use others with doors or lids to hide clutter. Make sure all cubes are mounted into wall studs.

What you need:

Wall-mount cube shelves
Cushion or felt lining
Saw or jigsaw for entry holes
Screws, brackets, anchors

Tip: Mix in a few decorative cubes with plants or books to make the whole setup look like part of your home decor.

7. Wall-Mounted Cat Bridge

What it is:
A rope or wood plank bridge suspended between two wall-mounted platforms.

How to do it:
Install two sturdy wall shelves about 3–4 feet apart. Between them, attach a wooden plank with side rails or a thick rope bridge with wooden slats.

Use strong hooks and anchors to secure both ends. You can also buy pre-made cat bridge kits and mount them higher on the wall to mimic a jungle canopy path.

What you need:

2 shelves
Wood plank or rope bridge
Wall anchors and screws
Hooks or L-brackets

Tip: Cats love the sway and challenge of a bridge, but make sure it’s secure and close to a rest spot.

8. Bookshelf to Wall Pathway

What it is:
Use the top of a tall bookshelf as a starting point, and build shelves leading away from it across the wall.

How to do it:
Push a tall bookshelf against a wall. From the top of the shelf, mount 3 to 5 floating platforms across the wall to form a horizontal path.

Make sure the shelves are mounted into studs and spaced evenly. Add felt pads or carpet squares to give grip and comfort.

What you need:

Tall bookshelf
3–5 floating shelves
Screws, anchors, felt pads

Tip: Keep decorations minimal on the top shelf so your cat has room to leap and land safely.

9. Window Climbing Wall

What it is:
Shelves or platforms mounted around a window to let your cat climb and sunbathe.

How to do it:
Install 2–3 wall-mounted steps on each side of a window, forming a path to the window sill. Add a window-mounted hammock or a cushioned perch at the center.

If needed, hang curtains above the top level to give some privacy and shade. This works best in sunny rooms or spots your cat already loves.

What you need: