Cat wall shelf spacing

Build a route your cat can climb in both directions

Good cat shelves are a connected path, not isolated ledges. The right spacing depends on your cat’s size, confidence and mobility as well as the wall itself.

Start with your cat’s comfortable jump

Observe ordinary jumps between a chair, sofa and windowsill. Use that as a conservative guide, then place the first shelves lower for kittens, seniors or cats with limited mobility.

Give every landing enough depth

A shelf must accommodate all four paws and allow a stable turn. Add a non-slip surface and avoid layouts that force a cat to reverse along a narrow ledge.

Create an obvious return route

Plan more than one way down where possible. Avoid dead ends above doorways, fragile objects or busy walkways, and keep launch and landing areas clear.

Mount to the structure—not only the plasterboard

Use fixings suited to the wall material and the manufacturer’s load guidance. When in doubt, use wall studs or ask a qualified installer; adhesive mounting is not appropriate for weight-bearing cat furniture.