Jennifer and her husband from Plainfield, Illinois installed these shelves to help their cat Layla reach the top of her favorite cat tree. Here’s how Jennifer describes the project:
“Initially the idea of a having a few shelves was sparked thanks to My Cat From Hell and our cat Layla who just turned 11 and is beginning her journey with arthritis. She loves sitting on the top of our large cat perch but for a few months she had a hard time making it to the top. We wanted a way for her to still enjoy her favorite sleeping spot but make it more easily accessible.
My husband then suggested we go further with this project – let’s make it both fun and functional for all three of our cats. He built the shelves using white Rubbermaid closet shelves. Some shelves were custom cut in order to make the smaller stepping/perching shelves. To mount the shelves he used the Rubbermaid decorative shelf brackets. They come in a variety of different styles and shapes to fit a variety of decors. He then added a carpet strip to the middle of each shelf for comfort and so the cats wouldn’t slide off while climbing and jumping. I can honestly say this has been the best thing we’ve done for our cats over the past 11 years. It’s providing lots of exercise, happiness, and most of all fun.”
Layla enjoying her cat shelves.
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The Catification column on JacksonGalaxy.com is written by Cat Style Expert, Kate Benjamin. Kate specializes in environmental enhancement for living with cats and is the founder and editor of hauspanther.com, the premiere online magazine for design-conscious cat people. Kate’s design expertise and Jackson’s cat behavior know-how combine to create cat-friendly environments that are sure to please both human and feline family members alike.
We regret that Jackson does not answer questions posted in the comments. This is due to his demanding schedule and the high volume of requests he receives. But most importantly, since he has not met your cat, it would be contrary to his approach for him to give specific personalized advice for your specific situation. That being said, general questions and issues are addressed throughout this blog, in his book CAT DADDY and of course, the show My Cat From Hell.
Coool !
Must show my “dad” at once
Hi,
I was wondering if there is any way to find out where Jennifer got the quilt on her bed? My first thought while looking at it was I bet it’s homemade. But I figure it’s worth it ask.
Thanks,
Nancy
Hello Nancy…I got the quilt as a birthday gift about 3 years ago from my husband’s grandmother, she lives in PA. I’m sorry to say this but I dunno if there’s any way I could re-trace where it was purchased. It looks handmade but I know it was store purchased. Thank you for viewing my cat shelves
AND, I love the quilt! Great cat highway, BTW. My five are already clamoring for theirs!
I’m always afraid my kitties might lose their balance and fall and get hurt.
I assume that there is no tag or you would have told me. I’m also guessing that your husband’s grandmother is unable to provide any info. or you would have told me that too. Well I can view the picture and do a search and maybe I will come up with something similar. Your shelves look great! I need to put a bunch of shelves up too it would help my meower! LOL
What did you use to affix the carpet to the shelves?
Love love love your shelves. I’ve added two to my living room but your highway makes them pale in comparison!!
@Nancy…you can buy the quilt online: http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1e89 They are currently out of stock but you may be able to ask if they will be carrying them again.
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much for the info I will look into it!!!
I was a little concerned at first about the cats balancing & falling off the shelves but they’re amazing on them and so agile. Cats are built for this stuff & they make it look effortless jumping around. After seeing my 3 on them I would not be afraid to build them some…feed their wild side
My husband said he used carpet tape on some of the shelves and on the others he used double sided velcro strips. Both methods have held up well with no issues, they’re still in perfect condition & have not moves since installation.
Nicole…glad to see you found the quilt, I had no luck finding it when I contacted my husband’s grandma as she didn’t remember where she got it, it’s been almost 5-6 years since she bought it.
Hi Jackson,
I’ve now noticed I have a new problem, one of my
3 spayed females has taken to marking items in my
kitchen. I have pulled up my carpet runner, because
it was soaked in urine. I sprayed it with the Fission
and hung it over my porch railing. Will that keep
strays away as well?
I would like to know where you bought the shelves. I cant find them and I have been searcing for an hour
When I was looking for similar shelves, I found a guy selling them on Etsy. They’re really good, and the price wasn’t bad at all. This is the set we bought: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92726951/cat-wall-shelf-carpeted-set-of-2-medium?ref=shop_home_active
It ended up being just the right number of shelves for a small superhighway. I’m sure Jackson would be so proud.