Guide 2 min read
How to plan a cat climbing wall
Turn a bare wall into a climbing route your cat will use: how to plan the path, space the steps and mount everything safely.
Cats live in three dimensions. A climbing wall gives them height to explore and a lookout to watch the room from, without taking any floor space. That makes it one of the best things you can do for a cat in an apartment. A little planning makes the difference between a wall your cat loves and one it ignores.
Pick the wall
Choose a wall in a room where people spend time: cats want to be up high near you, not alone in a spare room. A wall near a window is even better. Make sure there’s clear space underneath, with no sharp furniture edges where your cat lands.
Plan a route, not just shelves
Think of it as a path with a start, a middle and a destination.
- An easy way up. The first step should be low enough to reach from the floor, or from a sofa arm or cabinet.
- Steps in between, like the multi-level Parkour or the Mural Tower.
- A reward at the top: a hammock or perch where they can settle and watch.
- A way down. Avoid dead ends: a cat that feels trapped at the top won’t go back up.
Before drilling, tape paper outlines on the wall to see how the route flows.
Space the steps comfortably
A common rule of thumb is about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) between steps, measured both up and across. Go closer together for kittens, seniors and heavier cats, and stagger the steps so your cat isn’t jumping straight up.
Mount it safely
- Screw into wall studs wherever you can, or use anchors rated for the weight of your cat jumping, not just sitting.
- Follow the instructions and hardware that come with each piece.
- Give each piece a firm tug before your cat tries it, and check the screws every few months.
- Renting? Check your lease before drilling, and keep the screws and anchors so you can patch the holes when you move.
Add a place to scratch
Climbing and scratching go together. A slim wall scratcher along the route, mounted at stretching height, gives your cat somewhere to scratch on the way up.
Start small and add more
You don’t need the whole wall on day one. Start with two or three pieces, see how your cat uses them, then extend the route. The Mural pieces are designed to work together.
- Getting started: the Small Space Starter Set: a hammock, a wall scratcher and a corner protector.
- A real climbing route: the Wall Playground Set: the Parkour, the Hammock and the Wall Scratcher.
- Floor to ceiling: the Cat Climbing Wall Set or the five-piece Mural System Kit.
