Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from above. Turn your empty wall space into a viewing platform with a cat shelf. The best cat shelves give your cat more room to explore without taking up floor space. Secure installation and sturdy materials help create a setup that feels safe and inviting for daily use.
We leveraged input from our veterinarians and artificial intelligence to identify key considerations to help you find the best cat shelf.
We scanned thousands of customer reviews and ratings and scored each product based on its performance against each of the key considerations. We then considered how popular a product is with Chewy customers and combined that with its key consideration scores to create the list of the best cat shelves.
Key cat shelf considerations
Durability
It is important to consider the durability of cat shelves because they will be used by your furry friend on a daily basis. You want to make sure that the shelves are made of high-quality materials and can withstand the weight and activity of your cat without breaking or wearing out easily.
Material
The material of the cat shelves is another important aspect to consider. You want to choose materials that are safe for your cat, such as non-toxic and sturdy materials. It is also important to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance of the shelves, as cats can be messy and may scratch or shed on them.
Size and Space
The size and space of the cat shelves are important factors to consider because they need to be suitable for your cat's size and weight. You also want to make sure that the shelves are spacious enough for your cat to comfortably move around and lounge on. Additionally, consider the available space in your home and choose shelves that will fit well and not take up too much room.
Stability
Cats are known for their agility and love to jump and climb on things. Therefore, it is crucial to choose cat shelves that are stable and can support your cat's movements without wobbling or tipping over. This will ensure the safety of your cat and prevent any accidents or injuries.
Cat shelves can be very healthy for cats, providing the vertical space they need to feel safe and relax. In the wild, cats will climb trees to avoid predators and survey prey, so cat shelves are a great way make them feel more at ease, especially in multi-cat homes. Use them to create variety in your cat's surroundings and give your cat lots of new places to run, jump, climb, scratch, relax and more!
Do I need a professional to install cat shelves?
You should not need a professional to install cat shelves if you have access to basic tools and some simple DIY skills. However, you may want to call a handyman if you lack experience or for more complicated installations. Follow mounting instructions closely and call a professional if you are unsure how to mount cat shelves safely and securely in your home.
How can I give my cat more room in a small apartment?
A great way to give your cat more room in a small apartment is with cat shelves or a wall-mounted cat tree that makes use of vertical space in your home. Hang up just one or two cat shelves, or combine several to create a custom kitty playground your cat will love. You can find cat shelves for lounging, cat shelf scratching posts, wall-mounted walkways and more to build a unique cat wall in any room.
Do I need a whole wall of shelves, or will a few pieces be enough?
You do not need a full wall to see benefits. Many cats will happily use one or two well-placed perches, and you can always add steps or a walkway once you see what they like. Starting small helps you fit the layout to your space and your cat while keeping installation simple.
Are wall-mounted cat shelves a good alternative to a freestanding cat tree in a small apartment?
Wall-mounted shelves make excellent use of vertical space, so they can give the climbing, scratching, and lounging your cat wants without taking up floor area. A compact setup can match the enrichment of a freestanding cat tree in tight rooms, and you can expand it over time as needed. Just be sure each piece is hung securely and positioned where your cat can reach it comfortably.