Cat shelves are a type of platform that creates more vertical space for pussies. Cats love to climb on things and stand up there, and shelves are a convenient way to give them that fun. To place them, choose a place, the type of shelf and its design. Finally, install them on the wall.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Place
Step 1. Choose a safe place
This is very important. Remember that the cat will not only sleep in them, but jump and run on the shelves. This means they must stay away from things that can be broken.
Shelves should be away from televisions, cabinets with expensive objects, sofas and beds. You don't want him to come off the shelf by jumping on you during a movie or while you sleep
Step 2. The place should be one that the cat frequents
Don't install shelves in a room or place he never goes. Access to them must be natural.
If it is, for example, more in the living room, that is where the shelves should be installed. If he likes to sleep in the guest room, put the shelves there
Step 3. The height must be adequate
As for this decision, take into account how high your cat can jump. If he's fat, elderly or has mobility issues, the shelves should be lower.
- Instead of making it jump vertically, you can place several horizontal shelves to create a room with different heights.
- Put some of them closer together. Instead of leaving a large vertical space between them, place them closer together.
Step 4. Make a map of the shelves
Before installing them, use a pencil to draw lines where you want to put them on the wall. So you can plan your design and layout.
This must be done in advance. Otherwise, it may happen that you don't like the result and have to take it all over again
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the shelves
Step 1. Choose different sized shelves
This will ensure your pussy has access to variety. Some should be longer and others wider. You can find shelves with various types of rounded edges or in other shapes.
Try placing long shelves over doors and a few short ones to serve as a step. Several cats can use them
Step 2. Decide on a design type
It is possible to arrange the shelves in several ways. It can be diagonally, with the shelves forming a sort of ladder.
You can make a zigzag pattern by placing two or three shelves diagonally and changing the direction on the way up
Step 3. Cover them with something
Use carpet or paint. Be creative and make them match the decor. If you use a carpet, the cat will have something to scratch.
Use square carpets to add individual colors to objects
Step 4. Buy shelves
Ready-made shelves for cats can be found in pet shops or online stores. It is easier to buy them ready-made, as they come with installation accessories (French grip, screws, etc.).
They can be expensive. Some can cost more than two hundred reais. It's much cheaper to do it at home
Step 5. Make your own shelves
If you want to make them yourself, use different sizes. For example: one 50 cm and one 80 cm. Or take a wooden plank of about 0.6 x 1, 80 m and others a little bigger.
It is possible to use shelves of books or objects, easily found in home and construction stores
Part 3 of 3: Installing Cat Shelves
Step 1. Place carpet on shelves
Cut it into pieces so they are the right size for the shelf and nail them to the wood.
Try buying square pieces of carpet instead of a roll. Stores often have patches
Step 2. Place the supports on the wood
In order for the shelves to be attached to the wall, some type of support will be needed. The little French hands (L-brackets) are a good option. Screw one end under the board, being careful not to go through the wood.
The longer side should go to the wall. Attach the board to the shorter side of the bracket
Step 3. Purchase suitable screws and bushings to support the weight
If you buy ordinary shelves, it runs the risk of falling if your cat is too heavy. They normally support a maximum of 5 kg. Therefore, use long, strong wall plug screws so that the assemblies hold between 20 and 25 kg.
Always check the weight limit for cat shelves. She needs to support more than the cat's weight
Step 4. Use a leveler before installing the shelf
Align the shelf and the little French hands in the right place and check the level with a spirit level. With a pencil, mark the place where you will use a drill to screw on the wall.
If someone can help you, it will be even easier because you can put the screws on the spot
Step 5. Fit the shelf to the wall
After marking the place, place the other side of the little French hand on the wall. With the drill, secure the bracket to the wall with screws and dowels.