Before CATWALK

REWARD YOUR CURIOUS CAT WITH A CREATIVE SHELF ARRANGEMENT

Cats like to climb (and claw) but life indoors doesn’t offer many human-approved opportunities for these pastimes. If a cat tower isn’t cutting it as a tree substitute or scratching post, create your own pet playground using off-the-shelf shelves!

Go up the wall

First, select a wall on which to install floating and bracketed shelves – in a living area is ideal, so your cat can rise above it all without missing out. Plan the design by measuring the wall –and the cat! – to work out the number of shelves, their lengths and distance between them. A staggered layout is perfect so kitty can move gracefully from ledge to ledge.

Check floating shelves are rated to hold the weight of your cat. If using raw timber with brackets, apply a non-toxic finish and leave it to cure thoroughly before installing. For top shelf access, create a cat-sized cut-out using a jigsaw.

On plasterboard walls, locate the studs and noggins with a stud finder. Use painter’s tape to mark the bracket locations centred over the studs, then mark the fixings on the tape, checking they’re level. Secure brackets to the wall and screw shelf panels to brackets. For masonry walls, use wall plugs and avoid fastening into the mortar joints. Attach a jute scratching mat with self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape to a shelf or two for your cat to scratch, and tie on toys. Then sit back and watch them tread the boards!

ABOVE Catwalk made using Flexi Storage decorative shelving in Gloss White in various sizes. Carinya 210mm x 170mm x 30mm x 15mm stayed brackets in Natural Pine, $5.48 each, I/N: 0091704. Decorated with a selection of toys, bowls and treats from the pet aisle at Bunnings‡. Baxter Bone ‘Cave’ pet bed in Charcoal, $79/one size, I/N: 0439310‡. Happy Tails 1.3m cat tunnel, $12.98, I/N: 0364891‡. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

An indoor climbing wall with a scratching mat gives cats a place to play and burn off energy. It is also a great way to curb roaming and hunting

Keep in mind…

n When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety equipment.

n Before drilling into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power before working. If unsure, call a professional.

n Make sure you use shelf fixings and fasteners appropriate for the type of wall and for the weight of the pets.

n Ensure any indoor plants within kitty’s reach are non-toxic to pets.

Planning to put up some floating shelves?Here’s how: bunnings.com. au/install-floating-shelves

Set up a useful hub for collecting all the bits and bobs you can re-use or recycle. This DIY unit has a workbench for quick fixes, gift-wrapping and upcycling tasks

MAKE IT

DIY RECYCLING

HUB, SEE PAGE 74