Guide
Cat wall shelves and steps: spacing, sizes and mounting
Cats like to watch from above. These are the sizes we work with and how to mount them safely.
Updated: 04/10/2026 · YAO, woodworking workshop in Barcelona
In short
- 30–45 cm vertical and 30–40 cm horizontal spacing (20–30 cm for senior cats).
- 25–30 cm deep (30–35 for large cats).
- Non-slip surface.
- On plasterboard, cavity anchors or screw into studs.
| Adult cat | Senior or small cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical spacing | 30–45 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Horizontal spacing | 30–40 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Shelf depth | 25–30 cm | 25–30 cm |
Practical measures, not a standard. A jumping cat loads far more than its resting weight: always use every fixing point.
FAQ
How many shelves?
3 to 5 pieces for a full route; start with 2.
