DIY Catio Guide: How to Build Your Own DIY Outdoor Cat Enclosure

DIY Catio Guide: How to Build Your Own DIY Outdoor Cat Enclosure

We recently finished a couple of catios and documented the building process to share diy catio ideas to give an idea of different types of spaces you can use to create an outdoor area for your cat.

*Please note that we have included links to Amazon products, which are affiliate links. This means that we may receive a portion of the sale if one is made through the provided links.

cats laying on catio chair

This first space was created shortly after moving into the area and after my cat Bronson was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. It was a project aimed at providing a relaxing outdoor space for him to enjoy during the last months of his life. We miss him dearly and know he's up in heaven picking on cats smaller than himself.

If you would like to see Bronson's before and after pics from his weight loss, please check out his Instagram page.

Inside cat tunnel with cat sitting at the top looking down.

Should I Build a Catio For My Cats?

Yes! When cats are kept exclusively indoors, they benefit from increased safety, protected from predators, cars, and other outdoor dangers. However, this also means they miss out on the environmental enrichment they would naturally experience outside.

Outdoor cat enclosures, or catios, offer a safe way for cats to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected. They provide valuable enrichment by giving cats the chance to climb, play, and lounge in a more natural environment without the risks that come with free roaming. Providing cats with these, can help prevent many common behavioral issues.

How to Make a DIY Catio

Before you get started, there are a few important things to consider. Location is key, and it helps to do a bit of homework first. Start by exploring catio ideas online to get inspiration, and then think about how something similar could work in the space you have available.

Tools Required:

  • Electric Drill
  • Hammer drill (if you're installing into cement)
  • Table saw (or a circlular saw, but it's a little more difficult to get grooves straight)
  • Miter saw
fenced in patio

Step 1 - Decide where to Build Your Catio

The most important part of a catio is creating a secure barrier to enclose the area. Whenever possible, choose a space that’s already covered—this saves a lot of work. Having a roof in place means you’ll only need to build out the walls, which is ideal since cats love to climb and are surprisingly skilled escape artists. Look for a location that offers a mix of sun and shade, easy access from a window or door, and enough space for your cat to climb, lounge, and explore.

Popular catio spots include patios, balconies, side yards, and under-deck areas. Just make sure the area is safe, easy to secure, and allows you to keep an eye on your cat while they’re outside.

catio plans with guy building

Step 2 - Create Your Diy Catio Plans

Next, it’s a good idea to decide what materials you’re going to use and get a rough sense of the design. This will help you figure out what you’ll need to purchase before getting started.

For this project, we wanted to screen out, then expand the space so we could still include our seating and continue using it as a sitting area. I also wanted to pour concrete to extend the patio, so we framed out two different doors. We decided to frame out the space with treated 2x4s and use a heavy-duty pet screen to keep bugs out, allowing the area to double as a comfortable space for both people and cats.

catio with Polycarbonate Panels
Other Suitable Catio Wall Options

A big part of this is deciding what the enclosure walls will be made of. Here are some options we suggest using:

1. Galvanized Wire Mesh (Hardware Cloth)

  • Durable, rust-resistant, and hard to chew through.
  • Use ½" or ¼" mesh to keep cats in and pests/predators out.
  • Secure tightly to the frame with fencing staples or screws and washers.

2.Chicken Wire (Poultry Netting)

  • Cheap and easy to work with, but not as durable or safe as hardware cloth.
  • Best used only in low-risk areas or doubled up with stronger mesh.

3. Heavy Duty Pet-Proof Screens

  • Great for visual appeal and shade, but must be reinforced so cats don’t push through.
  • Great for keeping mosquitos out.

4. Plexiglass or Polycarbonate Panels

  • Good wind and rain protection; still lets in light.
  • Use on at least one side for weather protection or to block neighbor views.

Step 3 - Purchase Required Cat Enclosure Materials

catio tools
boards being painted

Step 4 - Measure and Cut 2x4s

Start by measuring the height and width of each opening, which will later be framed out using the pet screen.

When I did this project, I had some extra boards, which I cut into sections slightly smaller than 2x4s. If I were to do it again, I’d recommend using standard 2x4s instead. The rubber spline I used requires a groove between 0.122" and 0.133" wide. I cut a groove down the entire length of each board, centering it using a table saw.

Step 5 - Paint/Seal Wooden Parts

Use an outdoor paint or polyurethane to protect the wood. It’s easiest to paint the grooved 2x4s before cutting them to size. That way, you can piece everything together while still having extra painted wood available in case you make changes to the design.

catio being framed out

Step 6 - Frame out Catio walls

I wanted to have a ledge going around the space, so we split the openings into two separate rectangles. Once your 2x4s are cut to length, be sure to install them with the groove facing outward, so your cat can use them as a walkway.

Begin by laying down the bottom 2x4s and securing them to the cement using a hammer drill and concrete screws. We used these 2 ¼” cement screws.

Next, continue building the walls of each rectangle, fastening them securely into place. Since we were working around pillars with wider bases, we needed to fill in the resulting gaps.

We didn’t take photos throughout the entire process, so if you’d like to see a more detailed video covering the framing, here's a good example which takes viewers thorugh the process.

Partially framed catio with no screen
Install Catio Screen Door(s)

As you're framing out the area, it's important to build out areas for the doors to fit. We attached self closing hinges to the doors and included latches and handles.

installing pet screens

Step 7 - Screen in Framed Area

Use a tool to frame out the boxes you've framed out. I got a temperary window for the section I was going to continue the route along so that the cats wouldn't be able to get out.

It's nice to have two people for this portion so that one person can hold the square pet screen while the other person uses the tool to push in the rubber piece which hold the screen in place and also tighten it up. Like I mentioned earlier, I would suggest following this method, becasue it makes it eiaser to replace the screen if it gets damaged. We just cut thin pieces from the 2x4s to help keep the rubber piece from getting pulled out.

cat box being screened in

Step 8 - Build Cat Ramp & Boxes

We started by building a screened cube and attached it to an opening we left open when framing out the space. We used a temporary screen on the side facing the ramp, so we could block the cats from escapoing while building the ramp.

Build Cat Tunnel Ramp

For the ramp, we were worried about assembling the cat ramp before installing it, in case any measurments we're off. To make things eaiser we built the ramp while assembling it to the catio.

cat ramp support beams

Install Cat Ramp Supports

Our first step was to install supports on the inside of the catio, which we're going to use to attach the ramp to as we build it. We used 2x4s as each angled support and attached them the the inside framing using 2" construction screws.

Screened porch attached to a brick house with a blue frame.

Build Top Ramp Support

We used 6" treated lumber to create a framed square, which will serve as the base for the cat ramp framing. Use lag screws to securely fasten the supports to the house.

cat ramp being assembled

Build Cat Ramp Framing onto the Supports

We initally fully installed the framing to be sure it would fit. While doing this, make sure your grooves on the bottom walkway are facing upwards (inside the ramp) and the rest of the gooves are facing outside of the ramp.

wood frame being clamped down with pet screen

Build Cat Ramp Ladder

After confirming the two bottom framing boards would fit, we removed them and built fencing and pet netting along the bottom of the ramp, with thin ladder-style slats running down its length. I first added the fencing for structural support, then installed the pet netting over it. The fencing acts as a backup layer to ensure the cats would never fall through, even if the netting were to fail.

cat ramp screened in

Screen in Cat Ramp/Tunnel

Screen in the top and sides of the cat ramp. After each section was screened, we covered the grooved edges of the wood with black-painted cedar flooring. This gives the cat tunnels a more finished look and also helps keep the rubber tubing securely tucked into the grooves.

Cats looking outside from in catio

Attach Roofing

Cat's don't love water for the most part, so it's important to help keep the area dry with a roof of some type. We used an aged steel roof, but there are many other great options. Such as:

- Steel - (Most Common Type)

- Aluminum - Best for coastal environments (resists salt corrosion).

- Copper (High-end, luxury roofing)

- Corrugated Polycarbonate (clear option)

Outdoor elevator attached to a building with a grassy area and trees in the background

Attach Bracket to Support Sections

I found these at a reuse center. They’re pretty old but very heavy-duty and just the right size for this project. We attached one to each support section between the cat tunnels.
Cat tree with shelves in a sunroom with greenery outside

Step 10 - Create Routes with Cat Shelves

By placing the screen on the outside of the 2x4s, you create built-in ledges throughout the interior of the catio. Install additional shelves to offer multiple routes for your cat to move up and down the space. These pathways make the catio easier to navigate and encourage your cat to stay active and engaged.

White door with a pet door on a brick wall

Weatherproof Cat Scratching Pole

Another important element to include is a functional surface for scratching. We created a scratching pole made of PVC and coconut fiber rope, which is supposed to be great for outdoors because it's resistance to mold.

Weatherproofing Your Cat Shelves

Hand using a drill on a wooden surface

Step 1 - Remove the 3 Screws in Bracket

Peel back the foam strip to remove the front screw, then unscrew the 2 back screws.

Wooden brackets and a black metal bracket on a wooden surface with a tape measure in the background.

Step 2 - Remove the metal Bracket

Save the screws and set bracket aside. It will be reattached after piece is painted or coated with a outdoor polyurethane finish.

Person using a tool on a wooden surface with various tools in the background

Step 3 - Paint Wooden Parts

Use an outdoor paint or polyurethane to coat the furniture on each side.

Cat on a windowsill with a view of a house and trees outside

Pro Tip

After painting the shelves, sprinkle sand on top to create a non-slip surface. For a more even texture, you can also mix the sand into a portion of the paint and apply it as a final coat.

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cat laying at the top of catio

Top Catio Ideas & Must-Have Features

cat sitting tat the top of cat ladder

Create Elevated Walkways

This doesn't need to be as complex as what we've built here, but every catio should have multiple routes around the area to keep cats calm knowing they can quickly move to another area without hitting a dead end.

Outdoor scene with plants and a swing set behind a wire fence.

Include Pet Door for Easy Access

A pet door makes it easy for your cat to access the catio whenever they like, giving them the freedom to explore, play, or relax outdoors on their own terms. It encourages healthy movement, reduces boredom, and lets your cat enjoy the enrichment of fresh air and nature—all while staying safe. Plus, it’s convenient for you, too—no need to open the door every time your cat wants in or out.

cat sitting on a cat shelf with blue space to show opening

Consider Navagation

When designing your space, keep in mind how your cats will navigate it.

We accounted for this by creating walkways using the screen framing and leaving some areas free of pet screen so they can easily pass through.

cat walking down a ramp in catio

Avoid Steep Angles on Cat Ramps

Make sure your ramps and poles aren’t too steep, as this can make it difficult or uncomfortable for your cat to climb up and down.

Wooden bench and trampoline in a screened-in outdoor area with green grass outside.

Incorporate Cat-Safe Plants & Obstacles

The purpose of a catio is to provide additional enrichment for your cat. Keep this in mind when adding features by including stimulating, cat-safe plants and fun obstacles to explore and climb.

two cats playing in catio

Promote Cats to Play

Encouraging your cat to play in the catio helps create positive experiences with the space, making them more likely to use and enjoy it regularly.

From Indoors to Outdoors: Helping Your Cat Love Their New Catio

Now that your DIY catio is complete, the next exciting step is introducing your cat to their new outdoor haven. Start slowly and let them explore the space at their own pace. Create positive associations by offering treats, toys, or simply spending quiet time together in the fresh air. Before long, it will likely become one of their favorite spots to nap, watch birds, or relax in the sunshine.

If you are not quite ready to build a full catio, that is completely okay. There are many ways to bring the benefits of the outdoors into your home. Window perches, climbing furniture, and interactive toys can all help stimulate your cat’s senses and give them a safe and engaging environment. You can also check out our guide on how to catify your apartment for ideas that work great in smaller spaces. Whether it is a custom-built catio or a cozy window seat, every bit of enrichment helps support a happy and healthy life for your cat.

Catio FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy or build a catio?

Building a Catio (DIY) – Usually Cheaper, But Time-Intensive
  • Typically less expensive upfront if you already have tools and can source affordable materials.
  • Fully customizable to your space and budget; often cheaper in terms of raw materials.
  • Time-consuming, requires tools and building skills, and mistakes can lead to added costs or safety issues.
Buying a Catio (Pre-Made or Kit) – More Convenient, Often Pricier
  • Usually more expensive than DIY, especially for large or high-quality enclosures.
  • Saves time and effort, professionally designed for safety and durability, and often easier to assemble.
  • Less customizable; higher initial cost.
Summary
  • DIY, if you’re handy and have time.
  • Pre-made or kit catios, especially if you want a polished look or aren’t confident in building.

Can I build a catio myself?

Absolutely! You can definitely build a catio yourself. With some basic tools, materials, and a bit of patience, many cat owners successfully create safe and fun outdoor spaces for their cats. Starting with simple designs like window boxes or small enclosures can make the process easier. Plus, building your own catio lets you customize it to fit your space and your cat’s personality.

How expensive is it to make a catio?

The cost to make a catio can vary widely depending on size, materials, and complexity, but here’s a rough breakdown:

  • $100 – $300

    (Basic wood framing, pet-safe screen, simple hardware)
  • $300 – $800

    (More lumber, hardware, durable screening, maybe some ramps or shelves)
  • $800 – $2,500+

    (Higher-quality materials, built-in features like climbing structures, weatherproofing, or professional help)

Factors affecting cost include whether you reuse materials, your skill level, and if you add extras like plants, cushions, or automated doors.

Related articles

Cat sitting on a Wall Mounted Cat Tree in a beautifully decorated room.

How to Build the Best Cat Playground & Jungle Gym

As our cat's guardian and best friend, we all want to give our cats the best lives possible. However, most of our cats spend their lives exclusively indoors, which can cause boredom, behavioral problems, and health issues.
On the bright side, there are solutions for giving our cats what they need indoors that make for happier, healthier companions. This article will share the benefits, what to consider, and the steps and products to build the best cat playground for your feline friend.
These tips are based on my personal experience as a cat shelf designer and the design skills I've developed to create functional and stylish cat playgrounds that blend seamlessly into your home design and style.
Why Build an Indoor Cat Playground?
Investing time and effort into creating an indoor cat playground can significantly enrich your cat's life. By providing a stimulating environment through opportunities for interactive play and observation, you not only satisfy your cat's mental and physical needs, but also strengthen your bond with them.
Benefits of a Wall Mounted Cat Playground


Burn off excess energy - Similar to a jungle gym for children, a cat wall provides your cat with an outlet for their zoomies. The extra exercise reduces health risks such as obesity.

Reduces boredom - Did you know that if your cat sleeps a lot, it might actually be a sign of boredom? Boredom may seem minor, but your cat’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. If they are stressed because they have nothing to do, they are more likely to develop behavioral issues like aggression or health issues like cystitis.

More areas for your cat to explore - By utilizing unused vertical areas, your cat has more opportunities to engage in natural behaviors such as hunting, scratching, and resting up high, which contributes to their overall happiness. An additional benefit is that it frees up more floor space in your home for you.

Not convinced? Here are some more benefits of an indoor cat playground.

Indoor Cat Playground Ideas to Consider Before You Start
Before you choose products for your cat wall playground, here are some questions to ask yourself as well as some recommendations to consider:
How many cats are going to use the playground?
One of the first things to consider is how many cats are you building for? Building a playground for one cat versus multiple cats requires different design considerations.
With multiple cats, there’s more to consider when it comes to traffic flow. Basically, how the cats will interact with each other on the wall. If your cats don’t get along with each other, you’ll want to create multiple escape routes from the playground to keep anyone from getting trapped on the wall.
How Old are your Cats?
Another factor to consider is the age of your cats. A kitten is going to need different products in their cat wall versus an adult or senior cat.
How do you make a kitten play area vs. one for older cats you might ask? Consider the below:
How Active is your Cat? 
In most cases, kittens are going to have a lot more energy than an adult cat so they’ll need more room to run, jump, and scratch, whereas a senior cat might want more soft places to lounge like on a bed or a hammock.
What are Their Personalities Like?
Even some adult cats might have more energy than others, therefore it’s important to consider their personalities as well. Do they like to climb as high as they can or do they prefer to hide? Do they look for the closest scratcher or do they just want a place to lounge and sleep?
3 Easy Steps to Building a Cat Wall Jungle Gym Playground
Now that you’ve considered your cat’s preferences, follow these steps to build your cat wall playground:

Step 1: Plan & Design
Based on your cat's needs, choose a wall or walls to build your cat jungle gym. Now is the time to think about what places you want your cat to access, as well as where you don’t want them to go. Here are two things that help with this step.
Find your studs using a stud finder. This serves as your template for where you can securely place your shelves.
Once you’ve found your studs and marked them, use painter's tape to roughly sketch out the paths you want your shelves to go. Perhaps you want them to gain access to the space above the cabinets or a window, but you want to avoid them near the TV. Whatever paths you choose, just make sure to have multiple on and off points.
Step 2: Pick the Right Products
One of the most important steps is choosing the right products for your cat. Consider what products might fulfill your cat's needs for scratching, stretching, climbing, lounging, and so on.
Here are some examples: for scratching you might choose something with a sisal rope and for climbing you might choose a wall-mounted cat tree. Similarly, for lounging you might choose a hammock or longer wall shelf.
For more ideas check out this section below.
Step 3: Install & Enjoy
Now comes the most difficult step, installation. If you completed the steps above, you know where your studs are. With this information, start with the bottom left or right corner of your design and work your way up, installing each product into your wall, preferably in a stud.
Once you’ve completed your wall, it’s time to get the cat treats and toys out to entice them to investigate their new playground. Just be patient because it may take your cats some time to explore and acclimate to their new playground.
Products to Fill Out Your Cat Jungle Gym Wall
Shop Products for Cat Scratching & Climbing
Just as humans utilize gyms for exercise, cats benefit from a range of equipment to build and stretch their muscles. Various options include wall-mounted cat trees, sisal steps, and sisal poles, which can be positioned horizontally or at an angle.




















 
Shop Products for Cat Eating & Sleeping
After a long day of workout, we all need to eat and rest and so do cats. Why not add a built-in hammock and feeder into their jungle gym? After all, cats feel safer up high where they can be safe from predators or the dreaded vacuum in an indoor environment.





















Shop Products for Connecting Paths
So we have our scratchers and our hammocks, how do we connect them all? Well, I mentioned traffic flow earlier as an important part of building a cat wall. Consider these bridges and hatch shelves to give your cats options to get from point A to point B.




















Inspiration for Your Indoor Cat Jungle Gym Build
I’ve built my own cat jungle gym using Catastrophic Creations shelves in my office. Check out these parts of my build for inspiration for your own cat wall. If you’d like to learn more about my process for designing this cat room, you can check out my blog post here.

Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves
Catastrophic Creations Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves are very versatile when it comes to building a modern cat playground with options for adding hatches, planters, cat bowls, fluffy beds, and more.
Products Used in This Project:
Wall-Mounted Cat Shelf - 18” Wall-Mounted Cat Shelf - 34” Wall-Mounted Cat Shelf - 34” Hatch The Nest - A Plush Wall Cat Bed - 34” Solid Shelf Planter Cat Shelf - for Cat Safe Plants - 34” with Hatch

The Crossroads Wall Cat Scratcher - Cat Tree Condo
If designing a custom cat wall feels overwhelming, consider this pre-designed cat condo called The Crossroads. It has everything your cat needs to scratch, lounge, and explore in a compact space.
Products Used in This Project:
The Crossroads Wall Cat Scratcher - Cat Tree Condo
FAQs on Cat Indoor Playgrounds & Jungle Gyms
What makes a great indoor cat wall playground?
A great indoor cat wall playground is all about building it with variety. Consider it your cat’s complete at-home gym for scratching, climbing, sleeping, playing, and even eating. You also want it to be multi-level to keep it interesting.
Is it cheaper to build a DIY cat jungle gym than to use products to craft one?
In general, yes, building a DIY cat jungle gym is cheaper than buying a pre-made one. However, you also have to consider the time, skills, tools, and space required for DIY. I’ve done my share of DIY shelves, and in my experience, the quality and convenience of buying pre-made shelves over time usually outweigh the cost.
What is the best material for a high-quality cat wall playground?
One of the best and most durable materials for a high-quality cat shelf and wall is wood. Catastrophic Creations also uses materials like sisal, cork, and heavy-duty canvas to enhance their wood products.

Cat Walls Designed for You

Many cat guardians feel overwhelmed on where to start building their dream cat playground, which is why I created my virtual cat wall design service. Having personal experience creating some custom cat walls using Catastrophic Creations products, I'm happy to help if you’re still stumped on what to purchase and how to design it.

Read More »
Cat sitting on huge cat wall

Cat Wall Design & DIY Cat Wall Ideas

When constructing the ideal habitat for your cat, several factors should be taken into account. We provide an extensive selection of wall-mounted cat trees, incorporating design elements that address various crucial aspects to ensure your cat's satisfaction. However, many people prefer assembling their DIY cat walls, tailoring the products to suit their space perfectly. Here are some tips to optimize your furniture layout while designing your cat wall.
Starting and Ending Points 


Accessibility: When introducing your cat to wall-mounted furniture, it's essential to begin with platforms that are easily reachable. A low starting point ensures your cat feels safe and encourages exploration. We recommend placing the initial shelf or hammock around 12-14" off the ground.



Incorporate Incentives: Incentives play a crucial role in cat wall design. Our wall-mounted cat trees are designed to create a pathway leading to areas for eating or lounging. If you're crafting a DIY cat wall, consider this aspect when planning the layout.


Cat Wall Spacing: So what is the spacing for cat wall steps? This largely depends on your cat's size and fitness level. Generally, we recommend spacing them around 12-18 inches apart. However, you'll have the best understanding of how far your cat is comfortable jumping.




 
Understanding Your Cat
The optimal design for a cat wall depends on the individual cat. Factors such as age, temperament, and energy level greatly influence what would suit them best. Our recommendations for different cats vary based on their physical abilities and privacy needs. Here are key aspects to consider when creating a cat jungle gym tailored to your feline friend.

 


Kittens & High-Energy Cats: Young, energetic cats adore scratching poles, and we offer a variety of types to choose from. Consider incorporating a route on the wall that allows for sprinting around the home. Recommendations: The Juggernaut, Scratching Post, The Crossroads.


Older or Disabled Cats: As cats age or face mobility challenges, they seek comfortable lounging spots. Utilize cat wall furniture to create easily accessible routes while encouraging gentle exercise. Recommendations: Shelves, The Nest Cat Bed, The Lift.


Timid Cats: Provide hiding spots that still allow observation of surroundings. Recommendations: Cat Cubbies, Grotto Cat Tree, Overlook Cat Tree.


Homes with Multiple Cats: Ensure ample space for multiple cats to gather simultaneously and incorporate multiple routes to prevent potential conflicts. Recommendations: The Juggernaut, Overlook Cat Tree, Deluxe Cat Fort.






Corners, Doors, and Windows
When it comes to designing around these, it’s important to first locate your studs because even though wall studs are typically spaced consistently along walls, they are often found spaced differently near corners and doorways. For more information on wall construction, studs & how to locate them, please see our installation guide.

Installing Around Corners   

We’ve found corners to be a very desirable location for cat perches or beds. They offer cats a great vantage point to observe their surroundings. Our best option for extending walkways around corners is the Slotted Cat Shelf. It has slots running down the length of the shelf to provide more options for where you can attach the Shelf to a Mounting Plank. This allows you to connect the Shelf to the wall with two Planks while leaving half of the Shelf extending past the wall.


Another nice option for the outside corners is our Cat Perch Shelf. Since this Shelf is attached to a single Plank from the middle of the shelf, you can install it on the edge of the wall to create a route around a corner.

 


Cat Walls Inside Corners
We’ve designed a Corner Cat Bridge specifically meant for connecting a cat wall route along an inside corner. You can choose between four different layout options for each length by connecting them to the 34” Slotted Shelves.

Incorporating Cat Walls Along Doors and Windows  
These are perfect locations for Hammocks, Scratching Poles, and Bridges. Our cats especially enjoy any bridge or hammock which are installed in a location where people will pass beneath them. They use this opportunity to paw down at the person’s head as they pass by which is pretty cute.


Installing Hammocks Over Doorways
We've encountered difficulties in mounting our Hammocks over doorways. The challenge arises because the grommets are spaced in 8" sections along the fabric, whereas doorways vary in width.
Ensuring that the fabric is pulled tightly is crucial for the Hammock's stability, allowing your cat to walk on it comfortably. In the doorway shown, we used a hammock which was eight grommets long.
In our latest furniture collection, we've made a transition to sending out fabric in sewn sections, rather than one continuous roll, to simplify the installation process for our customers. However, it's worth noting that a longer section of fabric is required for this purpose.



Start by locating the stud closest to the edge of the doorway. All doorways in homes with wooden doors are framed out by 2"x4"s. Mount a plank into that stud.
On the other side of the doorway, mount another plank .75" lower than you did plank 1. This is because the fabric will be going over the top of the plank.
Next, attach your piece of fabric to plank 1, stretch it over plank 2, and clamp plank 3 over the last set of grommets, then tightly pull directly down from plank 2 and mark the bottom of the plank with a pencil.
Next, remove fabric from plank 1, and mount plank 3 into the marked place. Now working backwards, attach fabric to plank 3, stretch it over plank 2, and pull it over to plank 1.

Blocking Routes
These are some options that can be helpful for various reasons. We often hear about people blocking routes to prevent dogs from accessing their cat's food.
For us, we had two reasons to block routes on this wall. One was to prevent our cats from being able to jump over our pet gate. We originally had a couch against this wall, but we moved it after our cats figured out they could leap over the gate from the couch.
Another issue we had was our heavier cat, Bronson, climbing too high on the wall. He wasn't as agile as our other cats and was also quite heavy, so we worried about him hurting his legs jumping down from too high up.


Using Fabric Walls 
Fabric walls can be a great way to keep cats from jumping to unwanted areas. We've used these in the past to prevent them from jumping to shelves or wall-mounted TVs we didn't want them on.
Creating Awkward Jumps 
The following are difficult routes we designed to try and keep our heaviest cat; Bronson, from getting to the top level. He was never able to get past them.
These are some good options to have before a more advanced level because they need to be agile enough to get there first.
One negative thing with these is that it also makes it more difficult for the other cats to get up. We have noticed that they were up higher more often than before we created these next steps.

 


Jumping onto a Sisal Post is something that takes a little agility and balance. Here, we mounted it in a position where it's awkward to jump to, and then the cat needs to be able to jump through the hole from the pole.
Another route was made with Steps, which are smaller shelves meant to be used as stepping stones. Bronson barely fit on these shelves and wasn't able to get past this.


We set up this so that they have to jump from an awkward angle. It's now an area for epic battles. Here's a video of our cat Heisenberg trying to make it seem better on the upper level than it really is.
Additional Design Assistance 
If you're interested in some recommendations to best fit your situation and wall space, please send us the following information to support@catastrophicreations.com.

A few pictures of your wall showing your stud locations marked with painter’s tape - How to locate your wall studs.
Dimensions of your wall
Provide us with an idea of which furniture you are most interested in and a little information about your cat(s). 
Your budget range.

Frequently Asked Cat Wall Installation Questions
~Do cat shelves need to be in studs?
In order for your cat wall to be secure for your feline friend, you need to install your cat shelving into studs, concrete, cement, or brick. Drywall alone will not be able to support the weight of your cat playing on their new jungle gym. Even with the help of drywall anchors, you will need at least one mounting point of the cat shelf to be secured into a solid anchor point like a stud.
 
~How do you make a cat wall tree?
Taking on the project of making a cat tree can be quite an endeavor. We are currently working on a DIY Cat Wall section for our site in order to showcase some of our more interesting projects and builds. For now, you can check out our Catastrophic Ideas & Prototypes page to gain some inspiration. The Chain Chomp Cat Bed was one of our most favorite pieces, and you can follow along with the build here.
 
~Are cat wall shelves safe?
You know your cat's ability better than anyone. If you know you have a cat that defies the stereotype of grace, keep that in mind when you make your cat wall design ideas. In cases such as these, you may want to consider installing the cat wall closer to the ground, or above a soft landing zone.
Just note, as long as you are installing the wall-mounted cat furniture securely into solid anchoring points (like studs or cement), your cat shelf will be able to withstand your cats at play!
~What is the spacing for cat wall steps?
In general, we suggest you design your cat wall to have 12-16” between shelves horizontally, and 12-18” spacing vertically. You will always want to be mindful of your cats’ abilities when installing your cat jungle gym to make them the purrfect playground!

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