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Cat Bridges (for Walls)

The Roped Cat Bridge is made from solid bamboo and has a heavy-duty paracord connecting the slats, and your choice of twine or paracord is used to create the railings. All of this allows the Bridge to support a great deal of weight. Building a sturdy Cat Bridge was important to us because as the Bridge length gets longer, more cats can fit along the span. The twine railing stabilizes the Bridge while holding your cat in place for a more secure/majestic Bridge nap. We don’t have any scientific proof that majestic Bridge naps offer any health benefits, but we’re quite certain they produce better dreams.

Build a Homemade Cat Bridge Superhighway 


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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cat Bridges suitable for kittens?

Kittens tend to be incredibly brave and love the Cat Bridge. If you have a cat that likes to chew, we suggest upgrading your bridge railing to the heavy duty paracord roping. It’s less fun for cats to chew on and stronger than the twine option. 

Do cats like rope Bridges?

The Cat Bridge is one of the first creations we ever made, and it has been at the heart of our collection for many years. Our Cat Bridges have always been one of our most popular items.

The roping that runs along the sides is a major part of why we think cats enjoy the lounging experience on a Bridge. It keeps the Bridge stable while cats are traversing the expanse, and also provides support if they choose to lounge in the center for a cat nap.

Can I order a Bridge at a custom length that is not listed on your website?

Custom Bridge sizes can be taken on by request if our production volumes allow it. There is a Custom Bridge service fee that covers the additional materials and labor that are necessary for the project. We cannot guarantee that we can take on all custom requests. We also cannot accept requests for Custom Bridges during our holiday season which is roughly October - January. If you are interested in a Custom Bridge, please contact customer support to check our availability.

What is the difference between twine and paracord? Are they safe for cats?

Twine consists of multiple strands of string twisted together to make a strong thread. Paracord is a covered rope that is even stronger than twine. If you are concerned about a cat who chews and scratches, we recommend paracord as your roping option for its durability. We use a tan paracord that is similar in color to the twine. The main style difference will be the twine’s rustic look compared to the more sleek appearance of the paracord. 

Cats are prone to chewing and this is a common behavior for many house cats. The materials we use are cat safe but bear in mind that ingesting anything that is not food can be a health concern for your cat. If you notice that your cat likes to chew on the roping, we recommend monitoring your cat when they use the furniture. You can also divert their chewing to a more positive outlet such as cat toys and treats to keep the roping intact. 

If your cat chewed through the rope and you are having issues with your Bridge, please contact our support team. We can provide instructions on how to re-rope your Bridge at home with some DIY work. Depending on the production volumes, we can occasionally re-rope Bridges in-house at our facility in Grand Rapids, MI for a service fee. We can discuss what options are available to you via email.

How do I build a cat superhighway with Cat Bridges?

A Cat Bridge is an excellent destination for a cat wall. If you’re considering installing one across a doorway or window, we suggest adding Cat Shelves, Scratching Posts, or Hammocks to create a route up and down from the Bridge.

Please note that if you have multiple cats, it’s a very good idea to have a route down from either end of the Bridge to avoid cats possibly getting cornered. Cat behaviorists always say that multiple routes are important, especially if you have cats that sometimes get into tiffs.

Do the dimensions include the 'sag' of the Bridge?

Bridges are designed to hang down a certain amount when installed correctly on the studs. The Bridge should sag roughly three to four inches between the two Mounting Planks. If your Planks are installed too far apart, you will notice the Bridge stretches out to be flatter, and the roping will be taut. If the Planks are too close together, you will notice the Bridge will hang lower, the roping will appear looser, and the slats may touch. It is also important to note that you may notice a difference in the way the Bridge hangs if the Mounting Planks are not in line with each other on the horizontal plane. 

We recommend installing the Bridge level at the proper stud spacing for the best results. 

Do Catastrophic Creations' Cat Bridges have warranties?

We have a 30-day warranty on the furniture that covers any issues due to furniture functionality. It does not cover normal wear and tear by cats. Damage like scratches are expected over time because the furniture is ultimately made to be an outlet for cats to scratch and play on. Please keep in mind that we pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service, and if you run into issues with the Bridge, we’ll work with you outside the warranty period to do our best to help solve any issue. 

Are Cat Bridges safe?

We haven’t personally witnessed any accidents on the Cat Bridge. Over the last 10 years we’ve sold thousands of Cat Bridges and haven’t heard of serious injuries occurring. With that said, please keep your cat’s abilities in mind when deciding where to install our furniture. If you have concerns about your cat being able to navigate taller structures safely, we suggest mounting the products at a level you feel comfortable your cat can safely jump from.

If you have a disabled or elderly cat, the Cat Bridge may not be the best fit for mounting over a doorway or up too high on the wall. If you have multiple cats with different skill levels, and want some ideas on how to limit access to the Bridge, please see our Design Tips. One very simple option is to have the initial Shelf up high enough off the floor to where only your most agile cat can access.

We do not have a recommended safe method for installing our furniture into the ceiling. For the best results, the Mounting Planks should be installed flat against the same wall. 

Can a cat make a Bridge shake?

On occasions, we make custom length bridges that have been up to 100”. A worry that we have with creating them in extended lengths is that there will be more swaying the longer it gets. For the three lengths we offer, you will find very minimum swaying, and have never heard from customers where this is an issue.

Cat sleeping on a bridge zoomed out

History of the Cat Bridge

The Roped Cat Bridge is the first cat furniture item we ever made. It was in 2013 and was inspired by trying to connect a cat wall playground across a doorway. After seeing how the cats reacted to it, we posted it online and it went pretty viral. At that point, it was called the Indiana Jones Cat Bridge and although that name was much better than, “Roped Cat Bridge”, we dropped the part of text that could lead to a lawsuit a couple of years into the business.

Our Bridges are still one of our most popular items in the shop and they work really well to span across doorways. If you do go this route, beware of playful head bops from your cat as you walk underneath the Bridge. We also suggest running these across windows, which provides an unbeatable lounging experience while providing a scenic view of the outdoors.

Cat sleeping on a bridge

Benefits of a Cat Wall Bridge

Create the perfect area for your cat to observe, while lounging from above. This item typically becomes a quick favorite, because it encourages cats to climb up the wall each time they’re ready to rest, keeping them active and healthy. The best location to install a Cat Bridge is across a doorway or window to give your cat the best view in the home.

  • Help with stress and anxiety: If your cat lacks stimulation or opportunities to play, they may become stressed or anxious. Our Cat Bridge can provide a safe and exciting environment for cats to play, explore, and relax.
  • Saves space: Utilizing vertical space in your home with a Cat Bridge can be especially beneficial if you live in a small apartment or have limited space for your cat to play.
  • Provides a cozy spot: When a cat lays in the Cat Bridge, the slats form around its body, creating a comfortable space to lounge. The Bridge rope offers support from the sides for your cat to brace their paws and makes the destination more safe and secure for a comfortable nap.
  • Durable and long-lasting: Made with high-quality materials, our Cat Bridge is designed to withstand daily use and last for years to come.
  • Stylish and customizable: Cat Bridges come in various colors, lengths, and styles to best fit your home decor.
Bridge options

Design Layouts and Cat Bridge Walkway Lengths

We make these in a number of different ways. We have our Roped Cat Bridge, which is a Bridge that spans between two Mounting Planks. With the modular design, these spans can be easily added onto most of our existing cat furniture. We also offer the Cat Bridge Lounge, which is composed of Cat Hammocks on either side of the Bridge, or the Cat Bridge W/ Landings with Cat Shelves.

After choosing the version that best suits your cat, you can select a span length: (which is the measurement of the Bridge span)

  • 34″ Bridge span – Uses 3 studs spaced at 16″ apart on center. 
  • 50″ Bridge span – Uses 4 studs spaced at 16″ apart on center. 
  • 66″ Bridge span – Uses 5 studs spaced at 16″ apart on center.

How to Choose a Railing for Cat Bridge Walkway

Bridge with twine up close
Twine (Standard)

Twine is a nice option for cats that don’t chew on things. Our cats love rubbing their faces on the twine and prefer this version for that reason.

Bridge with paracord up close
Paracord (Upgrade)

We started offering a paracord upgrade for cats that like to chew on things. This seems to be a phase kittens can go through, and then grow out of. We can attest to 2 out of 4 of our cats going through this, and then mostly stopping once they got older. We’ve never had a situation where a cat has chewed through the paracord. We believe that a lot of the reason for this is because it’s stronger and not as fun to chew on.

Perpendicular bridge

Perpendicular Cat Bridges

Attach any of our Bridges to the Slotted version of our Cat Shelves to create a Perpendicular Cat Suspension Bridge. This exciting new feature allows you to build away from the wall and to an adjacent wall. The Perpendicular option is mostly designed for around corners or across hallways, but it opens many more other options, which we’ll highlight in a blog soon.

If you’re interested in creating a Perpendicular Cat Bridge walkway, just select the "Slotted" option on any of our 34" Wall-Mounted Shelves.

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KATE WILSON, DR. JUDY MORGAN & OTHER EXPERTS

We work with some really knowledgeable cat behavior experts

Our furniture is designed to encourage cats to live a healthy life by promoting exercise and replicating enrichment sources they would have access to in the wild
Meet the experts

How to Install a Cat Bridge

Although our Cat Bridges are designed to be installed with little or no prior experience, it’s helpful to have prior experience using a power drill. Another thing that will help make your cat wall installation a breeze is having a second person assist during the process. 

Tools needed: power drill, stud finder, and pencil.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know to build the ultimate cat wall.  It’s always a good idea to review the process before starting your install, so please check out our links and see the video below to get a full rundown on the process.

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Installation Guide

A full walk-through of things to consider as you're installing your cat’s new habitat.

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Design Tips

Tips to get the best furniture layout for your space and build the perfect habitat for your cat.

tools icon

Installation Guide

A full walk-through of things to consider as you're installing your cat’s new habitat.

lightbulb icon

Design Tips

Tips to get the best furniture layout for your space and build the perfect habitat for your cat.

It was easy to install and has instantly become a favorite lounging spot. The cats love having dog free areas where they can relax near us and be a part of the action.
SK

Stephanie K.

Verified Buyer

A selection of cats on cat bridges

Related Articles

cat enjoying vertical sisal pole as a tool of cat enrichment.

Cat Enrichment Explained. Activities, Ideas & Benefits

Cats are complex creatures, and thrive in environments that best replicate wild behaviors. For our domesticated cats this means enhancing their quality of life by providing environments that stimulate their natural behavior. Behaviors such as foraging to eat, social contact, predatory outlets, climbing, and problem solving are all natural behaviors for cats. The goal of enrichment is to increase natural behavior diversity and to introduce these new experiences in a way that is not scary and does not cause stress.

What is Feline Enrichment?
Without enrichment, cats can develop behavioral issues like aggression, anxiety, attention-seeking, urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, eating disorders, or other disorders like over-grooming or scratching. The animals most at risk for these types of behaviors are captive animals in zoos and sanctuaries⁠—and our own pets.
In the distant past cats went through an evolutionary shift that was accelerated by domestication by humans. Feline welfare has changed with improved housing, diet, and care. Unfortunately, cats have lost access to many natural behavior outlets. Before domestication, cats lived, hunted, climbed, and explored outside where they had a rich diversity of experiences. While domestic cats have a safe environment indoors with humans, they are happiest in an environment that stimulates outdoor instincts.

Instead of ushering cats outdoors, the compromise is to enrich their environment in a manner that allows them to practice their innate behaviors inside the safety of their home. There are endless ways to enrich your cat’s life.

Replicate a Cat's Feeding Behavior
Natural feeding behavior involves seeking out the food available to them. To help stimulate this instinct, you can use food puzzles, interactive toys, or hide small bowls of food among the cat’s living area—like their cat furniture or in their hiding spots. The idea is that your cat will spend a portion of their day activating their foraging instinct by hunting for their food. This is especially helpful if you’d like your cat to explore a particular area more.

Start out easy with any new enrichment plan. Try hiding food in places they will easily find it and then slowly change the hiding place to a more challenging location. Increase the challenge by incorporating boxes, bags, or plastic cups⁠. Your imagination is the limit! You know your cat best, so remember to keep your cat’s skills and abilities in mind⁠.
Predatory Outset
Domestic cats are still predators. They thrive on this instinct and need to practice hunting in a positive way or their practice may turn to more inappropriate things like your feet, your furniture, or other cats in your home.

Novelty is important when determining the right predatory play for your cat. Rotating the toys every few days will ensure that your toy stash remains new and interesting. If you notice that one of your cat’s favorite toys is being ignored, try putting it away and swapping it out for another toy.
Cats also love to watch a toy in motion, so don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t physically interact with the toy. Watching and stalking a moving toy is still a fun and stimulating experience for cats. Your cat will tell you what is an enriching experience for them through their interest, attention, and interactions.

Social Interaction With Your Cat
We get along well with cats because they are social creatures. They thrive with daily interaction with humans or other pets. Natural social actions can include mutual grooming, resting together, and playing together. Continue to build a relationship with your cat through play and physical affection.
Physical affection, like petting, is two-way communication. Take care to listen to your cat when petting them. Pet for 3 to 5 seconds then wait to see if your cat solicits more attention with a head nudge or maybe by pawing at you. Listening to your cat’s method of communication will increase your relationship without overstaying your “petting welcome.”

Providing Your Cat With Vertical Space
Our domestic cats’ wild relatives hunt and rest in trees as well as on the ground. Cats feel safe and secure when they are high up. In many zoos and sanctuaries, providing vertical space is a requirement in humane housing of smaller wild felines. Having vertical space helps with anxiety because your cat can fully let down their guard when sleeping which helps with stress recovery.
In addition to being a stress relieving element in your cat’s environment, adding vertical space can also reduce stress in multi-cat homes. Your cats will have more space to move, hide, and sleep, resulting in less competition with other cats.

The location of their vertical furniture matters as well. Place their furniture by windows to increase their visual stimulation and in quiet places to ensure they feel safe when sleeping. If feasible, try rotating the furniture's locations or adding new furniture to an existing setup to maintain novelty and generate interest.
Scratching and Deep Stretching
Providing appropriate scratching items (whether vertical or horizontal) is essential in maintaining your cat’s health as well as creating a positive outlet for a natural behavior. Scratching is a type of communication, so be sure to put their scratching item(s) near a window, sleeping area, or a door. This will give them an outlet in spaces they enjoy and feel most comfortable.
Cats enjoy scratching items made of sturdy material like wood, sisal rope, rough fabric, and cardboard layers. Training your cat to use an acceptable scratching item is easier than one might think. Put an incentive on the item like catnip, treats, or toys and then reward your cat with treats each time they scratch the preferred item.
Note: Do not manually move their paws over the surface you want them to scratch. This can create the opposite effect and cause your cat to become anxious of that item.

Other Environmental Enrichment
Adding new and interesting elements to your home will keep your cat curious and physically active. Other ways to enrich their environment are including cat-friendly plants like cat grass (an easy to sprout grass that’s safe for cats to eat), a cat drinking fountain, a bird feeder outside their favorite window, a Catio (an enclosed outdoor cat porch), or a cat stroller (if your cat is the adventurous type).

An enriching environment allows your cat to harness their natural behaviors and instincts which will increase their overall welfare and help to prevent mental and physical disorders. Very little is better than watching our cats enjoy the things we’ve given them to explore and play on. When our cats are happy, we are happy because they contribute to our quality of life too.
Research
AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines
Artificial prey as behavioral enrichment devices for felines
Using Environmental and Feeding Enrichment to Facilitate Feline Weight Loss
Environmental Enrichment: Practical Strategies for Improving Feline Welfare

Read More »
cats on cat condo with plants

Are Cat Shelves a Good Idea? 9 Cat Wall Benefits

Living in a small home or apartment can be crowded enough, without adding bulky cat trees and towers to the mix. So how do you enrich your cat’s life without sacrificing up your own comfort? While you can’t add more rooms to expand your cat’s territory, you can build up instead. Cats like being up high anyways, so cat shelving really makes a lot of sense. Wall-mounted cat furniture gives your cat more freedom to play and explore, without disrupting the flow of your room or impeding on your limited floor space.


EVOKE FELINE INSTINCT
Cats have an instinctual need to be up high. While you may be aware that your cat is a natural predator, you should also note that your cat is also prey. Being high up gives your cat a better vantage point to survey potential danger and food sources. This allows your cat to feel more secure in his home, as he can determine the threat level of unknown visitors, dogs, or even small children while remaining safely out of reach.
BEHAVIORAL SOLUTION
For homes with multiple cats, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing cat shelves suitable for your space. Most importantly, you want to have multiple routes up and down walls. Some nice options we suggest are The Garden Complex or The Temple Complex.
If you are having territorial issues with your cats, adding vertical territory also acts as a way for cats to showcase their flexible hierarchy in a peaceful manner. The dominant cat of the moment can jump to a higher platform, rather than resorting to minor squabbles. Adding to your cats’ vertical territory can lessen the tension between cats since there is more territory to share.
Regular play is important to establish for cats, preventing many behavior problems before they start.

 

POSITIVE SCRATCHING OUTLET
It's important to give your cat an outlet for their scratching needs. Save your couch and other furniture by having sisal-covered cat furniture around the house for them to scratch.
PROMOTE ACTIVITY
A wall-mounted cat habitat is a great way to create an environment that is physically complex and that encourages your cat to engage in species-typical behavior like scratching and climbing.
Lack of exercise is an issue with many indoor cats. Providing them with a space of their own to jump, climb, and play is a great way to keep them mentally enriched and healthy. Our furniture is designed with this in mind, providing cats many routes to avoid conflicts, sisal holes for play, and sisal poles and posts for climbing and keeping claws healthy.


HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE
We offer a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors to match the décor in your home. This is a modular system that can be built in many different ways to create something very unique to the space.
SAFE SPACE
Having a space up high allows cats to have their own territory that is up high enough for them to feel secure, far out of reach of any perceived danger.


EXPANDABLE AND MODULAR
A benefit of incorporating cat furniture with your wall space is that you can start off small and build on the layout over time. If you're not quite sure how your cat will like being up high we suggest starting with a smaller piece from our furniture line, like a simple Cat Wall Hammock. You can then add on to the system and use the planks to create a larger structure over time if you decide to expand.
ELEVATED DINING
Our cats love to tip over their food dishes on the floor. If you are having issues feeding your cats on the floor, we suggest giving your cat an elevated feeder. These come in handy for keeping food off the floor and creating a more secure place for your cat to eat, far above scary children and hungry dogs.


STURDY AND DURABLE
All of the furniture we sell in the shop is meant to be mounted into studs. Since 16” studs are the most common in the US, most of our complexes are made to be mounted along that stud spacing. Once our furniture is mounted properly, every solid wood shelf or plank is weight-tested to hold 85 lbs each, and each fabric stretch fabric section is weight-tested to hold 65 lbs.

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