How to Make Cat Perches

Find a suitable space for the cat perch. Choose a space near a window that is fairly high off of the ground near a couch or chair that a cat can use to leap to the perch. Cats enjoy perching in high places and also enjoy gazing out of windows.

Measure the space where the shelf will fit. Write the length and width properly to ensure accuracy when selecting and cutting wood. Create multiple perches to accommodate several cats or as a vertical playground for an active, solo cat.

Using a pencil, mark on the wall where the mounting brackets will be placed to support the perch. The brackets will need to be placed wide and even to properly support the perch.

Find a piece of wood and suitable mounting brackets to use. Use a 1 inch thick, light-weight wood such as plywood or particleboard to reduce the weight of the shelf. Lumberyards and some hardware stores will be able to cut wood down to the desired size.

Purchase rough, shag carpeting that will give a cat's claws adequate resistance during scratching. Purchase enough carpeting to be able to wrap the wood completely.

Measure and cut the carpet so that it wraps tightly around the wood piece on all four sides. Turn the wood over and begin to staple the carpet to the wood. Apply wood glue to the edges of the carpet to firmly secure any loose edges. Clamp or hold the glued edges down until dry.

Hold the carpeted wood up to the wall and mark where the brackets will attach to the wood. Trace the shape of the mounting bracket and cut around it using a box cutter or razor. Cutting away the carpeting will ensure sturdy contact between the perch and the brackets.

Use the pointed set screws to attach the mounting brackets to the shelf. Take time to verify that the brackets and back edge of the shelf are flush. Mounting brackets come in a variety of styles which can contrast or complement existing interior design.

Attach the mounting brackets and shelf to the wall. Use drywall mounting anchors to attach the shelf safely to the wall.