How to Build a Cat Ledge

Cats love to sit on windowsills. However, windowsills, especially in older homes are not always wide enough to hold cats. If you have a windowsill that sits low to the ground and is easy enough for your cat to climb up on, consider creating a ledge that connects directly to your windowsill. If your windowsill sits a bit higher up, you'll need to build a freestanding ledge with multiple levels that can stand next to the window. Either way, your pet will have a special spot to enjoy the view.

Things You'll Need

  • Paint (same color as windowsill)
  • 1/2-inch-thick piece of wide plywood (same length as windowsill)
  • Electric saw
  • Sand paper
  • Two L-shaped brackets with screw holes
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Tree trunk section with protruding branches
  • 1/2-inch thick piece of wood (any type)
  • Four 3-inch wood screws
  • Step ladder
  • Jute rope
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Instructions

  1. Windowsill Extension Ledge

    • 1

      Saw a piece of wood that is the same length as your windowsill. Make sure the piece of wood is wide enough so your cat has plenty of room to sit.

    • 2

      Sand the edges of the wood so that it is smooth.

    • 3

      Paint the wood to match your windowsill and let dry completely.

    • 4

      Align your piece of wood parallel up against the windowsill so it extends the windowsill to make it wider.

    • 5

      Place your L-shaped brackets under the wood and against the wall directly underneath the windowsill. Drill the brackets to the wall and to the underside the wood. You now have a wide ledge for your cat to sit on.

    Free Standing Ledge (Tree Ledge)

    • 6

      Find or cut down a thick, sturdy length of branched tree trunk that is approximately the same height or near the height of your windowsill. The trunk should have protruding branches that will act as steps for your cat to reach the top of the trunk, which will be the ledge.

    • 7

      Use an electric saw to cut a 1/2-inch thick piece of wood that is larger than the bottom circumference of the tree trunk. This will be the base of the freestanding ledge.

    • 8

      Sand the wood so it is smooth.

    • 9

      Drill the wood to the bottom of the tree trunk using a drill and four 3-inch wood screws. Use more screws if needed.

    • 10

      Place the freestanding tree trunk ledge up against a window so your cat can climb to the top and look out the window.

    Freestanding Ledge (Step Ladder)

    • 11

      Unfold a small step ladder that is approximately the same height as your windowsill.

    • 12

      Start at a bottom leg of the ladder and wrap jute around the leg once and knot tightly.

    • 13

      Continue to wrap jute around every inch of the entire ladder until the ladder is fully covered in jute. Knot the jute tightly at the end.

    • 14

      Place the jute-covered ladder next to a windowsill so your cat can climb and sit on the top step as the ledge.