The Best Cat Shelves

Cats and kittens love finding a high place to hang out. It allows them to oversee their humans and keep an eye on everything around them. That's why cat shelves are so fantastic. They provide your feline overlord with a comfortable, safe space to relax while hopefully keeping them off of your bookshelves and away from your valuables.

What to Look For

Choosing the right cat shelves is essential to ensure your pet’s safety and enjoyment. To do that, we recommend focusing on the size, weight limits, and style of the options you’re considering. For example, Pefuny’s cat window perch enable cats of almost any size to bask in the sun without the dangers of going outside. However, if your feline likes hiding up high, they may prefer the FUKUMARU wall-mounted hammock. These are just a couple of our top picks, so if you’d like to see a few more, check out our reviews.

Pefuny Cat Window Perch

Simple sunbathing

Your kitty can keep an eye on the neighborhood from this window-mounted shelf.
Best Overall

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The Pefuny cat window perch is a cozy bed that gives your pet a fantastic view of the world around them. It uses large suction cups to securely attach to any window, which also allows you to avoid damaging walls with screws and other mounting equipment. Meanwhile, the fabric is rugged and easily stands up to your kitty’s natural tendency to knead and scratch.

Pros:

  • Assembling and installing this hammock is a breeze. It usually takes less than five minutes.
  • It can hold plenty of weight, so a couple of cats can cuddle up and share the space instead of fighting over it.
  • You can set it up on any window, including sliding doors or higher windows, which allows your cat to escape kids or rambunctious puppies.

Cons:

  • Sometimes the pipes that create the frame can be loose. You can glue the pieces together if that happens.

FUKUMARU Wall-Mounted Cat Hammock

Ready for napping

This cozy hammock-style shelf provides your cat with a comfortable place to hang out.
Runner Up

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Whether adding to your furry friend’s theme park-level shelf playground or just getting them started with a cozy bed, FUKUMARU’s wall-mounted hammock is a fantastic choice. It securely attaches to your walls using the included screws and anchors. And the hammock itself is spacious and cozy, ensuring your kitty gets a good sleep.

Pros:

  • The sturdy frame and thick fabric keep your cat safe and sound.
  • It comes in several color and pattern options, helping you match the rest of the room’s decor.
  • Most cats love it, even those who may tend to take their time to warm up to new toys or beds. The comfort and height make them happy.

Cons:

  • While hardware is included, the anchors for drywall aren’t ideal. You may want to get better ones before installation.

MewooFun Window Lounger

Easy installation

You can get this shelf in place without damaging your walls or windows.
Best For Your Window Seat

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If you like the idea of a window hammock, but the thought of suction cups leaves you unsure, the MewooFun window lounger has you covered. It gives your cat a comfortable place to sit and watch the world outside without damaging your windows or walls. In addition, the angled section allows them to crouch to hide or perch up a little extra.

Pros:

  • The windowsill installation keeps your cat safe and lets you close your blinds without moving the hammock out of the way.
  • It holds plenty of weight, which makes it an excellent option for chunky cats or pairs that like to stick together.
  • Your cats can both sleep and play on the spacious surface.

Cons:

  • While the window installation is easy, it does prevent you from closing it all the way.

Love-KANKEI Floating Shelves

Maximum freedom

Creating a custom playground for your feline is a breeze when you include these heavy-duty shelves.
Best Floating Shelf

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These floating shelves from Love-KANKEI are a fabulous way to build your cat a wonderland. Between the size, high weight limit, and easy installation, you can set them up for multiple cats of any size and know they’ll be secure. They also come in plenty of color options, and you can mix and match them with hammocks and beds for added fun.

Pros:

  • These shelves are as decorative as they are sturdy.
  • You can put the shelves together within just a few minutes.
  • If you buy a few sets of these shelves, you can create matching walkways throughout the home.

Cons:

  • They can be slippery, so you may want to add non-slip liners to keep your cat safer.

 Furhaven Tiger Tough Cat Tree

Risk-free option

This giant cat tree gives your pet the high vantage points they need without the risk to your walls or windows.
Best For Renters

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Some landlords are picky about what you can add to your walls or windows. So if you’re struggling to find a way to add high perches for your pets, you may want to check out the fabulous Furhaven Tiger Tough cat tree. It’s over five and a half feet tall and includes shelves, hiding toys, beds, dens, and ramps for maximum fun and comfort.

Pros:

  • This cat tree is both attractive and sturdy. It looks great in your home while giving your kitty the freedom to scratch and climb.
  • You can vacuum the carpeted surface for easy cleaning.
  • While this tree is perfect on its own, you can also use it as a base for shelves that get higher or connect it to another tree.

Cons:

  • We found that putting it together can be time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shelves do I need for my cats?

While there’s no hard rule about how many shelves your cat needs, we always recommend having a couple in every room they frequent. For example, if your feline likes your bedroom, living room, and kitchen, you may want to have one in each room so they can stay comfortable.

How can I ensure my cat is safe on their shelves?

Cat shelves usually list their weight limit and dimensions on the package. To ensure your cat’s safety, make sure you follow those guidelines. It’s also essential to install them properly on a secure surface. If you’re putting them on a wall, look for the studs. If you’re setting them up on windows, clean the area thoroughly with alcohol before trying to stick the suction cups onto them.

About the Author

Chelsia has grown up with cats all her life and now has two of her very own. As a mom of five kids, Chelsia has lots of little tricks to share about caring for and training cats to live harmoniously with everyone else in the home. She also knows the latest gadgets to make caring for cats a breeze so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time worrying about cleaning up after your furry friends.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.