Cat bridge install in Exeter
Professional cat bridge install services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Cat bridge installed securely between structures. Safe elevated walkway for indoor or outdoor use - lets your cat explore vertical territory and cross spaces confidently.
Give Your Cat the High Ground
Cats are vertical animals - they naturally want to climb, perch, and travel at height. A cat bridge lets them cross spaces without touching the ground, satisfying their climbing instincts and giving them exercise and mental stimulation.
Whether it's an indoor bridge connecting shelving units or an outdoor bridge between shed and fence, proper installation is critical. Cats won't use wobbly structures, and a poorly-mounted bridge is genuinely dangerous.
💡 Pro tip: Position cat bridges on routes your cat already uses - if they currently jump between two points, a bridge makes that crossing easier and safer. Watch their behaviour for a few days to plan the best routes.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Here's what separates a safe cat bridge from a liability:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Securely mounted to support jumping cats | Falls off wall under cat weight |
| Level walkway, cat walks confidently | Sloped or wobbly, cat won't use it |
| Appropriate width (20-25cm minimum) | Too narrow, cat feels unsafe |
| Weather-resistant (outdoor bridges) | Rots or warps in rain |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Route assessed, best mounting points identified |
| Mounting | Brackets/supports securely fixed to structures |
| Bridge installation | Walkway attached level and tested for stability |
| Safety check | Weight tested before cat uses it |
📦 You're Left With
- Cat bridge securely mounted
- Level, stable walkway
- Safe at both ends
- Happy, enriched cat
Pricing Guide
| Bridge Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple indoor bridge (1-2m) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Longer or outdoor bridge (2-3m) | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Complex route (multiple bridges) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Custom-built bridges take longer than installing ready-made ones.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Indoor cat enrichment - give house cats vertical territory
✅ Outdoor cat safety - let cats cross roads/gardens at height
✅ Multi-cat households - vertical space reduces territory squabbles
✅ Cat-friendly homes - create engaging cat furniture systems
Why Choose Us for Cat bridge install in Exeter?
Securely mounted to support cat weight
Level walkway for confident crossing
Safe height and positioning
Indoor or outdoor installation
What to Expect
Step 1: Route Planning
I'll assess the space and discuss your cat's behaviour - where do they like to go, what jumps do they currently make, where are the best mounting points? Planning the route properly is half the job.
Step 2: Secure Mounting
Using appropriate fixings for each surface (brick, wood, fence), I install brackets or supports. These need to handle dynamic loads - cats don't gently step onto bridges, they jump and land with force.
Step 3: Bridge Installation & Testing
Walkway goes up level and secure. I test it with weight before your cat goes anywhere near it. Quick chat about encouraging your cat to use it (treats work wonders).
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to build a cat bridge yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Wood saw (for custom bridges)
- Spirit level (essential!)
- Screwdriver or impact driver
- Strong brackets or L-brackets
- Tape measure
📐 Design basics
- Minimum 20cm wide (25-30cm better for cat confidence)
- Maximum 3m span without mid-support
- Level or very slight upward slope
- Non-slip surface (carpet, sisal rope, or grooved wood)
🪵 Materials (for simple wooden bridge)
- Treated timber plank 20-30cm wide
- Strong L-brackets (minimum 2 per end)
- Appropriate fixings for wall type
- Non-slip covering (optional but recommended)
- Weatherproof screws for outdoor use
🔨 Installation steps
- Mark mounting points with spirit level
- Install brackets securely into walls/structures
- Mount bridge plank onto brackets
- Check level in both directions
- Test with your own weight before cat uses it
- Add non-slip surface if needed
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Fixing into weak surfaces (plasterboard alone)
- Making bridge too narrow (cat feels unsafe)
- Sloped walkway (cats prefer level)
- Wobbly mounting (cat won't trust it)
- Outdoor bridges not weatherproofed
💡 Pro trick: Add side rails (5-10cm high) along the edges - helps nervous cats feel more secure, especially on longer bridges. Even confident cats appreciate a slight edge to brush against.
🐱 Encouraging use
- Place treats along the bridge
- Put favourite toy at far end
- Use catnip on the walkway
- Let cat explore at their own pace
- Praise when they investigate it
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐱 Multiple cats? Vertical territory reduces conflict in multi-cat homes. Bridges and elevated walkways let cats pass each other without ground-level confrontations.
Indoor vs outdoor bridges - Indoor bridges can be simpler (no weatherproofing needed), while outdoor bridges need treated timber, galvanised fixings, and should be checked annually for rot or loosening.
Cat weight capacity - Most domestic cats weigh 4-6kg, but bridges need to handle dynamic loads (cat jumping and landing). I over-engineer for safety - better too strong than too weak.
Devon's older houses often have interesting layouts perfect for cat bridges - connecting window ledges, crossing between furniture, or linking different levels. Creative cat bridge routes can turn ordinary homes into cat adventure playgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a cat bridge used for?
They let cats cross spaces at height - either indoors between furniture or shelves, or outdoors between buildings, sheds, or fence sections. Cats love vertical territory and elevated pathways. Bridges give them safe crossing routes and exercise their natural climbing instincts.
Can you install cat bridges indoors and outdoors?
Both - indoor bridges usually connect wall-mounted shelves or furniture, while outdoor bridges cross between buildings, sheds, or fence tops. Each needs appropriate fixings and weatherproofing. I'll assess your setup and use the right approach.
How do you make sure the bridge is safe for cats?
Secure mounting to walls/structures using proper fixings, level walkway so cats feel confident, appropriate width (minimum 20-25cm for cat comfort), and testing under weight before your cat uses it. Safety is critical when working at height.
Do I need to buy the cat bridge first?
Depends - some people buy ready-made cat bridges, others want custom-built wooden bridges. I can install either. If you're building custom, I can make simple bridges from treated timber. Just let me know what you're after.
What if my cat won't use it?
Cats are curious but cautious - new bridges often take time. Place treats along the bridge, position it on an existing cat route, make sure it's stable (cats won't trust wobbly structures), and give them time. Most cats love elevated walkways once they're confident it's safe.
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