Cat shelf install in Exeter
Professional cat shelf install services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Cat shelves mounted securely to create vertical climbing routes. Wall-mounted territory for indoor cats to climb, perch, and exercise - transforms unused wall space into cat highways.
Give Your Cat the Walls
Indoor cats need vertical territory as much as floor space. In the wild, cats climb trees to hunt, escape danger, and survey territory. Your indoor cat has the same instincts but nowhere to go.
Wall-mounted cat shelves solve this perfectly. They turn boring walls into climbing routes, give cats high perches to lounge on, and provide exercise and mental stimulation. It's like adding square metres to your home that only your cat can access.
💡 Pro tip: Position cat shelves to create "highways" to desirable spots - the sunniest windowsill, the warmest radiator, the highest viewpoint. Cats use them more when they lead somewhere good.
Why Secure Mounting Matters
Here's what separates safe cat furniture from a liability:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Mounted to studs or brick, holds jumping cat | Fixed to plasterboard, rips out when cat jumps |
| Spaced for confident climbing | Too far apart, cat can't reach or feels unsafe |
| Carpeted or textured for grip | Slippery surface, cat slides off |
| Tested under weight | Collapses first time cat uses it |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Route discussed, spacing planned for your cat |
| Fixing points | Studs/brick located, drilling positions marked |
| Mounting | Shelves securely fixed to walls |
| Testing | Weight tested before cat uses them |
📦 You're Left With
- Cat shelves securely mounted
- Comfortable spacing for climbing
- Vertical territory created
- Happy, exercised cat
Pricing Guide
| Number of Shelves | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 shelves (simple route) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| 4-6 shelves (medium route) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| 7+ shelves (complex route) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Time depends on number of shelves and wall type.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Indoor cats - need vertical territory and exercise
✅ Small homes - maximise space by going vertical
✅ Multi-cat households - vertical space reduces territory conflicts
✅ Bored cats - create interesting climbing routes for enrichment
Why Choose Us for Cat shelf install in Exeter?
Securely mounted to support jumping cats
Spaced for comfortable cat climbing
Vertical territory for indoor cats
Transforms walls into cat highways
What to Expect
Step 1: Route Planning
I'll discuss where shelves should go - which walls, what spacing, where cats want to get to (windows, high spots). Plan a route that works for your cat's age and ability.
Step 2: Stud Finding & Marking
Locate studs in plasterboard walls or identify best brick positions. Mark drilling points, ensuring each shelf has solid fixing points.
Step 3: Mounting
Drill and mount each shelf securely using appropriate fixings for your wall type. Check spacing and alignment as I go.
Step 4: Weight Testing
Test each shelf under weight before your cat goes anywhere near it. Quick demo of encouraging cats to use them (treats on the route work brilliantly).
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to install cat shelves yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Stud finder (for plasterboard walls)
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Wall plugs (for brick) or long screws (for studs)
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Strong shelf brackets
📐 Planning the route
- 30-40cm vertical spacing (closer for elderly cats)
- Stagger horizontally to create interest
- Lead to desirable spots (windows, high perches)
- Minimum 25cm deep shelves for cat comfort
- Route around room if possible
🪵 Shelf options
- Ready-made cat shelves (buy online)
- Simple wooden shelves + carpet covering
- Corner shelves (space-efficient)
- Floating shelves (minimize visual impact)
🔨 Mounting
- Find studs in walls (stud finder) or use brick walls
- Mark shelf positions with spirit level
- Drill pilot holes
- Install strong brackets (rated for 10kg+ each)
- Mount shelves, ensure they're level
- Test with your own weight before cat uses
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Mounting to plasterboard alone (will rip out)
- Shelves too far apart (cat can't reach safely)
- Slippery surfaces (add carpet or sisal)
- Weak brackets (must handle dynamic loads)
- Not testing before cat jumps on them
💡 Pro trick: Add a "perch shelf" at the end of each route - a bigger platform where cats can sit comfortably and survey their territory. Cats love destination spots, not just passing-through shelves.
🐱 Encouraging use
- Place treats on each shelf to create a trail
- Sprinkle catnip on new shelves
- Position near favourite windows or spots
- Be patient - some cats investigate immediately, others take days
- Praise when they explore the shelves
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 is brilliant for multi-cat households - it gives cats options to avoid each other and creates "layers" of territory. Reduces conflicts and stress significantly.
Wall type matters - Solid brick walls are easiest and strongest. Plasterboard walls need studs finding. Cavity walls might need specialist fixings. I'll assess and use the right approach for your walls.
Elderly or disabled cats - Shelves still work but need closer spacing (20-25cm instead of 30-40cm). Creates a staircase effect that's easier for cats with mobility issues.
Rental properties - Check with landlords first. Most are fine with small fixing holes (easier to repair than cat-scratched doors!). Position thoughtfully to minimise damage and impact.
Exeter's older houses often have thick brick walls perfect for cat shelves - rock-solid mounting and plenty of space for creative routes. Victorian and Edwardian properties with high ceilings are ideal for spectacular vertical cat highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cats need wall shelves?
Cats are vertical animals - they naturally want to climb, perch high, and survey their territory from above. Wall-mounted shelves give indoor cats vertical space to explore, exercise, and feel secure. Especially brilliant for small homes where floor space is limited.
How do you space cat shelves for climbing?
Typically 30-40cm between shelves vertically - close enough for confident jumping but far enough to make it interesting. Stagger them horizontally to create routes. I'll discuss your cat's age and ability and space accordingly. Kittens and elderly cats need closer spacing.
Will the shelves damage my walls?
I drill into brick or studs, never just plasterboard alone. When/if you remove shelves, you're left with small holes that fill easily. Much less damage than cats scratching walls trying to climb! I can advise on best placement to minimise visible fixing points.
Can you install shelves on any wall?
Most walls yes - brick, block, stud walls with timber. Plasterboard alone won't hold a jumping cat. I'll assess your walls and use appropriate fixings. Sometimes we need to find studs or use different walls if the construction won't support it safely.
What if my cat won't use them?
Cats are naturally attracted to height - putting treats or catnip on shelves usually gets them investigating. Position shelves on routes they already use (to windows, near radiators, etc.) and they'll integrate them into their territory quickly. Most cats love them within days.
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