Cat Superhighway: Navigating Indoor Adventures With Style

Cats are naturally inclined to seek higher ground, and indoor cat superhighways are a great way to cater to this instinct. Cat superhighways are networks of shelves or pieces of furniture that allow cats to travel and play at height. They can be constructed in a variety of ways, from simple DIY creations to elaborate, ceiling-suspended catwalks. These structures can benefit cats by providing them with a sense of security, increasing their territory, and offering passive exercise. Additionally, cat superhighways can be customised to fit the available space and the cat's needs, such as including multiple routes and on-and-off ramps to prevent ambushes.

Cat superhighway design

Creating a cat superhighway is a fun and enriching project for cat owners. It involves designing a network of shelves, furniture, and other structures that allow cats to travel and explore at higher levels. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you design an indoor cat superhighway:

Planning the Superhighway:

• Determine the Type of Highway: Decide whether you want a pathway with objects for your cat to jump on, a contiguous path to follow, or a highway that runs through different rooms.
• Choose the Starting and Ending Points: Select locations that your cat frequently visits and feels comfortable in, such as the TV room, bedroom, or office. Ensure these spots are low enough for your cat to jump onto easily.
• Draw a Blueprint: Create a rough sketch of your superhighway, indicating the path, bridges, spacing, and any custom features. This will help you visualize and plan the required materials.

Gathering Materials:

• Purchase Cat Climbing Shelves: You can buy shelves specifically designed for cats, which are wide enough for them to walk and sleep on. Alternatively, you can opt for regular shelves or create custom ones using wood and carpet.
• Incorporate Pre-made Cat Furniture: Include pieces like cat scratching post towers and cat condos to add diversity to your superhighway and provide resting spots for your cat.
• Utilize Existing Furniture: Bookshelves, fireplace mantles, and other tall furniture can be part of the superhighway. Just ensure they are secure and cleared off for your cat's safe passage.

Constructing the Superhighway:

• Secure the Shelves and Furniture: Fasten shelves and other components to the wall, ensuring they can bear your cat's weight. Use studs or drywall to secure bookshelves, and consider adding extra vertical supports for stability.
• Space the Elements Appropriately: Aim for a maximum distance of 1-2 feet between elements to allow your cat to walk or jump easily. You can also create a continuous highway without any gaps.
• Observe and Adjust: Pay attention to how your cat uses the superhighway. Make adjustments as needed, such as moving pieces closer together, adding new elements, or substituting problematic sections.

Additional Considerations:

• Safety: Ensure all components are securely attached to the wall to prevent accidents. If you have a disabled or elderly cat, consider their abilities and mount the superhighway at a comfortable height for them to access.
• Customisation: Cat superhighways can be customised to fit your space and aesthetic preferences. You can incorporate bridges, hammocks, scratching posts, and other features to create a stimulating environment for your cat.
• Maintenance: Regularly check the stability and security of the superhighway. If you have a cat that likes to chew, opt for heavy-duty materials to prevent damage.

Cat superhighway materials

Creating a cat superhighway is an excellent way to keep your cat entertained and active. The materials you will need depend on the type of cat superhighway you want to create. Here are some options and the materials required for each:

Pre-made Cat Furniture

The easiest way to create a cat superhighway is to purchase pre-made cat furniture such as cat climbing shelves, cat scratching post towers, and cat condos or treehouses. These can be easily incorporated into your superhighway and provide your cat with a diverse and fun path to explore.

Custom-Built Shelves

If you want to build your own cat superhighway, you can purchase wood and carpet to create custom shelves. You can also use basic materials and hardware from any home improvement store to engineer suspended platforms, similar to the ceiling-suspended catwalks created by the "Catification Couple," Heidi and Kerry. They used 3/4" plywood with carpet on top to create non-slip circles attached to the ceiling with threaded rod hangers.

Existing Furniture

Another option is to incorporate existing furniture or shelving units into your cat superhighway. Bookshelves, fireplace mantles, and other tall pieces of furniture can serve as critical elements of your cat superhighway while also fulfilling your storage needs. Just make sure to secure these pieces of furniture to the wall to ensure your cat's safety.

Additional Materials

Regardless of the type of cat superhighway you choose to create, you will need some additional materials to ensure your cat's safety and comfort. These include:

• Fasteners or anchors to secure shelves or furniture to the wall
• Extra vertical supports for shelves that may not bear your cat's weight
• Non-slip surfaces or carpets to prevent your cat from falling
• Scratching posts or pads to provide your cat with a place to sharpen their claws
• On and off ramps to allow cats to easily access the superhighway

Cat superhighway construction

Planning

Before you start building your cat superhighway, it's important to have a comprehensive vision. Decide whether you want a pathway where your cat can jump from object to object, a contiguous path for your cat to follow, a highway that runs through most of your home, or a highway that leads from one active part of your home to another.

The starting and ending locations of your cat superhighway are critical. They should be in places where your cat usually spends time or passes through, and they should be comfortable spots that are low to the ground and that your cat can easily jump on and off from.

Once you've determined the starting and ending points, create a blueprint of the areas of your home where the superhighway will pass through, indicating whether the superhighway will have bridges, be spaced out, or be entirely contiguous.

Materials

You can purchase shelving specifically made for cats to climb on, or you can substitute regular shelves or furniture that fits both your and your cat's needs. If you want to save money, you can also purchase wood and carpet and create your own custom shelves.

There are also a variety of pre-made pieces of cat furniture that you can incorporate into your superhighway, such as cat scratching post towers and cat condos or treehouses.

Construction

When constructing your cat superhighway, it's important to make sure that all shelves and other parts of the highway are securely fastened to the wall and can hold your cat's weight. You can secure shelves into studs or fasten bookshelves to drywall, and add extra vertical supports to shelves if needed.

Space the pieces of your superhighway so that your cat can easily walk or jump from one piece to the next without falling, leaving no more than 1 or 2 feet between them. If you want, you can create a continuous highway from one room of the house to another, with no spaces between the pieces.

If a specific piece of furniture or feature of your home, like a fireplace mantle, is in the path of your highway, include it in your system to save money and time. Just make sure to clear off the tops of any furniture included in your cat superhighway so that your cat can travel on it safely.

Adjustments

Observe your cat using the superhighway and make adjustments as needed. If you notice your cat getting off the superhighway before it ends, or skipping several pieces of the highway, you may need to move pieces closer together, add new pieces, or substitute pieces that are problematic. For example, if your cat doesn't like jumping down from a high piece onto a bookshelf, you could fix this by lowering the higher piece by about a foot.

Cat superhighway maintenance

Cleaning

To keep your cat superhighway in good condition, it's important to clean it regularly. This includes vacuuming or wiping down the surfaces to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. If there are any removable cushions or bedding, these should be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of chewing or scratching on the rope or fabric components, as these can be health hazards for your cat if ingested.

Safety Checks

It is crucial to regularly check the stability and security of the superhighway, especially if your cat is still getting used to it. Ensure that all shelves and components are securely fastened to the wall and that there are no loose screws or fittings. Check the weight-bearing capacity of the shelves, and if your cat is particularly heavy, consider adding extra vertical supports to ensure their safety.

Adjustments

Observe your cat's behaviour and make adjustments as needed. For example, if they seem reluctant to jump between certain sections, you may need to move pieces closer together or add new elements to facilitate easier navigation. If your cat enjoys spending time in certain areas, such as near a window or in a sunny spot, consider expanding the superhighway in that direction.

Repairs and Refurbishments

Over time, you may need to repair or refurbish certain parts of the cat superhighway. This could include re-roping sections if your cat has chewed through the rope or tightening any loose screws or fittings. If you're feeling creative, you can also give the superhighway a fresh look by repainting or redecorating certain sections.

Cat Comfort

Ensuring your cat's comfort is an ongoing process, and you may need to make adjustments over time. Observe your cat's behaviour to see if they have any favourite spots or features, and consider adding similar elements to other parts of the superhighway. If your cat enjoys sleeping in certain areas, add more bedding or cushions to encourage their use. Additionally, keep an eye on your cat's weight, as larger cats may need additional support or wider shelves to navigate the superhighway comfortably.

Expansion

Finally, don't be afraid to think about expanding your cat superhighway! This could involve adding new sections, incorporating different types of furniture or play areas, or even connecting it to other cat-friendly areas in your home. By regularly providing new challenges and exploration opportunities, you'll keep your cat engaged and entertained.

Cat superhighway accessories

Creating a cat superhighway is a fun project that will give your cat a fun way to travel around your home. There are many accessories you can use to create a superhighway that your cat will enjoy for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cat Climbing Shelves

Purchase shelving specifically made for cats to climb on. These shelves are designed to be wide enough for cats to walk or sleep on and usually have anchors to help secure them to the wall. You can also substitute cat climbing shelves with regular shelves used for books or other purposes. If you're feeling crafty, you can even create your own custom shelves by purchasing wood and carpet.

Pre-made Cat Furniture

Incorporate pre-made cat furniture into your superhighway design. For example, cat scratching post towers can provide multiple points for your cat to get on and off the highway. A cat condo or treehouse can offer a relaxing hangout spot along the superhighway.

Furniture and Shelving Units

Combine your needs with your cat's needs by purchasing furniture that serves both purposes. Tall bookshelves or standalone shelving units can be a great addition to your cat superhighway while also providing storage space. Just make sure they are securely fastened to the wall to ensure your cat's safety.

Floor-to-Ceiling Posts

Install floor-to-ceiling posts wrapped in carpet and rope to create a giant scratcher for your cat. This can also provide an additional way for more agile cats to climb up to the superhighway.

On and Off Ramps

If you have multiple cats, consider adding on and off ramps to prevent ambushes. These ramps allow cats to easily get up and down from the superhighway.

Window Shelves

If you have an enclosed or semi-enclosed room or patio, consider adding window shelves for your cats to enjoy.

Remember to always secure your cat superhighway accessories to the wall to ensure your cat's safety and adjust the spacing as needed to suit your cat's needs. Enjoy creating a fun and functional space for your furry friend!

Frequently asked questions