Is it weird that I want to do this hack, and I don’t even have a cat? I just think it’s so clever, especially how it creates the perfect catio for a balcony. I definitely would have tried this out when I lived in my second-story apartment years ago (again, if I had a cat).
Lisa Zadonsky (@lilaboo45) needed a way for her precious kitty, Varya, to hang out with them on their balcony. But how to do it in a way that kept her fur baby safe, and still have money left over for fun cat toys? Time for an IKEA hack!
Lisa used the NORDKISA wardrobe to craft a groovy cat pad for her favorite feline. The slatted design is just right for a pet enclosure, offering essential ventilation and allowing Varya to enjoy the view.
Want to make a catio for your furry friend? Start here.
What You’ll Need
- 1 IKEA NORDKISA wardrobe
- Cat netting
- Accessories (carpet, scratch pads, cat bed, etc.)
- Drill
- Staple Gun
Give Your Cat the Perfect Hangout With This Clever IKEA Catio
1. Build the Wardrobe
Assemble the NORDKISA wardrobe according to IKEA’s instructions. Lisa adjusted the shelves to make her design more cat-friendly. If you decide to do the same, position and install the shelves to your liking (or to your cat’s liking, I suppose).
2. Attach the Netting
Use the staple gun to attach the cat netting to the sides, back, and half of the front of the wardrobe. The other half doesn’t need netting since the sliding door will cover this part and be where you let your cat in and out of the catio. To really keep things looking top-notch, staple from the inside of the frame.
3. Secure the Catio to the Wall
Attach the catio to the wall to make it stable. Use whatever hardware is appropriate for your wall.
4. Finalize With Cat Accessories
Make the catio just right for your cat by adding their favorite things. Put scratch pads on some of the shelves or line them with various textures. A comfy, cozy cat bed or two, or perhaps a few hanging toys, round out the fun.
Decide what works best based on your feline’s preferences, but don’t cram too many things inside. After all, you need to leave some room for your cat!
Are You Renting?
If you’re renting and want to try this hack, just check with your property manager first. Make sure there aren’t any special rules or restrictions. For example, some apartments may not want you attaching anything to the exterior walls.
If this is the case, you may need to consider alternatives such as heavy-duty removable adhesives or positioning pavers or blocks around the base of the unit to add stability. Also, keep the majority of the unit against a wall, preferably in a corner, to prevent tipping.
More Fun Cat IKEA Hacks!
Want a few more ideas to pamper your pet?
- Floating cat shelves provide plenty of enrichment and exercise for indoor cats who want to jump or love being up high.
- To maximize your space, give your cat a place to retreat and add storage and seating to your home with this hidden cat house bench.
- Even a simple stepladder can become a cozy cat tree, complete with a hammock for your kitty.
These are only a few examples of what’s possible when you take an IKEA piece and recreate it with your feline in mind.
Do you have a cat-focused hack that’s become your pet’s favorite perch, toy, or hangout? Share your hack to inspire other cat parents and have a chance to get featured on the site. You never know when your hack might inspire the purrrfect idea for someone else!