If you’re a cat owner, you know the struggle of keeping your home stylish and organized while also giving your feline friends the space they need to climb, scratch, and relax. Store-bought cat towers and scratching posts often end up looking cluttered and out of place—especially in a well-designed bedroom.
That was exactly the challenge I faced in our master bedroom breezeway, where a jumble of cat furniture just didn’t fit the cozy, organized vibe I wanted.
Instead of settling for a messy look or sacrificing my cats’ happiness, I decided to take on a new DIY project: building a custom, built-in cat condo that would blend seamlessly with our décor and look just like a bookcase. My goal was to create a piece of furniture that offered all the climbing, scratching, and lounging opportunities my cats love—without looking like typical cat furniture.
The result? A one-of-a-kind, floor-to-ceiling cat condo that both my cats and I absolutely love.
For even more pet-friendly DIY ideas that blend seamlessly with your home, check out my DIY Hidden Litter Box Cabinet project.
Project Goals & Inspiration
The idea for this DIY built-in cat condo was born out of both necessity and inspiration. Our master bedroom has a unique layout, with a fireplace in the middle and two breezeways on either side. For a while, one breezeway was home to an Amazon cat tower and several scratching posts, but the area always looked cluttered and unkempt—definitely not the cozy, organized retreat I wanted for our bedroom.
Recently, we had just adopted two new kitties to be friends with our senior cat. Watching them jump, play, and explore made me realize that our current setup wasn’t ideal for their energy or for our space. I wanted to find a way to incorporate a better cat tower and scratching posts into our décor—something that would meet their needs and look beautiful in our room.
One day, as I looked at the breezeway, I realized it had the perfect potential for a custom solution. I wanted to create something that would give my cats plenty of places to climb, scratch, and relax, while also blending seamlessly with our existing décor. My vision was to build a cat condo that looked like a built-in bookcase—elegant, streamlined, and perfectly at home in our bedroom.
Inspired by a cat tree house I saw built into a wall on Pinterest, I sketched out my own design on my tablet, using the exact measurements of our breezeway as my guide. I didn’t follow any pre-made plans; instead, I let the space and my cats’ needs dictate the final design. The main goals were clear:
- Eliminate the cluttered look of store-bought cat furniture
- Provide my cats with more vertical territory and cozy hideaways
- Protect our furniture by including plenty of scratching surfaces
- Create a sturdy, long-lasting structure that would blend in with our home and look like it had always been there
Materials & Tools Used
To bring my vision of a built-in cat condo to life, I focused on using sturdy, practical materials that would stand up to years of climbing, scratching, and lounging. I also wanted the finished piece to look polished and cohesive with our bedroom décor. Here’s what I used:
Materials:
- ¾” plywood: Used for the main structure of the condo/bookcase, providing a strong and stable base.
- 1×2 trim boards: Added to the edges for a finished, custom look.
- Kilz2 primer and wall-matching paint: I primed the entire structure and painted it the same color as our bedroom walls, helping it blend in seamlessly.
- Self-stick carpet squares: Placed on each of the six shelves and the back wall of each landing area to create soft, comfortable spots for the cats to jump, climb, and relax.
- Scratching post materials: I repurposed pieces from the old Amazon cat house and made additional posts using 2” dowel rods, twine rope, and hot glue.
- Cat beds and faux plants: Three cat beds were placed throughout the climbing area, and two faux plants (secured with hot glue) added personality and a bookcase feel.
- Fabric for the hammock: Purchased from Hobby Lobby, used to create a cozy hammock at the bottom level.
Tools:
- Circular saw: For cutting all boards and plywood to size.
- Jigsaw: Used to cut out the holes in each shelf for the cats to jump through.
- Router: Smoothed the edges of the cutouts for safe, comfortable climbing.
- Brad nailer and brad nails: For assembling the structure and attaching it securely to the wall studs.
- Measuring tape, and level: Essential for precise assembly and installation.
- Hot glue gun: Used for securing rope to the scratching posts and attaching faux plants.
- Sander and tack cloth: For smoothing all surfaces and removing dust before priming and painting.
- Paintbrushes and rollers: For priming and painting the finished condo.
Step-by-Step Build Process
Building the DIY built-in cat condo was a rewarding project that came together over several days. Here’s how I brought the design to life, from initial sketches to the final installation:
Planning & Design
I started by measuring the breezeway space and sketching out my design on my tablet. Inspired by a built-in cat tree I saw on Pinterest, I tailored the design to fit our unique space and my cats’ needs. I didn’t follow any pre-made plans—just the measurements of the breezeway and a vision for a bookcase-style cat condo.
Construction
Day 1: I cut all the plywood and trim boards to size using a circular saw. Next, I used a jigsaw to cut out holes in each shelf, allowing the cats to climb up and down freely. To make the edges safe and comfortable for the cats, I smoothed them with a router.
Day 2: After sanding all the pieces, I assembled the “bookcase” using wood glue and brad nails. The assembled structure was then installed in the breezeway, secured to the wall studs with 2 ½” brad nails—just like you would install a door jamb.
Day 3: I added all the 1×2 trim to the frame for a polished look, then filled the nail holes. After the filler dried, I sanded everything smooth and cleaned up the dust with a tack cloth.
Day 4: The entire bookcase was primed with Kilz2 primer from Home Depot, ensuring a smooth, durable base for the paint.
Day 5: Once the primer was dry, I painted the condo to match our bedroom walls, helping it blend in seamlessly.
After the paint dried, I installed the self-stick carpet squares on each shelf and the back wall of each landing area. I also added the scratching posts, hammock, cat beds, and faux plants to complete the look and functionality.
Assembly Tips
- I assembled the bookcase outside, but in hindsight, I recommend assembling it inside or as close to its final location as possible. Carrying the finished structure inside was a challenge due to its size!
- Instead of pocket holes, I used glue and brad nails for assembly. This method kept the exterior clean and smooth, and it’s plenty strong for both cats and books.
By breaking the project into manageable steps and focusing on both function and aesthetics, I was able to create a custom cat condo that’s sturdy, stylish, and perfectly suited to our space.
Design Features & Custom Touches
What truly sets this DIY built-in cat condo apart are the thoughtful design features and custom touches that make it both functional for the cats and beautiful in our home.
Cat-Friendly Climbing & Lounging
Each of the six shelves includes a cut-out hole, allowing the cats to climb up and down freely and explore the condo at their own pace. Every shelf also serves as a landing area, giving the cats plenty of spots to relax, play, or nap. To make these spaces extra cozy, I covered both the floor and back wall of each shelf with self-stick carpet squares, providing soft landings and great traction for little paws.
Cozy Beds & Hammock
I placed three cat beds throughout the climbing area, giving each kitty a choice of cozy nooks to curl up in. At the bottom of the condo, I built a hammock using leftover scratching post pieces and soft fabric from Hobby Lobby. This hammock has quickly become a favorite spot for play and relaxation.
Scratching Posts
To protect our furniture and keep the cats entertained, I included four scratching posts at the base of the condo. Some were repurposed from an old Amazon cat house, while others were handmade using 2” dowel rods wrapped in twine rope and secured with hot glue. The posts are sturdy and perfectly placed for the cats to scratch as they climb or lounge in the hammock. I plan to add even more scratching posts in the future as needed.
Faux Plants & Décor
To give the condo a true bookcase feel and add some personality, I hot glued two faux plants—one on the top shelf and one on the bottom shelf. Not only do they add dimension and style, but they’re also securely attached so the cats can’t knock them over.
Seamless Integration
One of my favorite features is how seamlessly the condo blends into our bedroom décor. By painting the entire structure to match the walls, it looks like it’s always been there. And if we ever want to use it as a real bookcase, the carpet and cat accessories can be removed, making it a versatile addition to our home.
Thoughtful Layout
Before finalizing the design, I drew everything out on my tablet to ensure the layout was cohesive and uncluttered. Every element—from the placement of the beds and plants to the arrangement of the shelves and scratching posts—was chosen to maximize both function and style.
Final Touches & Cat Reactions
The true test of any cat project is, of course, the cats themselves—and I’m happy to report that our built-in cat condo has been a huge hit! From the very first day, all three of our cats have been exploring, climbing, and lounging in their new space. They love curling up in the beds, stretching out in the hammock, and darting through the cut-out holes from shelf to shelf.
The scratching posts have been put to good use, saving our furniture from sharp claws.
To encourage the cats to explore every nook and cranny, I sprayed a little catnip on different areas of the condo, which instantly sparked their curiosity and playfulness. Now, it’s not uncommon to find them napping in the hammock, perched on a shelf, or playing with their toys in their new favorite spot.
Beyond the cats’ happiness, I’m thrilled with how the condo has transformed our bedroom breezeway. The space is now organized, stylish, and completely free of the cluttered look that store-bought cat towers and posts used to create. The condo blends in so well with our décor that guests often think it’s just a custom bookcase—until they spot a tail or a pair of curious eyes peeking out!
This project has not only given our cats a safe, fun, and cozy place to call their own, but it’s also brought a sense of calm and cohesion to our home. If you’re considering a similar DIY project, I can’t recommend it enough—your cats (and your living space) will thank you!
Tips for DIYers
Taking on a DIY built-in cat condo project is incredibly rewarding, but a few lessons learned along the way can make your experience even smoother. Here are my top tips and advice for anyone looking to create a custom cat space:
- Assemble Close to the Final Location: If your project is large, try to assemble it inside or as close to its final spot as possible. Carrying a fully assembled, floor-to-ceiling bookcase into the house was a challenge I wouldn’t recommend repeating!
- Pocket Holes Aren’t Always Necessary: Don’t feel like you have to use pocket holes for every project. I opted for wood glue and brad nails, which kept the exterior clean and smooth—no visible holes—and the structure is still strong enough to hold the weight of multiple cats (or even a full case of books, if you ever want to repurpose it).
- Design With Your Décor in Mind: To help your cat condo blend in, paint it to match your walls or trim. Or, if you want it to stand out, choose a bold color for a fun focal point. Coordinate carpet, beds, and accessories with your existing décor for a cohesive look.
- Add Personal Touches: Faux plants, cozy beds, and a hammock make the condo feel more like a piece of furniture than a typical cat tree. Secure decorative items with hot glue so curious paws can’t knock them over.
- Think Like a Cat: Include plenty of vertical space, cut-out holes for climbing, and soft landings. Place scratching posts where your cats naturally like to scratch, and consider spraying a little catnip to encourage them to explore.
- Plan Your Layout: Sketch your design before you start building. This helps ensure everything fits together well and the final result looks intentional and uncluttered.
- Use Quality Materials: Sturdy plywood, strong trim, and durable carpet will help your condo last for years. Don’t skimp on the basics!
Wrapping Up
Building a DIY built-in cat condo was one of the most satisfying projects I’ve tackled in our home. Not only did it solve the problem of cluttered, mismatched cat furniture, but it also gave our cats a safe, fun, and cozy place to call their own. The condo blends seamlessly with our bedroom décor, looks just like a custom bookcase, and has quickly become a favorite spot for all three of our kitties.
If you’re looking for a way to combine style, function, and feline happiness, I highly recommend creating your own built-in cat condo. With a little planning, some quality materials, and a bit of creativity, you can transform any awkward space into a beautiful, cat-friendly feature that both you and your pets will love.
