10 Easy IKEA Hacks for Your Cat That Will Upgrade Your Home
Let’s be real for a second. You love your cat, but you might not love the way their cat tree looks in your living room. That beige carpet tower? The one that clashes with everything? I see it. I’ve been there too.
I started looking at IKEA furniture differently a few years ago. It’s almost too easy to turn a simple shelf or a cabinet into something your cat will actually use. And the best part? You don’t need to be a carpenter or spend a ton of money.
I’ve rounded up ten of my favorite IKEA cat hacks. These are the ones I’ve tried myself or seen work wonders for friends. They are practical, look good, and your cat is going to love them. Ready to grab some tools? Let’s get started.
1. The Kallax Cat Cave
The Kallax shelf unit is a classic. But instead of just putting books in those square cubbies, turn one into a cozy den for your cat. It’s one of the easiest tweaks you can make.
Simply take out one of the lower shelves. You want to leave two cubbies stacked vertically empty. Now, flip the shelf insert (the one you just removed) sideways and attach it to the front of the opening. This creates a little door frame.
- You can add a soft cushion or a folded blanket inside.
- If your cat likes privacy, hang a small curtain over the opening.
- This works best with the 2×2 or 2×4 Kallax units.
Your cat will have a private little room that blends right into your furniture.
2. The LACK Cat Bed
This one is almost too simple. The IKEA LACK side table is cheap and super light. You can turn it into a floating cat bed with very little work.
You need to flip the table upside down. The legs will point up. Now, wrap some sturdy rope or twine around the legs. This gives your cat a scratching surface.
- Place a soft, round cushion inside the flat area (the old tabletop is now the bottom).
- Secure the cushion so it doesn’t slide out.
- Your cat can sleep inside and scratch the legs when they wake up.
It looks like a modern, minimalist cat bed. Nobody will guess it used to be a side table.
3. The KALLAX Ramp to the Window
Does your cat love watching birds from the window? I know mine does. But my window sill is too small for a good perch. I used a simple shelf to fix that.
Take a single KALLAX shelf (the ones that come with the unit) or a BERGSHULT shelf. Attach one end to the wall under the window sill. Let the other end rest on the floor. You have created a gentle ramp.
- Wrap the ramp in sisal rope for grip.
- Place a soft mat at the top on the window sill.
- Your cat can run up the ramp and lounge by the window.
It’s like giving your cat their own little staircase to the best view in the house.
4. The DUKTIG Cat Bed Makeover
If you have the DUKTIG doll bed, you already have the perfect cat bed. It’s the right size and shape. You just need to make it cozy for a real cat, not a doll.
Start by removing the thin doll mattress. Replace it with a thick, washable pet bed or a memory foam cushion. Your cat loves soft surfaces, so make sure it’s plush.
- Add a small, soft blanket on top.
- Place the bed in a quiet corner.
- Some cats love it when you put a tiny pillow in there too.
This hack is adorable and takes less than five minutes. Your cat will look like royalty.
5. The FJÄLLA Cat Wall Shelves
Wall shelves are a great way to give your cat vertical space without a big cat tree. The FJÄLLA picture ledge is perfect for this because it has a lip that keeps things from falling off.
Mount a few of these ledges along your wall at different heights. Make sure they are close enough together that your cat can jump from one to the next.
- Add a small, grippy mat to each shelf so your cat doesn’t slip.
- You can also attach a toy to the wall above the top shelf.
- This creates a “cat superhighway” along your wall.
Your cat will love climbing and exploring. And the white ledges look clean and modern.
6. The IVAR Cat Tower
The IVAR system is raw, wooden, and cheap. It’s a blank canvas. You can build a custom cat tower that matches your room’s style perfectly.
Buy two IVAR side units. Attach them together with wooden dowels or screws. You can leave the shelves at different heights. Your cat can jump from one to the other.
- Wrap some of the shelves in sisal rope for scratching.
- Leave one shelf bare for a natural wood look.
- Add a hanging toy from the top shelf.
This tower is sturdy and can hold even a big cat. Plus, it looks like a piece of rustic furniture.
7. The SKÅDIS Cat Toy Organizer
Cat toys end up everywhere. Under the couch, behind the fridge, in your shoe. The SKÅDIS pegboard is the perfect way to keep them organized and visible.
Mount a small SKÅDIS board on the wall near your cat’s favorite spot. Then, use the hooks and containers that come with the system to hold toys.
- Hang wand toys from the hooks.
- Put small mice in the little bins.
- Your cat can even “pick” a toy themselves if you hang them low enough.
This keeps your space tidy and makes playtime easier. No more digging under the sofa for a toy.
8. The BESTÅ Cat Litter Box Cabinet
Let’s talk about the litter box. It’s necessary, but nobody wants to look at it. The BESTÅ cabinet system can hide it completely.
You need a BESTÅ frame with doors. Cut a small cat-sized hole in one of the doors. Place the litter box inside the cabinet. The hole gives your cat access, and the doors keep the view clean.
- Add a carbon filter inside the cabinet to control odor.
- Put a mat inside to catch litter.
- Make sure the cabinet is well-ventilated.
This hack makes your home look so much cleaner. Guests will never know where the litter box is.
9. The BEKVÄM Cat Scratching Post
The BEKVÄM step stool is a small, wooden stool. It’s meant for reaching high shelves. But it makes a fantastic scratching post for cats who like to scratch on their hind legs.
Leave the stool as is. Your cat can stretch up and scratch the wooden legs. If you want to encourage it, wrap the vertical posts in sisal rope.
- Place the stool near a window or in a sunny spot.
- Rub some catnip on the rope to attract your cat.
- Your cat will love the angle of the scratching surface.
It’s small, cheap, and works perfectly. Plus, it doesn’t look like a cat toy at all.
10. The MALM Cat Slumber Box
The MALM dresser is a classic. But you can turn one of the lower drawers into a secret cat bedroom. This is a hack for the brave, but it looks amazing.
Remove the front of one of the bottom drawers. You can cut a hole in the front panel or simply remove it completely. Then, slide the drawer back into the dresser. Your cat can crawl inside the empty drawer space.
- Put a soft blanket or bed inside the drawer.
- Your cat will love the dark, enclosed space.
- You can even put a small toy in there.
This is a very discreet hideaway. Your cat will feel safe and hidden, right in the middle of your bedroom.
Conclusion
I hope these ideas get you excited about making your home more fun for your cat. The best part about IKEA hacks is that they are simple, affordable, and easy to customize. You don’t need to buy expensive cat furniture. You just need a little creativity and a few basic tools.
Try one hack this weekend. See how your cat reacts. I bet they will love it. And you will love how much better your home looks. Happy hacking!
FAQ: IKEA Cat Hacks
Do I need to drill holes into my IKEA furniture?
Sometimes yes, but not always. For hacks like the LACK cat bed or the DUKTIG makeover, you don’t need any drilling. For wall-mounted shelves or the BESTÅ cabinet, you will need to drill. Just use the right tools and take your time.
Is it safe for my cat to use these hacks?
Yes, as long as you build them correctly. Make sure everything is stable and securely attached to the wall. Avoid sharp edges. Always check that your cat can jump safely between heights.
Will these hacks ruin my IKEA furniture?
Most of these hacks are reversible. If you remove the cat bed from the LACK table, it’s still a table. The KALLAX cave can be turned back into a bookshelf. Only the BESTÅ cabinet with a hole is permanent. Think before you cut.
What if my cat doesn’t use the hack?
It happens. Cats are picky. Try placing the item in a spot your cat already likes. Add catnip or a favorite toy inside. Patience is key. Sometimes they just need a few days to explore it on their own.
Can I use other IKEA products for cat hacks?
Absolutely. Almost any IKEA furniture can be hacked. Look for simple shapes, sturdy materials, and open spaces. The possibilities are endless. Just use your imagination and think like a cat.
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