I like how these 2 projects use the zig-zaggy Lack wall shelf from Ikea.  The first project packs a fair bit into a small space and makes use of materials from an old scratching post.  The second project uses 2 shelves. Both use shelf brackets from a hardware store to secure the shelf to the wall and to the bookcase.

This is a great idea, since it doesn’t take up floor space, doubles as a cat scratcher, doesn’t cost much to make, can be customized, and can double as art.  How cool is that?!  You can use cardboard you have or you you can buy sheets of it.  I would treat the “face” of the cardboard (the part that faces the room) so that it’s more aesthetically pleasing by painting it or by applying wallpaper, decorative paper, or fabric.  This tutorial shows how to make your cat a happy camper!

You’ll need:

1. jigsaw
2. glue gun
3. Corrugated cardboard pads measuring 36″×48″ (The tutorial notes these are available in bundles of 50 from http://www.uline.com/.) Or you can use what you have on hand as long as you have enough to make your piece 35 sheets thick. You may have to adjust the shapes you make depending on what you have.
4. hand saw or reciprocating saw
5. 3/8″ and 9/32″ wood drill bits, 6″ or longer
6. power drill
7. (4)–3/8″ washers, 2″ diameter
8. ratchet with 1/2″ socket
9. (4)–8″×3/8″ lag bolts
10. pencil
11. carpenter’s glue
12. paint brush
13. wallpaper brush
14. trim guide
15. sharp utility/camping knife
16. level
17. 48″ ruler
18. heavy objects to weigh down glued boards

Too cool! The Climber, a door mounted cat tree from Cat Livin, is a terrific idea for people (and cats) with limited floor space.

The sisal covered shelves are staggered and look like they’re well placed for cats to climb up. (I’ve seen plenty of cat trees where the shelf placement makes it really hard for cats to actually use the tree.) The shelves aren’t terribly deep, in order to give the cat tree a slim profile, but they are 14 inches long, so there is a fair bit of room for your kitties to hang out. I don’t know how well it will work for a scratching post given the orientation of the shelves.

The Climber is spring mounted, so you won’t damage your door putting it up. There’s an extension kit for longer doors. And, your door stays full functional. Clever, clever! (via apartmenttherapy)