Catwalk Cove Light

Overview

A catwalk cove light is a multi-purpose fixture that provides indirect lighting as well as storage or decorative display space for people while serving as an elevated pathway for cats.

As opposed to other such pathways, which are obviously for cats and radically alter the perception of the room or entire home, these pathways are hidden in plain sight by being integrated into a fixture that fully justifies its existence in the room through its other functions.

Benefits of a Catwalk Cove Light

For cats

Elevated pathways enhance the efficacy of cat lofts, providing access to them and connecting them with other areas intended for cats. These pathways increase the amount of elevated living space and give cats more room to sate their instinctual need to observe their surroundings from high perches, which reduces anxiety and conflicts between multiple cats.

For people with cats

The primary benefits of a catwalk cove to people with cats are the behavioral improvements that are a result from reducing their cats’ anxiety. Furthermore, many cat owners enjoy simply watching their cats traverse the elevated pathways, and some will incorporate them into their playtime with their pets.

For people without cats

Everyone can enjoy the indirect cove lighting provided by the fixture, while those without cats can also use it for additional storage or displaying decorative objects, depending on the size and strength of construction.

For rental property owners

Cove lighting improves the perceived value of the home. Plus, cats living in an environment with elevated pathways will typically experience less anxiety and get more exercise, both of which reduce destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching.

How to Build a Catwalk Cove Light

If working with original construction with integrated coves, designing a catwalk cove light can be as simple as deepening a the cove area to be wide enough to serve as a pathway; the options are nearly limitless.

Adding such a fixture to an existing wall used to be more complicated and expensive; however, the advent of LED strip lights makes construction vastly easier.

To do so, first build a shelf to serve as the catwalk. It should be at least 6 inches wide to serve as a comfortable path for a single cat, and support a load of at least 50 lbs. at the edge. For rental properties, stronger supports should be used in order to prevent damage or injury from overloading.

Next, if the appearance of a traditional cove light is desired, add a decorative valence below the shelf to mask it, extending slightly above the shelf level to create a corner where an aluminum light channel or diffuser can be installed. On the other hand, since LED light strips are so thin, the enclosure that used to be required to hide large bulbs for cove lighting is no longer necessary. If a more modern look is desired, a fixture could take the form of a thin floating shelf, with the light strip mounted in an angled channel routed into the top face near the front edge.