Cat Loft - Revision history

Chris at 12:48, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T12:48:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:48, 6 August 2025
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	<span class=toclimit-3>__TOC__</span>~~[[Category:Architectural Concepts]]~~		<span class=toclimit-3>__TOC__</span>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|left\|Photo: Cat loft in use]]		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|left\|Photo: Cat loft in use]]

Chris at 15:13, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T15:13:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 5 August 2025
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	[[Category:Architectural Concepts]]		<span class=toclimit-3>__TOC__</span>[[Category:Architectural Concepts]]
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|left\|Photo: Cat loft in use]]		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|left\|Photo: Cat loft in use]]

Chris: Text replacement - "tenant" to "resident"

2025-07-29T12:38:05Z

Text replacement - "tenant" to "resident"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 29 July 2025
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	However, this feature is a great addition to your units even if you’re not building pet-friendly housing. Cat lofts are inexpensive to build and require virtually no maintenance; because of their location, they can take a lot of abuse and no damage will be visible.		However, this feature is a great addition to your units even if you’re not building pet-friendly housing. Cat lofts are inexpensive to build and require virtually no maintenance; because of their location, they can take a lot of abuse and no damage will be visible.

	The right trim will add architectural interest to your interior design, and the additional exposed ceiling will make your homes appear larger without the cost of additional square footage. Most importantly, a cat loft adds a large amount of functional storage that all ~~tenants~~ will appreciate, which is especially valuable in smaller units.		The right trim will add architectural interest to your interior design, and the additional exposed ceiling will make your homes appear larger without the cost of additional square footage. Most importantly, a cat loft adds a large amount of functional storage that all residents will appreciate, which is especially valuable in smaller units.

	==How to Build a Cat Loft==		==How to Build a Cat Loft==

Chris: /* Remodel */

2023-11-21T12:03:37Z

Remodel

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:03, 21 November 2023
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	====Remodel====		====Remodel====

	[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft remodel diagram]]In many cases, it is also simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft remodel diagram]]In many cases, it is also relatively simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.

	Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed ~~or shortened~~ to provide ~~space for~~ the opening to the cat loft. However, the king studs cannot be removed, and will protrude into the cat loft, which will slightly limit storage, but will have almost no effect on its ~~utility~~ as a feline living space.		Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed to provide the opening to the cat loft. However, the king studs cannot be removed and will protrude into the cat loft, which will slightly limit storage utility, but will have almost no effect on its use as a feline living space. Alternatively, you can create side walls flush with the king studs, which will create an even cuboid niche, but will reduce the size of the cat loft.

	===Framing the loft platform===		===Framing the loft platform===

Chris: /* Remodel */

2023-11-21T11:58:37Z

Remodel

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:58, 21 November 2023
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	[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft remodel diagram]]In many cases, it is also simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft remodel diagram]]In many cases, it is also simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.

	Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed or shortened to provide space for the opening to the cat loft.		Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed or shortened to provide space for the opening to the cat loft. However, the king studs cannot be removed, and will protrude into the cat loft, which will slightly limit storage, but will have almost no effect on its utility as a feline living space.

	===Framing the loft platform===		===Framing the loft platform===

Chris: /* New construction */

2023-11-21T11:56:31Z

New construction

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 21 November 2023
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	[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft framing diagram]]Building a cat loft during original construction is simple:		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft framing diagram]]Building a cat loft during original construction is simple:

	To maximize the width of the cat loft opening, frame the closet as you would a loft, without king studs on either side of the closet door, and ~~instead hang~~ the ~~headers from… [**UPDATE]~~		To maximize the width of the cat loft opening, frame the closet as you would a loft, without the king studs on either side of the closet door opening typically used to form protruding jambs. Instead, use hangers to attach a header between posts, and jack studs below for any necessary jambs or walls. Hang 2x4 or larger joists across the top of the closet, leaving enough room to attach a floor assembly above that will be flush with the top of the header.

			This leaves a clear cuboid niche above the closet that can be finished like a tiny room, with a floor below and gypsum board walls and ceiling.

	~~Steps/Tips~~
	*1
	*2
	*3
	====Remodel====		====Remodel====

Chris: /* Trimming the edge */

2022-10-14T08:15:25Z

Trimming the edge

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 14 October 2022
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	===Trimming the edge===		===Trimming the edge===

	People aren’t always going to get a ladder and move items carefully around in a cat loft. Rather, they’re going to slide heavy storage bins up and down right over the front edge—so a drywall corner there would get ruined. Instead, install a durable trim along that edge.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Photo: Example of edge trim]]People aren’t always going to get a ladder and move items carefully around in a cat loft. Rather, they’re going to slide heavy storage bins up and down right over the front edge—so a drywall corner there would get ruined. Instead, install a durable trim along that edge.

	For aesthetics, the material should be one used nearby in the home. In most cases, a simple strip of wood painted the same color as the trim in the room will blend naturally. Using a trim that is the thickness of the plywood platform plus the flooring material will create a smooth surface for sliding objects.		For aesthetics, the material should be one used nearby in the home. In most cases, a simple strip of wood painted the same color as the trim in the room will blend naturally. Using a trim that is the thickness of the plywood platform plus the flooring material will create a smooth surface for sliding objects.

Chris: /* Framing the loft opening */

2022-10-14T08:13:53Z

Framing the loft opening

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:13, 14 October 2022
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	====New construction====		====New construction====

	Building a cat loft during original construction is simple:		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft framing diagram]]Building a cat loft during original construction is simple:

	To maximize the width of the cat loft opening, frame the closet as you would a loft, without king studs on either side of the closet door, and instead hang the headers from… [**UPDATE]		To maximize the width of the cat loft opening, frame the closet as you would a loft, without king studs on either side of the closet door, and instead hang the headers from… [**UPDATE]

			Steps/Tips
			*1
			*2
			*3
	====Remodel====		====Remodel====

	In many cases, it is also simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat loft remodel diagram]]In many cases, it is also simple to add a cat loft over an existing closet without reframing the doors, although the opening to the cat loft will likely be limited to the width of the closet doors below.

	Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed or shortened to provide space for the opening to the cat loft.		Typical closet doors have king studs on either side, with multiple cripple studs over the header. These cripple studs are supposed to be non-structural and should be able to be removed or shortened to provide space for the opening to the cat loft.

	===Framing the loft platform===		===Framing the loft platform===

Chris: /* Picking the right height */

2022-10-14T08:12:18Z

Picking the right height

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:12, 14 October 2022
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	====For 9’ ceilings====		====For 9’ ceilings====

	Cat lofts work extremely well with the building sizes most commonly used in new construction today in the US: 9’ ceilings and standard 80” doors.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Illustration: Cat lofts at various heights]]Cat lofts work extremely well with the building sizes most commonly used in new construction today in the US: 9’ ceilings and standard 80” doors.

	In this situation, a 16” cat loft leaves 12” of wall above the closet door before the cat loft begins, which looks very well-proportioned aesthetically and still leaves a good amount of space at the top of the closet. Most typical storage bins can be used in a 16” cat loft, but it will be a tight fit.		In this situation, a 16” cat loft leaves 12” of wall above the closet door before the cat loft begins, which looks very well-proportioned aesthetically and still leaves a good amount of space at the top of the closet. Most typical storage bins can be used in a 16” cat loft, but it will be a tight fit.

Chris: /* Benefits of a Cat Loft */

2022-10-14T08:10:25Z

Benefits of a Cat Loft

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:10, 14 October 2022
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	===For cats===		===For cats===

	Cats have an instinctual drive to seek out high perches from which they can observe their surroundings. Also, to feel safe, cats need a secure, reliable place to which they can retreat when they feel threatened. Cats experience anxiety when they lack either of these basic needs, which are especially difficult to provide in a small home, but a cat loft satisfies both.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Video: How Cat Lofts Help Cats]]Cats have an instinctual drive to seek out high perches from which they can observe their surroundings. Also, to feel safe, cats need a secure, reliable place to which they can retreat when they feel threatened. Cats experience anxiety when they lack either of these basic needs, which are especially difficult to provide in a small home, but a cat loft satisfies both.

	Interestingly enough, research suggests that the overall size of an indoor living space does not matter much to cats, but having access to higher elevations within that space matters deeply. In short, cats experience significantly less anxiety in tiny rooms with accessible high platforms than in large rooms where they are stuck on the floor.		Interestingly enough, research suggests that the overall size of an indoor living space does not matter much to cats, but having access to higher elevations within that space matters deeply. In short, cats experience significantly less anxiety in tiny rooms with accessible high platforms than in large rooms where they are stuck on the floor.
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	===For people with cats===		===For people with cats===

	By providing a secure retreat for your cat with a cat loft, you will enjoy the benefits of living with a cat with less anxiety.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Video: How Cat Lofts Help Cat Owners]]By providing a secure retreat for your cat with a cat loft, you will enjoy the benefits of living with a cat with less anxiety.

	If you want to spoil your cats rotten, you could turn the entire loft into a luxury feline apartment, which you can decorate and fill with toys and cat-sized furniture.		If you want to spoil your cats rotten, you could turn the entire loft into a luxury feline apartment, which you can decorate and fill with toys and cat-sized furniture.
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	===For people without cats===		===For people without cats===

	A cat loft is incredibly useful to people even if it is never used for cats.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Video: How Cat Lofts Help People Without Cats]]A cat loft is incredibly useful to people even if it is never used for cats.

	This versatile alcove provides a durable, secure storage space that is much larger and easier to access than if the same space were enclosed in the closet below.		This versatile alcove provides a durable, secure storage space that is much larger and easier to access than if the same space were enclosed in the closet below.

	~~[**3D Diagram/video: closet vs. cat loft]~~		As you can see in the video above, a cat loft provides over double the secure storage space of a shelf within a closet, because obstructed shelves are functionally limited to half the depth of the closet, and most are shallower. In addition, the front wall of the closet makes this area difficult to access, especially with large items, reducing your ability to use what little space is available.

	As you can see in the ~~[diagram/~~video], a cat loft provides over double the secure storage space of a shelf within a closet, because obstructed shelves are functionally limited to half the depth of the closet, and most are shallower. In addition, the front wall of the closet makes this area difficult to access, especially with large items, reducing your ability to use what little space is available.

	On the contrary, the open design of a cat loft makes it easy to get the most out of a much larger space, especially by using baskets or storage bins to take advantage of the full height and depth without sacrificing convenience.		On the contrary, the open design of a cat loft makes it easy to get the most out of a much larger space, especially by using baskets or storage bins to take advantage of the full height and depth without sacrificing convenience.
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	===For rental property owners===		===For rental property owners===

	As with other pet-friendly features, a cat loft can prevent property damage by helping to reduce the overall anxiety of any cats living there. In addition, a properly prepared cat loft can prevent damage from older, incontinent cats.		[[File:Gray.png\|thumb\|right\|Video: How Cat Lofts Help Rental Property Owners]]As with other pet-friendly features, a cat loft can prevent property damage by helping to reduce the overall anxiety of any cats living there. In addition, a properly prepared cat loft can prevent damage from older, incontinent cats.

	However, this feature is a great addition to your units even if you’re not building pet-friendly housing. Cat lofts are inexpensive to build and require virtually no maintenance; because of their location, they can take a lot of abuse and no damage will be visible.		However, this feature is a great addition to your units even if you’re not building pet-friendly housing. Cat lofts are inexpensive to build and require virtually no maintenance; because of their location, they can take a lot of abuse and no damage will be visible.