Wall modules for cats

Installation guide

From tools to the final check: every step, in order, for a fit that is safe and lasts.

1
Before you start

What you need

Your kit

Tape measure
Drill or driver-drill
Screwdriver
Spirit level
Pencil
Drill bits and suitable anchors
Not sure about your wall?

Knock on it. A solid sound means concrete. A hollow sound means plasterboard.

Concrete or solid brick

Standard nylon plugs, Fischer SX type or equivalent.

Plasterboard, hollow wall

Metal Molly anchor is best. Self-drilling anchors hold less well.

2
Placement

Choosing the spot

  • Space each module 20 to 40 cm apart.
  • Climb gradually. Start low if your cat is new to it.
  • Do not fix a module above anything fragile.
  • Mark every hole in pencil before you drill.
20-40 cm
3
Drilling

Drilling the holes

Step-up method, recommended

4 mmFirst hole
→
6 mmWiden it
→
8 mmFinal size

  1. The right bit

    Use the bit that matches the anchor you chose.

  2. Drill straight

    Hold the drill square to the wall, never tilted.

  3. Drill gently

    No force. Let the bit do the work.

Tip

Stick a small fold of tape under the hole to catch the dust.

4
Concrete or solid brick

Anchors in a solid wall

  1. Push the anchor in

    It should sit flush with the wall.

  2. Tap it if needed

    A gentle tap with a hammer to seat it.

  3. Check it

    If it spins freely, the hole is too big. Start again, smaller.

Good to know

A snug hole is the base of a solid fixing. Slightly too small beats too big.

5
Molly anchor, no pliers needed

Anchors in plasterboard

  1. Push the anchor into the hole, flush with the wall.

  2. Screw in a few turns so it holds.

  3. Pull the screw gently towards you, by hand or with pliers.

  4. Keep screwing until you feel strong resistance.

  5. The anchor opens behind the wall. That is what holds it.

It is holding if

  • The screwing gets hard. That is normal.
  • It no longer moves once tight.

Common mistakes

  • Not pulling: it never opens.
  • Screwing too fast: it spins in the void.
6
Fixing

Fixing the module

  1. Align

    Line up every hole in the module with the anchors.

  2. Position

    Hold the module against the wall, on your marks.

  3. Fit every screw

    One screw in each fixing point.

  4. Tighten progressively

    A little on each, then go back over. Firm, never forced.

Every screw fitted

Your cat's weight is spread, the module cannot pivot, and the risk of it tearing out drops sharply.

A single screw: avoid

Always use every fixing point on the module. Never just one.

7
Safety

Check before your cat climbs

  • Pull lightly on the module. It must not move.
  • Press down with your hand, like the weight of your cat.
  • Check there is no play.
  • Listen for any creaking.

Extra safety

  • A cat can land hard. The fixings have to be solid.
  • Choose anchors rated for at least 15 to 20 kg.
  • At least 2 fixing points per module, often 3 or 4. Use them all.
  • For an active cat, go for metal Molly anchors.
  • A point feels weak? Take no risk. Do it again.
If it moves: STOP

Do not let your cat up until the fixing is redone and checked.

🐾
To finish

Mistakes to avoid

  • Fixing a module with a single screw.
  • Drilling a hole too big for the anchor.
  • Screwing too fast, so it spins in the void.
  • Forgetting to pull the screw when setting a Molly anchor.
  • Choosing cheap or unsuitable anchors.
  • Fixing into plasterboard without a proper anchor.
  • Not checking it holds before letting your cat up.

A job done well means a cat that is safe.

Thank you for following this YAMACATSI guide. Enjoy the build.

Anything missing from your parcel? Email us at yamacatsi.contact@gmail.com