15 DIY Cat Obstacle Course Ideas to Boost Agility, Confidence & Daily Exercise

The foundational element of any cat course. A connected series of boxes that forces the cat to crawl, stalk, and navigate turns.

Beginner cats Kittens Shy cats

3–5 cardboard boxes (various sizes), packing tape, box cutter

20-30 min Easy

1. 1
   Open flaps of all boxes
2. 2
   Cut holes in sides of boxes to create connection points
3. 3
   Push boxes together, aligning holes, and tape them securely so they don’t slide apart
4. 4
   Cut “windows” or “skylights” in tops of a few boxes so cat doesn’t feel trapped in dark
5. 5
   Arrange in an L-shape or U-shape to break line of sight

Cat won’t go in: Throw a ping pong ball through tunnel to trigger their chase instinct.

A “Floor is Lava” game for cats. It builds coordination on unstable surfaces without risk of height.

Low-impact training Renters

Couch cushions, bed pillows, yoga mats

5 min Very Easy

1. 1
   Clear a path in the living room
2. 2
   Lay down a non-slip yoga mat path (to prevent pillows sliding)
3. 3
   Place pillows about 6–12 inches apart
4. 4
   Lure cat from pillow to pillow, ensuring they don’t touch the floor

Use different densities (firm couch cushion vs. soft feather pillow) to challenge their balance.

Using a standard decorative ladder shelf as an agility apparatus.

Indoor cats needing vertical exercise

A leaning ladder shelf (secured), carpet squares, double-sided tape

30 min Easy

1. 1
   Secure top of ladder shelf to the wall so it cannot tip over
2. 2
   Apply carpet squares or non-slip tread to each step
3. 3
   Clear shelves of breakable knick-knacks
4. 4
   Train cat to climb up one side and (if possible) transfer to a nearby surface like a sofa to get down

Slipping: Wood is slippery. Do not skip the carpet step.

A classic circus-style trick that encourages controlled jumping and target focus.

Playful cats Food-motivated cats (Bengals, Siamese)

Hula hoop, two heavy boxes (or hoop stand), tape

10 min Easy

1. 1
   Stand hula hoop up vertically between two heavy boxes or chairs to hold it in place
2. 2
   Start with bottom of the hoop touching the floor (walk-through)
3. 3
   Encourage cat through with a treat
4. 4
   Gradually raise the hoop 2 inches at a time until they are jumping through it

Covered Hoop: Tape tissue paper over the hoop (cut a slit in the middle) so they have to burst through it.

This mimics the “stalk and pounce” sequence. The cat runs through a tunnel and immediately has to jump up to a stool or perch.

Cats who enjoy “hide and seek”

Collapsible cat tunnel (or DIY box tunnel), a sturdy stool or ottoman

5 min Easy

1. 1
   Place tunnel exit directly facing a stable ottoman or low table
2. 2
   Leave about 12 inches of space between the exit and the jump
3. 3
   Stand on the far side of the ottoman and lure the cat through the tunnel, lifting the lure high as they exit to encourage the jump

A precision walking task. The cat must place their paws carefully to navigate a narrow path.

Improving balance Focus

Heavy books, yoga blocks, or 4×4 wood blocks

10 min Easy

1. 1
   Create two stacks of books/blocks, about 6 inches high
2. 2
   Space them so the cat has to stretch to step across, or place a sturdy plank between them
3. 3
   Ensure the surface of the books is not glossy/slippery (cover with a towel if needed)

Do not use lightweight paperbacks that slide. Use heavy encyclopedias or wrapped yoga blocks.

Utilizing dining chairs and bar stools to create a “bridge” across the room.

High-energy cats Rainy days

Dining chairs, bar stools, non-slip pads

15 min Easy

1. 1
   Line up chairs with alternating seat directions (seat facing left, next facing right) to create a zig-zag path
2. 2
   Space them 6–12 inches apart depending on your cat’s jumping ability
3. 3
   Place a treat on each chair seat
4. 4
   The cat must jump from seat to seat to clear the course

A permanent installation using floating shelves to create a climbing wall.

Confident climbers Small homes

Floating shelves, stud finder, drill, carpet

2-3 Hours Hard

1. 1
   Map out a diagonal or zig-zag pattern on the wall
2. 2
   Locate studs
3. 3
   Install shelves securely
4. 4
   Add carpet to the tops of shelves
5. 5
   Ensure the vertical distance between shelves is achievable (12–18 inches max)

Must be mounted into wall studs.

An inclined plane that focuses on uphill muscle building without the impact of jumping.

Senior cats Arthritic cats Rehabilitation

A long wooden plank (1×10 inch), piece of carpet, staple gun

30 min Medium

1. 1
   Wrap the wooden plank in carpet and staple securely on the underside
2. 2
   Prop one end of the plank on a sofa or bed
3. 3
   Secure the bottom so it doesn’t slide out (use a heavy dumbbell or wedge)
4. 4
   Encourage the cat to walk up the ramp rather than jumping

A cognitive challenge where the cat has to figure out the route, rather than just running straight.

Smart cats Bored cats

Plastic milk crates or boxes, zip ties

30 min Medium

1. 1
   Arrange crates/boxes in a grid on the floor
2. 2
   Create “dead ends” and “open paths” by blocking certain sides
3. 3
   Zip tie crates together for stability
4. 4
   Put a reward at the center or end of the maze

A wide rope or 2×4 plank laid on the floor to simulate walking on a branch.

Balance training

Thick engaging rope or a 2×4 lumber, two bricks

5 min Easy

1. 1
   Prop ends of a 2×4 plank on two bricks (one at each end)
2. 2
   This creates a raised beam about 3 inches off the ground
3. 3
   The cat must walk the length of the beam without stepping off

Keep this very low to the ground (2–4 inches).

Connecting a window perch to a nearby bookshelf or cat tree to create a high-altitude loop.

Confident climbers Cats who love views

Existing furniture, non-slip pads

15 min Medium

1. 1
   Move a tall bookshelf or cat tree within jumping distance (12–24 inches) of a window sill
2. 2
   Clear the landing zones on both the sill and shelf
3. 3
   Add traction pads
4. 4
   This allows the cat to run up the tree, jump to the window, and jump back, creating a circular loop

An obstacle course that ends with a reward interaction.

Food-motivated cats Solo play

Tunnel, puzzle feeder or electronic toy

5 min Easy

1. 1
   Set up a tunnel leading to a ramp
2. 2
   At the end of the ramp, place a puzzle feeder or a motion-activated toy
3. 3
   The cat learns that navigating the course “unlocks” entertainment

Using painter’s tape to mark “zones” on the floor. Great for mental agility.

Renters Small spaces

Blue painter’s tape

10 min Easy

1. 1
   Tape a ladder pattern or circles on the floor
2. 2
   Use a wand toy to guide the cat
3. 3
   The goal is to have the cat step inside the shapes (or chase the toy through the path) rather than cutting across the room

The “Grand Prix.” Connecting obstacles from the living room, down the hall, into the bedroom.

High-energy breeds Bengals Abyssinians

Tunnels, chairs, boxes, doorstops

1 Hour Hard (Setup)

1. 1
   Start: Living room (Tunnel run)
2. 2
   Transition: Hallway (Hula hoop jump or scattered toys to dodge)
3. 3
   End: Bedroom (Ramp up to bed)
4. 4
   Run the course with the cat using a high-value lure (feather wand)