IKEA Hacks for Maine Coons: Reinforcing Furniture for Giants#

We all love IKEA. It’s cheap, it’s modern, and it’s modular. But let’s be honest: it’s mostly cardboard honeycomb inside.

If you put a 25lb Maine Coon on top of a standard Billy bookcase, it might wobble. But with a few modifications, you can turn generic flat-pack furniture into designer cat furniture that is actually strong enough for your giant.

Here are my top 3 IKEA Hacks for Maine Coons.

1. The Kallax “Sleeping Cube”#

The Kallax (the square cubby unit) is perfectly sized for a Maine Coon… if you modify it.

• The Hack: Remove one internal divider to create a “double-wide” cubby. A standard 13x13 cube is a tight squeeze for a Maine Coon. A 26x13 space allows them to stretch out.
• The Insert: Buy a felt “Kallax Insert” and cut a hole in it, or line the double-cubby with a plush blanket.
• Reinforcement: If you remove a vertical divider, add a metal L-bracket at the back to prevent the shelf above from sagging.

2. The Bestå “Hidden Litter”#

Litter boxes for Maine Coons are huge. They are ugly. You don’t want them in your living room. The IKEA Bestå (TV unit) is deep enough to hide them.

• The Hack: Cut a circular hole in the side panel of the Bestå unit. Line the cut edge with rubber trim or heavy duct tape to prevent fur snagging.
• The Liner: Line the inside of the cabinet with “Peel and Stick” vinyl floor tiles. If your cat misses the box, you can wipe the vinyl clean instead of ruining the particle board.
• Venting: Drill a few small holes in the back panel for airflow. Ammonia buildup in a closed box is dangerous.

3. The Lack “Wall Walk”#

The Lack shelves are cheap floating shelves. But as we discussed in our Home Proofing Guide, the included mounts are weak.

• The Hack: Buy the Lack shelves, but throw away the mounting hardware. Buy heavy-duty “Blind Shelf Supports” from a hardware store.
• Traction: Glue pieces of carpet tile to the top of the shelf. Slippery laminate is dangerous for jumpers.
• Arrangement: Stagger them up the wall to create a staircase to the ceiling. Ensure the vertical gap is no more than 12 inches for heavy cats who aren’t agile jumpers.

The “Tip-Over” Warning#

IKEA furniture is lightweight. A Maine Coon jumping off the top generates a lot of lateral force.

• Anchor It: You absolutely must use the wall-anchoring straps included with the furniture. If a bookshelf falls on your cat, it is fatal.

Conclusion#

You don’t need to spend $500 on “designer” cat furniture. With a saw, some L-brackets, and a little creativity, you can build a custom jungle gym that blends perfectly with your decor.

Resources & Further Reading#

• IKEA Hackers. (2024). Pet Furniture Hacks.
• Hauspanther. (n.d.). Catifying Your Home on a Budget.