ᐅ KALLAX as a Room Divider: Is It Prone to Tipping Over with Pets?

Hello everyone,

I am considering using a KALLAX shelving system as a room divider in my apartment because it allows flexible separation of spaces. However, I am concerned because I have pets, specifically a playful cat and a medium-sized dog. Do you have any experience with whether a KALLAX room divider might tip over if animals jump on it or run into it?

I am especially interested in how stable the shelving is for this kind of use and whether additional measures are needed to prevent it from tipping. Looking forward to your opinions, tips, and experiences!

The KALLAX is not very tall and has good stability, but if pets actually jump on it or use it as a climbing frame, it can tip over. I would recommend securing it to the wall, which prevents almost all issues.

Hi Janix56!

So, my cat has been using KALLAX as a jumping platform – mostly without any problems, but sometimes the shelf wobbled slightly. A tip from me: give the shelf a small safety upgrade with wall anchors and maybe some non-slip pads for the floor. This way, everything stays securely in place and your furry friends can keep having fun 🙂

Hello Janix56,

your question is very practical and important. KALLAX shelves are generally sturdy, but without securing them to the wall at the back, they can tip over if pets behave wildly—especially if the pets are large or very lively.

I definitely recommend securing the shelf with the provided wall mounting hardware. It also helps to place heavy items in the lower compartments to lower the center of gravity. Some users have also attached small rubber pads under the feet to prevent slipping on smooth floors.

If your pets like to climb, the material of the shelf is also important: KALLAX is made of MDF panels and withstands normal use, but cat claws can damage the surface. A protective film or edge cushions can also help.

I also used KALLAX as a room divider and had a large mix of dogs and cats. The shelf itself never tipped over because I secured it to the wall. My cat sometimes jumped on it and walked across the compartments, but due to the wall attachment and some weight on the lower levels, there were no issues.

If you want flexibility, you can also use small brackets that are barely noticeable but provide a lot of stability. Sometimes placing rugs underneath can also help prevent the shelf from sliding easily.

Wall anchoring is mandatory when you have pets. If the KALLAX is properly secured, it will not tip over. Without anchoring, I see a risk with larger dogs or active cats. Can you place the shelf on a carpet or something similar? This will improve stability further.