Cats love heights. At some point, your cat will try to get to the highest spot they can in your house. That might be your bookcase, your mantle, the top of your fridge, or on top of your dresser. In fact, your cat may even seek to perch on top of your shoulders.
Vertical spaces inside a home are an important part of the cat’s living zone. Here are a few reasons as to why cats like to be in places that are high up.
Cats like to observe
Cats are natural observers. They like to spend long amounts of time watching and listening to what’s going on around them. Being up high provides cats with a better viewpoint from which they can observe the coming and goings of the household.
In the wild, heights are a place from which a cat can hunt. Being up high provides a platform from which the cat can observe prey.
Being up in a tree or other high place is also a safe place away from land-based animals that might hunt the cat. (Related: How Do Bobcats Climb Cactus?)
Hunting and hiding in the wild
The urge to climb is instinctual in your cat.
For wild cats, a high perch offers more than just a good view. It’s a strategic spot for stalking prey while remaining hidden. Prey animals like rodents often fail to look upwards for predators, giving cats a stealth advantage. Additionally, elevated spots allow cats to remain undetected by predators themselves.
In densely forested environments, cats use trees and cliffs to monitor their surroundings while staying out of reach of larger predators. This behavior is deeply ingrained in domestic cats, even though they no longer need to hunt for survival.
Safety
A big reasons for why your cat likes to be up high is that it provides a sense of safety. Perches provide safe vantage points away from humans and other animals.
Cats like to be able to see and feel safe from being attacked or bothered by other cats, dogs, and people in their households. Perches that are high up and isolated from other animals and people allows the cat a sense of safety.
Sleep and security
Cats spend a significant portion of their day sleeping—up to 16 hours or more. When sleeping, they are most vulnerable to potential threats. Elevated perches offer cats a secure and undisturbed space to relax. This is particularly important in multi-pet households or busy environments where ground-level spaces may feel less secure.
Fun Fact: Big cats like leopards often drag their kills into trees to eat and rest without interference from scavengers. This instinct to retreat upward for safety is mirrored in domestic cats.
Feeling safe is particularly important when your cat wants to sleep and not be worried about being attacked or bothered.
Feeling safe is particularly important when your cat wants to sleep and not be worried about being attacked or bothered.
Provide perches for your cat’s enrichment
It’s important to provide places in your house where your cat feels safe and can retreat when they want some quiet.
Benefits of vertical spaces
Vertical spaces aren’t just about safety; they also enhance your cat’s overall mental and physical health. Climbing and perching are excellent forms of exercise that help prevent obesity and keep muscles toned. Additionally, perches provide enrichment by giving your cat a variety of viewpoints and sensory experiences, reducing boredom and stress.
Try to provide your cats with several option that are elevated so that your cats have some enriching choices. Make sure that the perches are stable and aren’t at risk of tipping over.
Idea for cat perches
Cat trees are one way to provide perches for your cat. Cats love the height of tall cat trees as a way to rest up high. Just make sure the cat tree is stable and won’t tip over.
Placing a cat bed on the top of a secure dresser or other tall piece of furniture can provide your cat with a quiet place to perch. Other options for providing perches include making room on secured furniture like a dresser or a tall console. Place a cozy bed on top of the furniture to provide your cat with a comfortable place to snooze.
If you’re looking for creative solutions, consider adding wall-mounted shelves or platforms designed specifically for cats. These shelves can create a “cat highway,” allowing your feline friend to navigate elevated spaces throughout your home. Another budget-friendly idea is to repurpose old furniture like bookshelves, as long as they are stable and secure.
Cat window beds are another place to provide a secluded place to perch. These beds have suction cups that secure the bed to the glass panes of windows. Plus cat window beds have the added benefit of providing your cat with a nice viewing platform.
Bonus Tip: Setting up a bird feeder outside a window can transform a cat window bed into an interactive entertainment spot. The combination of sunlight and activity keeps your cat stimulated and happy.
Making climbing safe
While cats are natural climbers, their agility doesn’t make them immune to accidents. Ensure that all climbing structures, furniture, and perches are stable and secure. Heavy furniture like bookshelves should be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping if your cat jumps on them.
It’s also very important to make sure your cat has a safe way to both jump up and jump down from these perches. Many cats find it much easier to climb up high and harder to climb back down (cat stuck in a tree, anyone?). Steps, ramps, or staggered furniture heights can help your cat move safely.
Cats climb for safety and observation
As a small mammal, cats are both predator and prey, leading them to naturally seek out elevated spots for observation and safety. It’s important for your cat’s well being, to mimic this capability inside your home by provide spaces where your cat can climb to perch and sleep that is away from other animals and people.
Creating a cat-friendly environment with vertical spaces doesn’t just cater to your cat’s instincts; it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. By providing safe and enriching options, you’re helping your cat stay healthy, happy, and stress-free in your home.
Read next: How High Can Cats Jump?
References
Herron, M. E., & Buffington, C. T. (2010). Environmental enrichment for indoor cats. Compendium (Yardley, PA), 32(12), E4.
Rochlitz, I. (2005). A review of the housing requirements of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) kept in the home. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 93(1-2), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.01.002
This article was originally written on March 1, 2022 and has since been updated.
