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Cats love high places: The Sky’s the Limit for Cats
Ever caught your cat surveying their kingdom from the top of a bookcase or making themselves at home on your fridge like it’s a luxury suite? It’s not just a quirky habit or a mischievous mood – it’s hardwired into their feline DNA. Cats love high places because, in the wild, height means safety, control, and the perfect vantage point for spotting both prey and predators.
Our domesticated darlings may no longer need to scan the savanna, but that instinct is still alive and well. Perching up high allows cats to feel secure, observe their environment, and – let’s be honest – judge us from a higher altitude. Understanding why cats love high places isn’t just fun feline trivia; it’s key to creating an enriching home environment that meets their physical and psychological needs.
So let’s take a closer look at why your cat craves the penthouse life, and how you can bring that vertical magic into your space – no skyscraper required.
The Instinctual Need for Heights
For cats, the world looks better from above. That instinctual urge to scale, perch, and observe comes from their wild ancestry – where survival depended on being alert, agile, and just a bit aloof. A high perch provides more than just a pretty view; it’s a strategic position that offers both safety and serenity.
A Bird’s-Eye View for Safety
In the wild, danger often lurks at ground level. So what’s a clever cat to do? Climb, of course! Elevation gives cats the power to monitor their environment, avoid threats, and plan their next graceful move with military precision. Even in our cozy homes, that need doesn’t disappear – it just shifts focus. Whether it’s scoping out the family dog, a new guest, or simply supervising your dinner prep, cats feel more in control when they’re above it all.
Rest and Reconnaissance
But it’s not all about alertness – cats love high places for their rest value, too. Elevated spots offer the purr-fect hideaway for undisturbed naps. These cozy roosts give your feline a sense of calm, far from the foot traffic and chaos of floor-level life. From the top of a wardrobe to the upper tier of a cat tree, these lofty lounges are like five-star suites for the feline soul.
So the next time you find your cat draped over a curtain rod or curled up on a shelf, remember – they’re not just being dramatic (okay, maybe a little). They’re following centuries of survival instincts that say, “The higher, the better.”
Elevate Their World: DIY and Ready-Made Options
When it comes to home décor, some people invest in art. Cat people? We build vertical empires. And why? Because cats love high places, and nothing says “I worship the whiskers you walk on” like custom shelves just for your floofy overlord.
The Gift of Wall Shelves
Back in 2013, a talented woodworking friend surprised us with a set of four wall-mounted cat shelves, each thoughtfully topped with soft, washable pillows attached by Velcro (because even cats appreciate a little luxury that’s easy to clean). The moment those shelves went up? Instant hit. Our cats didn’t even hesitate – they were sniffing, climbing, sprawling, and yes, immediately arguing over who got the best perch.
It was like we’d unlocked a new level in the game of cat happiness. Fast forward to today – years later – and those same shelves remain in constant use. They’ve become lounging spots, observation decks, and midair nap pods. They’ve also prevented a lot of furniture battles because the cats now have their own vertical space to claim.
Whether you go full DIY with reclaimed wood and your own power tools, or you grab a few sleek, modern shelves online, the result is the same: you’re giving your cat a space that honors their instincts and shows them you understand their need to be above it all – literally.
After all, cats love high places, and when you build up instead of just out, you’re enriching their environment in the most natural way possible.
The DIY Route – A Floating Chair? Yes, Really!
You don’t need a full workshop or a Pinterest-perfect toolbox to create magic for your cat. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark of creativity, a secondhand find, and a little help from your trusty household human. Because let’s be honest – cats love high places, and they’ll climb anything that gives them the royal view they deserve.
Case in point: I bought a secondhand chair, decoupaged it with – what else? – cats, and turned it into the ultimate feline perch. Yep, I literally hung a chair on the wall. My husband drilled into the wall and added a big sturdy screw to hold it in place, and voilà – instant airborne throne. It’s quirky, functional, and 100% cat-approved. The moment it was up, it became a prime hangout spot (pun totally intended).
That’s the beauty of the DIY route. You’re not limited to shelves – you can use repurposed furniture, upcycled art, or anything sturdy enough to hold a loafing kitty. You control the look, the layout, and the love poured into every detail.
Here’s why going DIY is pawsitively purrfect:
- 🛠️ You can adjust the height to suit your cat’s leaping style
- 🧶 Play with styles – vintage chair? Floating crate? Suitcase shelf? Yes!
- 🌿 Use recycled, eco-friendly, or budget-friendly materials
- 😻 Bonus: It becomes a one-of-a-kind conversation piece and a cozy spot
So if you’ve got a wall, a little imagination, and a cat staring longingly at the top of the bookcase, this is your sign. Hang that chair. Build that cloud staircase. Your cat will thank you with purrs, naps, and judgmental glances from above.
Amazon to the Rescue
Not into power tools? No judgment here. Not all of us were born with a drill in one hand and a level in the other. Luckily, for the DIY-averse or time-strapped cat lovers, Amazon has you covered with an ever-growing selection of wall-mounted cat furniture that’s stylish, sturdy, and totally zoomie-approved.
Whether you’re looking for sleek floating shelves, full-on jungle gyms, or elegant wooden walkways that look like modern art installations, there’s something for every aesthetic – and every cat. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave the couch. One click, and your kitty’s next high-rise adventure is on its way.
Because yes, cats love high places, and giving them a space to climb, nap, and supervise their humans from above is one of the best gifts you can offer.
👉 Pssst! Looking for vetted, cat-approved picks? Check out my Wall Furniture for Cats idea list to find the perfect high-rise haven for your kitty. I’ve handpicked my favorites so you don’t have to scroll through 17 pages of meh. These pieces are functional, fun, and look fabulous in your home (or at least better than that scratched-up corner of your sofa).
Elevate your cat’s life – literally – and let them enjoy their well-earned penthouse lifestyle.
Few ideas from Amazon
The Purrfect Spot: Accessibility Matters
Not all heights are created equal – and not every cat is a parkour champion. When designing or choosing vertical spaces for your feline friend, it’s important to think beyond just height. Accessibility is key. After all, cats love high places, but only if they can reach them comfortably and safely.
The best wall-mounted shelves, perches, or platforms are those that are within natural jumping distance. For most adult cats, that’s about four to five feet max in a single bound – but remember, kittens, seniors, and chonkier companions may need a little boost. That’s where staggered shelves, cat trees, or low steps come in handy. Think of it like building a sky-high lounge with a built-in staircase – stylish and supportive.
Also consider your layout. Avoid placing shelves near fragile décor, narrow landings, or windows without screens. A safe, padded landing zone (like a rug or cushioned bench below) can help if your kitty miscalculates mid-zoomie. And of course, if you have multiple cats, make sure there’s more than one route up and down – nobody wants a territorial stare-down halfway to the top.
By creating a climbing experience that’s not only fun but also functional, you’re setting your cat up for a life of confident exploring and peaceful perching. Because a high place isn’t really the purrfect place unless your cat can reach it without drama.
Testimonials – Nine Years and Still Their Favorite Hangout
There’s no review quite like the silent approval of a cat. And our wall shelves? They’ve earned five-paw ratings for nearly a decade. Nine years later, they’re still the go-to napping nook, observation post, and casual throne for our feline crew. The cushions may have been washed a dozen times, the Velcro refreshed here and there, but the love? Oh, it’s stronger than ever.
This isn’t just about sturdy construction – it’s about understanding that cats love high places, and when we honor that need, they respond with contentment, calm, and a sense of ownership over their space. It’s a subtle but powerful bond-builder.
We’ve watched our cats grow from playful kittens to mellow adults, and throughout every life stage, those elevated perches have remained sacred ground. Whether they’re lazily watching birds from the top shelf or staking claim to their “prime real estate” after dinner, the message is clear: once you give your cat the sky, they never forget it.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment – whether time, money, or DIY effort – the answer is a resounding yes. Your cat will thank you in the most feline way possible: with naps, purrs, and a smug, elevated gaze that says, “I own this place. Literally.”
Give Your Cat the High Life They Deserve
Whether you’re wielding a power drill for a DIY masterpiece or clicking your way through a curated Amazon list, giving your cat access to high places is more than just interior design – it’s an investment in their happiness, health, and natural cat behavior. Because let’s face it: cats love high places. It’s not a quirky preference – it’s instinct, comfort, and confidence all rolled into one fabulous leap.
These elevated spaces offer more than just a nap spot. They give your cat a sense of control, a peaceful retreat, and a front-row seat to the theater of your home (or the great outdoors through the window). For shy cats, it’s a security blanket. For curious ones, it’s a command center. For every cat, it’s a vertical slice of heaven.
So go ahead – elevate your cat’s world. Give them the sky lounge they’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s a floating shelf, a tall tree, or a jungle gym fit for a feline explorer, your cat will thank you with happy purrs, power naps, and that look of smug satisfaction only a cat surveying their domain can give.
Because when you recognize that cats love high places, and you meet that need with love and intention, you’re not just a pet owner – you’re a true cat companion.
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