Cats love elevated locations, so incorporating more vertical territory into your environment can enhance your cat’s comfort, level of security, and increase the fun factor. The most common way to add vertical territory is by placing a cat tree in the home. Other ways include window perches, cat walks, cat shelves, or even just putting a bed or folded towel in your bookcase.
Which Cat Perch is Best?
One thing to consider when adding vertical territory is what type of perch would be the best choice. If you look at the many cat trees for sale, you’ll notice there are many different styles of perches. Some perches are flat, some have raised edges, some are curved and some even resemble a hammock. Which one would you cat prefer? It may not seem as if it matters much, but the style and size of the perch can make a difference in your cat’s comfort and level of security.
Cat Tree Perches
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
For a cat tree, my recommendation would be to choose perches that have a “U” shape or raised edges. Cats feel more secure when they can feel their backs up against something as opposed to spreading out on a flat surface. Very often, if a cat naps under the bed or on a bookshelf, you’ll notice that he positions himself so his back is up against the wall. This is for security so he doesn’t have to worry about anyone sneaking up behind him in an ambush attempt.
Even just the slightly raised edges of the “U” shaped perches may provide your cat with that same sense of security. This is additionally important if you have a big cat because on a flat perch he may end up with a leg hanging over the side. Depending upon the cat’s comfort level and whether there are other cats in the home, this can leave kitty feeling vulnerable. With a raised-edge perch, he can brace limbs against the side.
In a multicat household, the sight of a leg or tail hanging off the edge of a cat perch can be too tempting for an opponent cat to resist. It can set the napping cat up for a sudden attack.
Window Perches For Cats
You can find flat perches, raised-edge ones, and even hammock style. If your cat likes to just sit at the window and watch the outdoor birds, you can choose a flat perch or one with raised edges, hammock style, or a “U” shaped one.
If you aren’t sure what type of perch your cat would like, pay attention to the types of places he typically chooses. Does your cat like hard locations or soft, comfy ones? Does he like locations where he can completely stretch out or does he prefer to curl up? Does he like to be hidden or visible?
Cat Beds
If you have a cat tree with flat perches and your cat has been totally comfortable with it, then you don’t have to worry about making any changes. If your cat doesn’t use the cat tree or seems uncomfortable there, put a cat bed on one of the perches. Choose a donut-style bed or A-frame bed to see if that makes a difference.
You can also put a bed on the bookshelf, table or other elevated location so your cat doesn’t have to curl up on a flat surface.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
Add a Comforting Scent
If your cat seems unsure about a particular perch or cat tree, take a t-shirt or small towel that contains your scent and drape that on top. The comforting, familiar scent may be enough to entice your cat to check it out. You can also use a towel that your cat has napped on so it contains his own scent if you think your cat would prefer a scent on the tree that is just his. This is especially helpful if the perch or tree is brand new because it will provide a recognizable scent to to the new object.
Choose Comfort Over Looks
There are many cat trees, shelves, and beds on the market now that are designed to appeal to the human eye but don’t seem to take into consideration the comfort of the cat. Something that looks sleek and stylish may end up gathering dust as an art piece if your cat can’t get comfortable on it.
Check for Sturdiness
I’ve seen some perches that attach to the window glass with suction cups. I’ve also seen cats suddenly end up on the ground, bed and all, as a result of the failure of those suction cups. Choose perches that attach securely and pay attention to the fact that your cat may not delicately get up on that perch, but rather, may take a flying leap from a distance. And, once window perches are installed, routinely check them to make sure the method of attachment hasn’t loosened over time.
The Bottom Line
The perches on cat trees, window perches, shelves, etc., need to be a style, texture, and size that your cat will find comfortable. You may have a cat who prefers to lounge on a flat perch without any carpet covering, or maybe your cat likes to curl up on an enclosed perch. Some cats don’t care what type of perch it is as long as it’s sturdy and easy to access. Your cat will let you know when you’ve gotten it right.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.