Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Your cat could actually be enjoying more territory than they have right now and it wouldn’t involve letting them outdoors or having to add onto your home. To increase your cat’s space simply involves the addition of vertical territory.
The High Life for Your Cat
We live in a horizontal world but cats live in a vertical world. Look around your house and I’ll bet you can point to various elevated locations where your cat likes to hang out. It might be the top of the refrigerator or maybe on top of a bookcase or tall dresser. There are several reasons why a cat chooses those locations. The higher up a cat is, the more visual advantage and warning time. The cat can easily see anyone approaching. If you live in a multicat environment, this can play a big part in easing tension because a more timid cat has adequate warning of a potential opponent entering the room. Another benefit to vertical space is that a more assertive cat can “claim” the highest spot as a show of status. This can often reduce any actual physical confrontation two cats might have.
Vertical territory offers your cat an opportunity to climb and get a little exercise as well. Playing up and down a cat tree is good for those feline muscles.
The ability to hang out in a cat tree or window perch and watch the bird activity outdoors is the feline version of reality television.
So Many Options for Your Cat’s Territory
Vertical territory can come in many forms. A multi-perched cat tree is a great choice because it offers the cat a chance to climb up and down. The support posts of the tree can double as scratching posts if they’re covered in a rough material such as sisal. If you have more than one cat, a multi-perched tree can allow them to share a relatively close space and still maintain their status.
When shopping for a cat tree, look for one that’s tall and sturdy. The higher the tree, the wider and heavier the base needs to be to prevent the tree from toppling over when a cat makes a flying leap from the ground to a top perch.
The type of perches on the tree should be wide and comfortable. Many cats prefer to feel their backs up against something so “U” shaped perches work well. If you choose a tree with flat perches, make sure they’re wide enough to fit the size of the cat so legs don’t end up hanging off the edges.
Cat Walkways and Cat Shelves
Vertical space not only includes cat trees or window perches but also shelving, cat bridges, and walkways. You can purchase or construct a “kitty walk” on a wall. Shelves need to be secure and wide enough to safely and comfortably hold your cat. You should also add a non-slip material to the surface. Install some cat-sized stairways leading up to the shelves or stagger the shelves so each one can be used to get to the next highest one. If you have more than one cat and you create cat shelves, there should be two ways to get up and down so one cat doesn’t end up trapping another one up on a shelf. Never create a dead-end shelf that will leave a cat vulnerable to ambush.
Cat walkways and shelves are also great if you have limited space for a large cat tree. You can get very creative in designing and installing cat shelves, walkways, and cat stairs. Look online and you’ll get lots of inspiration for vertical territory. Design and arrange the vertical shelving or walkways on the floor first to see how the set-up will look before permanent installation on the wall. Also, measure distances between the shelves carefully so you don’t create a situation where a cat has to take a giant leap to reach the next shelf.
If you decide to install shelves and walkways very high up the wall, have a way to reach the cat in case of an emergency. Remember to keep shelves and walkways clean to prevent dust and cat hair build-up.
Mid-Level Hideaways for Cats
Hideaways can include donut-shaped beds, A-frame beds, boxes on their sides or any other type of bedding that allows the cat to feel cozy and protected. Put these hideaways on various levels. Cats don’t generally feel secure enough sleeping on ground level so offering hideaways on various levels is a good idea. Place them securely so nothing topples over.
Your Cats Will Love the Increased Territory
Depending on your budget, you can go all out and purchase (or construct) a cat super skyway all around the room or you can simply add some cat shelves. Your cats will appreciate any amount of safe, sturdy, comfortable vertical territory. If you aren’t into DIY projects, there are a number of manufacturers who create cat shelving and walkways.
Even if you live in a small apartment you can significantly increase the size of your cat’s space by incorporating more vertical space.
Have fun and be creative in your vertical plans. This is a great opportunity to provide environmental enrichment for your indoor cats that will give them the ability to exercise, snooze, climb, play and even just watch the world from up above.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior and training, check out the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
