If you’ve ever arrived home to find your cat perched atop a refrigerator, bookcase, or another high places and wondered what exactly she was up to, you’re not alone. Although perching from heights is a pretty usual and instinctual action, domestic cats do exhibit a range of other, ahem, peculiar behaviors that aren’t always easy to understand.
Why Do Cats Hang Around in High Places?
The answer is simple: Because cats are both prey to larger animals like coyotes, owls, and eagles as well as predators of mice, birds, and other small animals, they have an intrinsic need to monitor their surroundings from a high vantage point. Being higher up affords cats some safety from larger animals and, in theory, makes it possible for them to notice an oncoming predator. It also gives them a better view of prospective food. Additionally, while dwelling in the forests and jungles, the leaves and branches of the trees that our domesticated cats’ ancestors called home offered some protection from predators.
It is safe to say that most domestic cats do not hunt frequently and are most definitely not being hunted, with the occasional exception of a mouse or bird. However, their tendency for perching in high places continues to have a significant impact on their biological and evolutionary composition. For the following reasons, your cat might like relaxing close to the refrigerator:
- It’s warm, and she can watch her surroundings owing to it.
- In a crowded home, it gives her a little bit of calm, personal space.
- She is protected from other cats, other animals, and young children thanks to it.
- She can avoid conflicts with the other cats who live in the house thanks to it.
At households where there are several adult cats, lazing in the highest locations might actually serve as a sort of status symbol, with the dominant cat frequently having the “best” view. Because there are various high places in the house, each cat will have a “designated” spot, which can help prevent confrontation.
Why Your Home Needs Vertical Space for Cats
Domestic cats enjoy climbing because it fulfills their intrinsic drive to do so and also stimulates their minds and bodies. A bored cat can act maliciously and destructively, as everyone who has a cat is aware. If you have other adult cats in the house, it’s especially important because your cat requires a lot of vertical area to climb, jump, and perch. Remember that the vertical layout and height determine the cat hierarchies. Although the hierarchy may be flexible, it is important to maintain harmony in your home’s cat society.
Fortunately, there are many simple and affordable ways to give your cat vertical space.
- Consider getting or building a cat tree or climbing pole. Thanks to the numerous types and styles that are currently available on the market, you may choose a cat tree or climbing post that satisfies your cat’s needs and matches the size and décor of your home.
- Install shelves or a whole shelving system on your wall. When mounting your shelves, try adjusting the distances between them. The result is that your cat will have to leap or climb the shelves. If your cat is elderly or has specific needs, position the shelves closer together and lower to the ground.
- You can enhance your cat’s chosen screen with a window perch. If your cat has a particular window she likes to look out of, you can buy or make a simple window perch for your house. Always keep your windows locked and protected to stop your cat from escaping.
- maximize your floor plan. If you reside in a small place, such as an apartment or condo, you can maximize your vertical space by installing shelving around the room’s edge or by simply allowing your cat to lounge on your own furniture, bookshelves, or refrigerator.
If you choose to install shelf or even a window perch, make sure they are securely fastened to the wall with the appropriate anchors and covered in non-slip material. The cat should be able to rest its head comfortably on any shelves if they are wide enough.
Never let your cat climb on trees or other outside buildings while it is outside. Taking your indoor cat outside could be very dangerous, if not death.
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