Your home is made up of all the special places you love. You’ve curated your space with furniture and decor in all the right places, but your cat is wondering, “What have you done for me lately?”
We’ve all found our cats on top of our furniture or trying to scale the bookshelf or kitchen counter, and we have to remember that cats love to climb. Giving them the options to play in vertical space makes their indoor life that much sweeter.
In the wild, cats are both predator and prey. Getting to a vantage point up above allows them to survey what’s going on around them and also helps them feel more in control.
In multi-pet households, having access to different levels allows cats to establish their own zones without constant conflict.
Let’s face it, floor space is limited. Even if your house is on the larger side, the lack of options to move around, jump around, and climb on can honestly just leave your cat kind of bored.
If your cat is exhibiting behavioral issues like intense scratching, excessive vocalization, and getting into fights with your other pets, it might be time to explore better solutions for them.
How can I add vertical space to my home for my cat?
You don’t need to spend a lot to make a big difference. Find some common options below and get creative!
The Platform
One of the easiest ways to add vertical space is to place a platform or perch in front of a window. Not only are your cats now part of the neighborhood happenings, but they can watch the thrills of nature: birds flying, leaves blowing, and cars driving.
If you’re at work most of the day, your cats will get some stimulation all from the comfort of their own home. They can bask in the sun, watch the raindrops fall, and get a glimpse of you as you return home for the day.
Look for options with plush, washable covers. This will make cleaning a lot easier. And ensure the platform is stable and set up so your cat can access it with ease.
The Cat Tree
Cat trees offer multiple levels for climbing, spaces to take a snooze, get away from other pets or household members, and sisal posts for scratching.
There are often areas for batting toys, and your cat is getting more exercise than they realize, all while maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength.
Look for a wide, heavy base and solid construction, especially if you have a larger breed or multiple cats. And based on the age and flexibility of your cat, find a cat tree that will work within their physical limitations.
The Wall-Based Climbing Structures
For homes short on floor space, wall-mounted options are a great solution.
Installed in a staggered pattern, they create a continuous climbing path your cat can navigate from one side of the room to the other. From flat platforms to hanging fabric hammocks, the options to create are endless.
This setup is particularly effective at keeping cats off furniture.
When you install, make sure you locate wall studs for a sturdy installation, and take into account your cat’s weight and the limits of the shelving unit or other apparatus.
The Path
Cats want to be up high, but the fun of getting to that higher place is also important. Think of it as a literal path, and give your cats something to navigate around before they reach the top.
If your cat is new to this lifestyle, give them time to adapt. Try placing their new structures near places they already wanted to go, providing an easy transition and giving them the freedom to figure it all out.
Creating a stimulating physical environment is one piece of a larger picture of feline health.
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That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which help you identify animal health and nutritional supplements from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest-quality, most consistent products available.
Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.
