Why do cats perch? The reasons behind cats perching

Updated 18/12/24

Cats perching - creepy, cute, or confusing? Let’s learn a bit more about this weird cat behavior to understand why cats perch, what it’s achieving, why cats love it, and how we humans can help to create the purr-fect perching environment. 

Key takeaways

• Cats perch for a number of different reasons, but it's a natural behavior that all cats do and often enjoy doing
• Providing places for your cat to perch at home can improve their overall well-being - it helps them feel safe, in control, and simply enjoy perching
• If you're worried about your kitty being up too high or knocking things over, be sure to either block these areas or cat-proof them

What is cat perching?

Have you ever been minding your own business and suddenly feel like you’re being watched? You look up and a cat is staring directly at you from above. They’re squished down in a loaf position, paws neatly tucked under their body, just watching from the top of the refrigerator, tree, garden wall, or shelf. That is cat perching. So, what the fluff are they doing and why?

Reasons why cats perch

To feel safe and comforted

First off, cats perching around the home or outside is a normal kitty behavior. The most obvious reason for a cat perches is to feel safe. As expert climbers, our parkour purr-babies find safety in heights where it’s hard to reach them. Being up high and out of the way makes them feel secure. Cats can be seen perching if there’s someone new in their home or if they’re stressed.

Prevent ambushes for other cats

Multi-cat households, you’ll know about this already! If a cat is sharing a space or territory with other kitties they may not always be in the mood to play. Cats will find a high perch if they’re looking for some quiet time away from other cats.

Displaying cat hierarchy

They’re literally looking down on us… A key part of cat-to-cat communication, particularly if they’re in a colony of clowder, is status and hierarchy which are displayed through how much higher they are than everyone else. This continues in the home with their humans - if they think we’re getting too big for our boots, they might think it’s time to remind them who’s boss.

A better view to observe from

Cats are curious creatures who love to know what’s going on, especially in their own homes. A view from up high gives them a better chance to observe all the goings on of the day - cats love it! Unfortunately, this can also mean they’re looking for possible hunting opportunities. Where better to see the movement of a mouse than up high?

Exercise and playtime

Running, jumping, and playing are all normal parts of a cat’s daily routine (even if it’s at 3 am). If you see a cat perching it could be that they’re in the middle of a game or personal assault course. They may be looking for the element of surprise in an unsuspecting pet parent or fellow feline about to walk past the perch.

Proving cat perches at home

Not every home has the room for fancy cat platforms, a multi-layered cat tree, or an array of window shelves for cats. Of course, if you do have all of these things, that’s pretty paw-some, but for the rest of us cat carers, it’s time to improvise.

Because cat perching is a normal part of cat behavior which makes them feel safe and comforted, you can do things like making your own DIY cat window perch. Simply by putting one of their blankets on a windowsill, or putting an elevated surface next to a window, you’ve created an indoor cat perch! Make room for them in high places like cabinets or dressers, put those valuables inside an enclosed space, and allow your cat to pick a spot for themselves.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

The above article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Find the right pet person to perch at your home and provide loving around-the-clock pet care.