If you've ever walked into your home to find your cat perched on top of the refrigerator, a bookshelf, or another high point in your home—and wondered what, exactly, she was doing—you're not alone. We all know there are a lot of, ahem, odd feline behaviors that aren't so easy to explain, but it turns out, perching from high points is a super common—and instinctual—behavior among domesticated cats.
The answer is pretty simple: Cats have an instinctual need to observe their world from a high point because they're both predators to mice, birds, rabbits, and other small animals, and prey to larger animals, like coyotes, owls, or eagles. Not only does a higher vantage point give cats a better view of potential prey, but it also offers them some protection from larger animals—and, in theory, allows them to see a predator coming. What's more, back when our domesticated kitties' ancestors lived in forests and jungles, the leaves and branches of the trees they considered home also offered some camouflage from predators.
It's safe to say most domesticated cats aren't frequent hunters—aside from the occasional mouse or bird—and definitely aren't being hunted themselves. Their penchant for perching in high places, however, remains deeply ingrained in their biological and evolutionary makeup. You may find your cat loves to hang out on top of the refrigerator because:
In households with multiple adult cats, lounging in the highest points can actually be somewhat of a status symbol—the cat with the "best" vantage point is typically considered the dominant cat. Having a number of high points in the home can help prevent conflict because each cat will have his or her own "designated" spot.
In addition to their instinctual urge to climb, domesticated cats simply enjoy climbing because it gives them mental and physical stimulation. (If you're a cat owner, you know a bored cat can become mischievous, and even destructive.) That's why it's so important to provide your cat with plenty of vertical space to climb, jump, and perch—and more so if you have multiple adult cats in your home. Remember: Cats' hierarchies are determined by vertical placement and height. The hierarchy can be flexible, but it is an important part of maintaining balance in your home's kitty society.
Fortunately, there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to provide vertical space for your cat:
If you choose to install shelving or a window perch, be sure they're securely mounted to the wall with the proper anchors and covered in non-slip fabric. Any shelving should also be wide enough for your cat to safely take a snooze on.
Remember: You should never let your cat outside to climb on outdoor structures or trees. Allowing your domestic cat outdoors can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.
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