A Crash Course On Cat Perches

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Cats tend to prefer resting on elevated locations; therefore, by fitting more vertical territory into your home you can enhance your cat’s level of security and comfort, while also increasing the fun factor. The easiest way to accomplish this is by adding a cat perch to the house.

It may be a cat wall perch, a window perch, or even something modern. Perches allow cats to monitor their surroundings and stay within their comfort zone. For indoor cats that love to survey the outdoors, a window perch would be the perfect option. A cat perch may be the ultimate luxury item for kitties.

While the outdoor cats have access to real trees, indoor/domestic cats may miss the ability and opportunity to climb, roost above high-traffic areas on the floor of the house, or sharpen their claws. Indoor cats, acting on instinct many times use household furniture to fulfill their natural needs.

The couch is often an easy target for scratching, and cats may climb up on shelves or bookcases knocking things down as they go. Cat perches range from simple to complex, and can help prevent a cat from destroying your expensive furniture.

What  to Look for in a Cat Perch

While there are many types of cat perches available, most with their own distinct advantages and features, there are a few basic features that all good cat perches need to have. A good cat perch needs to be stable. If the perch falls while the cat is using it, it may never want to use it again. Kitties are smart and tend to stay away from things that have scared or injured them in the past.

Thus, it is important to choose a relatively stable cat perch. When it comes to building a DIY window cat perch, you should ensure it is securely fixed to prevent it from falling while the cat is on it. A simple cat perch may have a post or two, with a flat platform/roofing station upon which the cat can rest. The posts may be covered in rope, carpeted, or made of wood, and may be attached to a wooden base to help keep them stable.

Some cat perches, on the other hand, are very detailed. They may offer several climbing posts, each with a different kind of covering material. For example, a luxury cat perch could have rope–lined, carpeted, and wooden posts, all on one perch. Some even have a covered platform that allows the cat to hide and get out of the way. Most cat owners do not realize that a can perch can give their cat the feeling of being in its own den.

Fortunately, cat perches come in different sizes and styles to suit every can and its needs. Choosing a cat perch depends much on the behavior of the kitty. If the cat is not prone to spending a lot of time in the house, he/she may need an outdoor cat perch. On the other hand, if the cat likes climbing onto shelves and bookcases on a regular basis, a wall-mounted cat perch may be just what the vet would order.

A cat that sharpens its claws using the drapery or furniture obviously needs a place to scratch. Cat owners can meet these needs by buying a cat perch with a scratching post.

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Types of Cat Perches

Window Cat Perch

There are different types of window perches for cats. There are raised–edge perches, flat perches, and even hammock–style perches. If the kitty likes to just sit at the window and gaze at the outdoor birds, one can choose a flat perch that gives the cat a clear view of the outside.

However, if the cat loves to take naps on the window perch, a hammock–style or raised edge perch would be the best option. A window cat perch gives the cat a front view of nature without taking up much space in a home.

DIY Window Cat Perch

People spend a lot of time talking about how to improve their own lives, but few think about improving the lives of their pets. A DIY window cat perch is a project that can save one some money and provide one’s cat with some activity and extra territory. Anyone can attach a small board/perch next to a window and one will be good to go.

Wall-Mounted Cat Perch

Wall-mounted cat perches are a great space-saving idea for apartments and small spaces when one does not want to use up valuable floor space. Even more importantly, these perches allow cats to lounge up high and explore, which they love to do. Oftentimes, cats will feel more self–confident and secure when they are able to climb higher where they can survey their surroundings.

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Outdoor Cat Perch

Cats love the outdoors. They enjoy the exercise, the pleasure of fresh air and sunshine, and the stimulation from the outside world. Fortunately, there are ways of keeping cats comfortable outdoors. A great idea is to build or buy an outdoor cat perch where the cat can enjoy doing some climbing or watching squirrels and birds, yet be safe from some of the risks of the outdoors.

Modern Cat Perch

Pet owners who live in a city and do not allow their cats to venture outside can also benefit from a cat perch. An indoor cat needs furniture of its own to nap, romp, and climb, as well as to scratch. By providing a modern cat perch, the pet owner is able to save his/her furniture, carpet, and drapery from damage.

There are many types of modern cat perches, each with its own benefits. For older cats who may suffer from stiff joints or arthritis, one can install heated window perches to provide ways for them to enjoy watching the outdoors. Increasing vertical territory should not be limited to installing a cat perch in the house.

There are several other options that go well in addition to perches such as a cat tree, bed, or stairs all of which are great for small environments where floor space is valuable. In fact, some trees even include perches and a cat scratching post so you get some serious value and function even though they take up only a small area.