Why Cats Love Windows (And Need These Perches)

“Cats are natural heat-seekers,” says cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennet. “A perch at a sunny window is appealing to just about any cat. Plus, it offers the added benefit of visual enrichment in the form of watching birds, squirrels, and other wildlife activity.”

Indeed, a window offers your cat a view of the world that’s, let’s be honest, a lot more interesting than whatever you’re doing inside. Think of a window perch as a recliner and your cat is preparing to veg out for a whole season of Shrill. “Cats also love to be up high,” Johnson-Bennet explains. “Since cats are both predator and prey, the ability to access elevated areas gives them more visual warning time to see approaching danger, as well as the ability to see more of their environment in case potential prey appears.”

If your windows don’t have window sills, a window perch is a worthy investment. A few factors to keep in mind: “Does your cat like to curl up on the towels in your closet?” Johnson-Bennet asks. “Then a cozy, padded perch would be the way to go for that cat.” Also consider your cat’s size and weight — you don’t want them hanging off the edge of a too-small perch. And multi-cat households may need multiple perches to prevent sibling rivalries over the prime viewing spot. “What’s important is safety, sturdiness, and comfort.”

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

JOYO Cat Window Perch

$36

This simple design is made from sturdy pine and the suction cups can support up to 40 lbs.

$36 at Amazon

Whiskers & Paws Cat Window Perch and Hammock

$95

This product combines the elevation of a cat perch and the curve of a cat hammock. It’s handmade in Canada with pinewood, denim fabric, and stainless-steel support cables, and is shipped with assembly instructions.

$95 at Etsy

Square Cat Habitat Fremont Modern Cat Window Perch

$85

This modern perch puts window sills to shame. It’s crafted from eco-friendly materials, supports up to 50 lbs, features a scratching pad, and hidden hardware. It comes in eight colorways to match your discord (or your cat).

$85 at Square Cat Habitat

Mau Pets Houdini Felt Wall Perch

$69

Another minimalist option, this design would look chic beside a window where light hits the wall. The white metal frame blends right in, while the felt hammock can be vacuumed or replaced when it’s seen too many hairballs.

$69 at Mau

Tuft+Paw Vista Perch

$199

Talk about the lap of luxury. If not for the faux-fur lining, you wouldn’t think this sleek floating shelf was designed with cats in mind. Which is precisely the point.

$199 at Tuft+Paw

CatSolarium Sunroom

$320

While you continue to save up to build a three-seasons room, here’s a prefab sunroom for your cat. The penthouse of perches, this customizable, open-air design offers a panoramic view and comes with a mesh screen and cat door. It’s also sun and water-resistant.

$320 at Etsy

Martha Stewart Living DIY Cat Window Perch

$50

It’s no secret that Martha Stewart is obsessed with her cats — she famously bathes them weekly. If you’re handy, the domestic guru will walk you through how to DIY a window perch. Why go through the trouble when there are clearly perches for purchase above? Besides being the economical choice, you can adjust the measurements to perfectly fit your window frame — and your cat.

$50 at Various Vendors