Cat trees and wall shelves: safe climbing for indoor cats

Why cats like high places

Cats are natural climbers, and they need to be able to rest and watch over their surroundings from high places. A raised spot gives a cat more space to use and lets them keep an eye on what's going on.^[3],[1]

• Somewhere to feel safe. Cats prefer high places when they feel threatened. Most cats like a safe spot that fits just them, has sides, and is raised off the ground.^[4],[2]
• A better place to nap. Many cats feel vulnerable sleeping on the floor, so a raised bed or perch is often the one they pick.^[3]
• Room to watch without being watched. The best perches let a cat observe the room without drawing attention to themselves. When your cat is up there, try not to fuss over them.^[4]

A cat tree, a few wall shelves, or even a cleared-off bookcase shelf all count. What matters is that your cat has somewhere up high that's theirs.^[4],[3]

Stability first: a tree that won't tip

Cats want a sturdy scratching post that won't shift or collapse when they use it. Hold anything your cat climbs to the same standard, and make sure nothing heavy can fall on them.^[5],[7]

• Look for a wide, heavy base. The taller the tree, the bigger and heavier the base should be. Give it a firm shove in the store or after assembly. If it rocks, it isn't right yet.
• Use the wall anchor. Many tall trees come with a strap or bracket to fix them to the wall. Use it, especially for a tree near the ceiling or a cat who launches onto the top perch.
• Tighten it up. Posts can loosen as your cat climbs. Check the bolts every few weeks and after any wild play session.
• Mind the landing zone. Make sure nothing heavy can fall on your cat during play, and that there's nowhere they could fall from and get hurt while distracted.^[7]

Sizing for large cats

Many cat trees are built for an average-size cat. If yours is big, check the numbers before you buy.

• Perches they can stretch out on. Perches should be wide and long enough for your cat to fully stretch out. A top platform your cat hangs off won't get much use.^[1]
• Condos they can turn around in. Check the size of the opening and the inside of any cubby. A snug hideout for a 9-pound cat can be a tight squeeze for a 17-pound one.
• Posts that can take the weight. Thicker posts and a heavier base hold up better to a big cat jumping on and off. Check the listing's weight limit, if it gives one, and read reviews from owners of large cats.
• Scratching posts tall enough to stretch. If the tree doubles as a scratcher, most cats like a post tall enough to stretch fully against.^[5]

Wall shelves and hiding spots

Wall shelves add height without taking floor space. Cat trees, wardrobes, cupboards, and shelving or bookcases can all serve as high resting places.^[4]

• Mount into studs when you can. A shelf is only as solid as what holds it up. Follow the maker's instructions and weight limit, use the right hardware for your wall, and screw into studs where possible.
• Build a route. Space shelves so your cat can step or hop from one to the next, and make sure they can get down easily as well as up.^[3]
• Add a hideout. A safe place is somewhere a cat can retreat to and feel protected. A box, a carrier, or a raised perch all work, and a perch on the roof of a box can help a cat feel safe and secure.^[1],[2]
• Two ways out. Cats like to be able to leave a safe space from at least two sides if they feel threatened.^[2]

More than one cat

In a multi-cat home, one tree often isn't enough. Cats need separate resources so they can use them without being challenged by another cat.^[2]

• One per cat, plus one. International Cat Care suggests one of each resource per cat plus one extra, in different places around the home.^[4]
• Enough safe places. Have at least as many single-cat safe places as you have cats, spread out so each cat can choose to be alone.^[2],[1]
• No dead ends. Give each perch two ways in and out if you can, so one cat can't trap another up there.^[4],[3]

Placing a perch near a window

A view outside is a big draw. Try to include at least one resting spot where your cat can see outdoors, ideally a high perch near a window where they can look out from a safe position.^[1],[3]

• Watch for outdoor cats. Other cats can be seen through windows. If a neighborhood cat keeps showing up and your cat seems tense, a perch at a window with a less busy view may suit them better.^[4],[3]
• Screens on open windows. If the perch sits by a window you open, fit snug, sturdy screens. The ASPCA urges this to keep cats from falling out, especially in multi-story homes.^[6]

Kittens, seniors, and easy access

For kittens and older cats with limited mobility, put boxes, perches, and shelves at a fairly low height, or at levels they can reach by ramps.^[1]

• Steps and ramps. Ramps or steps, or moving furniture to make a path without big jumps, can help a cat with arthritis reach favorite spots.^[9]
• Beds at several heights. An older cat may not jump as high as they used to, so offer resting places at a few different heights.^[9]
• An easy way down. Make sure your cat can get down easily, especially an older cat.^[3]

Dangling toys and upkeep