Have you noticed your cat consistently finding its way to the highest point in your room?
Maybe you’ve got a cat tower or a piece of furniture that’s accessible to them, and they’re always plopped on top of it when you come home. It might seem like a simple fact of life at this point, but there are actually a lot of interesting reasons for this behavior.
This article will look through some of the reasons cats like to lay in high places. You’ll even learn a little about cat behavior and evolution along the way!
If you’re just looking for ways to enrich your cats’ lives with interesting new perches and vantage points, skip to the bottom of the article for some useful ideas.
So, why do cats like to be up high?
1. Cats Climb Instinctively
The classic “kitten in a tree” trope exists for a reason. Cats are extremely capable climbers. When cats are afraid, curious, or even hungry, they’ll often find the nearest tree.
This is particularly true when the cat has experience outdoors. Indoor cats might not initially brave a tall tree if they’ve never done so before.
If you’ve ever seen a cat fleeing a predator or acting as a predator, you’ve probably seen some of the acrobatics that allow them to climb so well. They can manipulate their bodies quickly and effectively, using their nails to grip when necessary.
If the cat is being chased, it will most often run to tallest thing around and dart to the top of it, even if the tall structure doesn’t have any spot for it to rest.
Cats will climb trees with ease, maneuver thin branches, traverse thin sticks, and strut inch-wide walkways in pursuit of their prey. The same is true if they’re afraid for some reason.
That often leads them to climb a little higher than they otherwise would. This gets a lot of cats into trouble.
High-Rise Syndrome
Cats are adept at climbing quickly, scaling 100-foot trees without a hitch in their steps. A challenge often comes when they try to get back down, though.
Some cats are able to wiggle their ways down branchless trees, sticking claws into the bark and scooting inch by inch. On the other hand, call it a flaw in evolution or a symptom of domestication, but many cats are unable to get down.
The men in the following video say they rescue upwards of 400 cats per year. They say that many people assume that cats will find their way down, but it’s often not that simple.
So many cats fall from extreme heights, that the injuries they sustain have a medical category named “High-Rise Syndrome.” This category includes any issues that come from a cat falling from the height of around 25 feet.
Fortunately for our house cats, the majority of their climbing happens within arm’s reach.
2. Comfort and Safety
The reason cats dart to trees, other than to chase squirrels or birds, is because cats feel safer in trees than they would be on the ground.
Many larger predators, even those who can climb well, aren’t as nimble or capable as cats. That’s partially why cats like high places - because other creatures can’t reach them there.
Hous ecats are thought to have evolved from African Wildcats which exist naturally in Africa, West Asia, and Central Asia.
So, cats evolved in an environment alongside hundreds of the deadliest predators on earth. The ability to climb, rest, and observe the landscape would have been crucial to their survival. This is true whether an individual was strolling along the plains or creeping through dense rainforests - there was always the risk of a sudden attack.
The tree, then, was a safe haven for the species.
African Wildcats still exist today, and while you’d be able to tell they weren’t your typical tabby cats, they’re very similar in appearance.
*Image of an African Wildcat
Cats Climb Around The World
African Wildcats still prey on birds, small mammals, and lizards just as house cats do. Domesticated cats are now present in nearly every environment where humans live due to their domestication and transportation.
Agility and the ability to climb serve house cats well in all environments in terms of hunting and escaping predators. That’s why cats have such a massive impact on local wildlife wherever they go.
Cats capture literally billions of birds and small mammals each year in the United States. As they’re not native to North America, this puts a serious strain on local ecosystems.
This is all to say that cats, wherever they go, should feel more comfortable perching high above the ground where they can observe possible threats or find food. It serves them well, even though it’s not the best thing for your local bird population.
That’s also why the highest rung on your bookshelf is your furry friend’s favorite spot - they feel comfortable and confident there.
3. Cat Hierarchies & Vantage Points
Cats are largely solitary hunters, although it’s not unheard of for them to live naturally in groups and work together to survive. Investigations into the feeding orders of feral cats show that there’s a clear hierarchy that dictates who eats first.
Sex, age, and size all factor into who gets the first bite. The same is true for multiple domesticated cats living in a single home. They’ll establish their territories and assert themselves in various ways.
Their methods aren’t as severe or complex as the ones in, say, a chimpanzee hierarchy, but social order is still an aspect of those cats’ daily lives. One way these hierarchies might be reflected is through the height of a cat’s territory.
So, if one of your cats consistently demands the highest spot in the house, they might be the dominant one of the bunch. While this could be a display of power, it’s not likely exactly how we think of “alpha” or “dominant” behavior.
Cats Don’t Have ‘Alphas’
To create the complex social hierarchy of chimps, humans, or lions, an animal group needs to be inherently social. Social animals live and work together to survive, developing clear roles and positions in the group.
Cats, as we all know and love, tend to be solitary creatures in our homes. This is true in the wild as well. They’re solitary predators, and they don’t often form natural groups.
(*note that that previous link states cats were domesticated 10 million years ago. They were actually domesticated 10-13,000 years ago. Hominids were not capable of domesticating animals 10 million years ago.)
When there are groups of cats living together, there are typically some extenuating circ*mstances like a shared food source or a safe place. Cat social structures as we know them now were likely products of cats’ proximity to humans, mostly because of our excess of food.
That means they haven’t been dealing with big social groups for very long, and their social queues and roles didn’t get much time to develop. There isn’t always clear ‘alpha’ behavior as a result, but there are little displays like sitting higher than another individual or marking a spot with their scent.
We humans are now the house cat’s social group, so those little hierarchical roles can slip into our relationships with them. That said, when your cat sits above you on the couch, don’t take it as a slight.
Maybe your cat is just feeling himself that day, or it could be that he feels most comfortable in that spot. It’s not always a display of superiority.
Why Do Cats Like to Sleep Up High?
The desire to get up high isn’t always accompanied by a task. In many cases, a cat is finding its way up a tree or a climbing post to find a comfortable place to sleep.
What better place to rest your head than somewhere you know is safe? Even though your home is a save haven for your cat, they’re still inclined to sleep in cat trees or rest high up where they can survey the environment.
That way they can avoid getting startled by toddlers, adults, other cats, and dogs. Further, they might just feel more relaxed as a result of their biological history and their sleeping habits reflect that.
This behavior is similar to a lot of the things that we humans might do unnecessarily. Our biological history is wired into us and we’re not always aware of it. Take the common fears of rats, for example.
Healthy pet rats are usually very friendly. They’re intelligent, curious little creatures and they make great pets. Many people are viscerally disgusted by the idea of having a rat in their homes, though. This is because humans tend to develop ‘disgust’ responses toward creatures that signal the presence of illness and disease, which rats have done historically (the Black Plague was largely spread with the help of rats, for example).
So, people still avoid rats because their instincts tell them it will keep them safe in the same way that domestic cats sleep up high to feel safe.
Tips for Helping Cats Rest in High Places
Now that you know your cat feels the instinct to perch, what can you do to facilitate that need?
All you need to do is some interior decorating with cats in mind. Let’s take a peek at some functional “catification,” as Jackson Galaxy calls it.
1. As Many Cat Trees As Possible
Cat trees are perfect tools for you and your cat to work with. There are tens of thousands of cat trees on the market, so there’s absolutely something out there for you.
The higher the better. There are even cat trees that pressure mount to your celing (no nails, no screws), and allow your cat to get as high up as they like.
2. The ‘Cat Superhighway’
Cat expert Jackson Galaxy has an idea called the ‘cat superhighway.’
This is essentially the concept that your cat should be able to crawl around the perimeter of the inside of your home without touching the ground. It sounds pretty wild, but it’s actually a lot more reasonable than you’d think.
Things like couches, desks, shelves, tables, and cat trees are all aspects of this highway that create vertical space for cats. It’s even better if they have to take a little leap in order to cross over different spaces. In certain areas, you can fixate shelves and walking paths along high points in your wall to let the cats prowl near the ceiling as they make their way.
So, you might need to do a little ‘catifying’ by fixing some pathways high near the ceiling, but most of the stops on this superhighway are already things you’d have in your home.
3. Window Perch Points and Views
Lastly, give your cat as many places to hang around as you can.
You should also make sure that they’ve got something to look at while they’re there. Windows are the best places for these little beds. Window cat beds with some padding are excellent places for your cat to rest, and odds are that they’re already resting near windows anyway.
Just give them a little extra space for your cats to sprawl out while they’re up there. That way, they get a comfortable place to rest while they’re entertained by the outside world.
Enhance this view by giving them something extra exciting to look at. Placing bird-feeders in front of your cat’s favorite windows will greatly improve the quality of their day while you’re not home.
They’ll get nearly endless entertainment while they rest high above the ground in a comfortable place. Plus, all that pent up daytime energy can go into watching birds so you might actually be able to take your shoes off without getting bombarded when you get home.
FAQs
It comes from their instinct to protect their themselves, and a high position for sleeping or resting gives them an aerial advantage for spotting any potential dangers around them. Much of this instinct comes from their ancestry.
Do cats prefer high places? ›
Most cats enjoy being in high places. Whether it's a high shelf, a window perch or the top of the refrigerator, your cat may feel more comfortable in the upper half of the room where he can keep an eye on the world around and below him with greater confidence.
Why do cats hide in high places? ›
However, if they often hide for long periods, especially in high places, that may be a sign that a certain environmental factor is stressing them out. Cats hide for two main reasons: They're just looking for a quiet spot. Like all of us, cats also need some time to themselves.
Why do cats climb so high? ›
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.
Do cats like high rises? ›
Cats can be kept happily in flats and high-rise building, but we must ensure they have enough stimulation and play opportunities.
Why do cats sit above your head? ›
Your cat may sleep above your head for many reasons, including security, warmth, and affection. Sleeping with your cat has many benefits for both of you, allowing you to build a better bond and demonstrate your love.
Do cats know not to jump from high places? ›
Luckily for pet owners, cats are unlikely to ever jump from a high window unless they trust that they will land safely. Cats have excellent survival instincts, after all. This means that many cases of high-rise syndrome happen when a cat falls accidentally from a high window or fire escape.
Do cats always stay high? ›
But unlike us, cats won't get why their body and mind suddenly changed. Felines can get high but they don't like it. They will become disoriented and confused, leaving them aggressive or afraid. Sometimes they will even need to be brought to the vet.
Can cats survive all heights? ›
Their ability ability to relax while falling through the air at 60 mph is a big help. Cats don't generally survive falls from just any height, though. Launching from an airplane in flight or the top of a New York skyscraper, for instance, won't have a happy ending.
Why does my cat stare at me? ›
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
It's instinct for your house cat to want to explore and seek out the best view of its territory, even that seen through the window and blocked by an inconvenient door. You cannot change this instinct, but you can modify some of these irksome behaviors.
Why do cats flop on the floor when they see you? ›
This means that your cat trusts you wholeheartedly! You can think of it as a cat version of 'giving you the keys to their hearts'. Cats also flop when they spend time with their owners because, in the animal world, flopping is a sign of trust. A cat will only flop in a situation where they are completely relaxed.
Do cats enjoy sleeping? ›
It's no secret that in the world of cats, getting enough rest is a top priority. But exactly how much do cats sleep, and why do cats sleep so much? As it turns out, cats love to snooze so much because it's in their genes.
Where your cat sleeps on your bed and what it means? ›
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Can cats survive a 2 story fall? ›
Studies done of cats that have fallen from 2 to 32 stories, and are still alive when brought to a veterinarian clinic, show that the overall survival rate is 90 percent of those treated.
What do cats feel when they are high? ›
When dogs and cats are exposed to marijuana (e.g. inhaling smoke, eating the dried plant, drinking oil/liquid form, eating food/edibles that contain THC), they can experience symptoms of marijuana toxicity. Disorientation, incoordination or trouble walking, memory trouble, and increased sleepiness are common.
Can a cat fall 20 feet? ›
While cats have been known to fall from over 30 stories and survive, it's not very common or thoroughly researched. That being said, studies suggest cats can fall as far as 20 stories, over 200 feet, and survive with little to no injuries.
Does a cat trust you if it sleeps next to you? ›
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
Does my cat think I'm her mom? ›
No, your cat doesn't actually think you're the mama cat that birthed it. But cats show us a level of affection and respect that is very similar to the way they treat their mama cat. And this sweet fact flies in the face of anyone who thinks cats' “aloof” personality means they don't care about us.
Why does my cat touch my face with her paw? ›
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
From the moment they're in the air to the instant after they hit the ground, cats' bodies are built to survive high falls, scientists say. They have a relatively large surface area in proportion to their weight, thus reducing the force at which they hit the pavement.
Is it OK to let my cat on the balcony? ›
If you own a cat and you want them to use the balcony, we recommend having a 'catio' installed professionally. Cats are expert jumpers and climbers so unless your balcony is completely cat proof, it won't be safe for them.
Can a cat get hurt by falling? ›
Even though cats usually land on their feet, they can still sustain injuries when they fall. Prepared cat owners should be aware of the problems that can result when a feline takes a tumble. Sprains, broken bones, head trauma, and chest or abdominal injuries may result when felines fall.
Do cats think they own us? ›
Cats See Us as Parents
Cats don't just think of their owners as food machines. They actually see us as parents. A 2019 study revealed that cats have the same attachment to their owners that babies show to their parents.
At what age do cats calm down? ›
The transition to adulthood ordinarily occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, and possibly after neutering, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer with it reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active.
What does a hiss mean from a cat? ›
Most of the time hissing is a sign that a cat is feeling anxious, frightened, or agitated. However, there are some other reasons why a cat will hiss as well. For example, a mother cat may hiss if she feels that her kittens are threatened. Similarly, cats will also hiss if they are in pain.
Can a cat survive a 6 floor fall? ›
But here's the weird part: Cats falling from super high floors can survive. A RadioLab episode on this falling cat issue states that cats falling between five and nine stories are the ones most likely to be injured. Fall from a higher story, though, and your odds of survival are better.
How high can a human fall without getting hurt? ›
How far can a human being fall and survive? Normally, not very far. People usually survive falls from a height of 20-25 feet (6-8 meters), but above that, things get very deadly very fast.
Do indoor cats live shorter lives? ›
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
What do cats see you as? ›
The strange part of all of this is that cats actually view people as fellow cats. Some researchers believe cats look at us as big, slow, clumsy, uncoordinated cats, but others say they're not quite so judgemental. The good thing is, whether or not they're judging our balance and agility, they still love us!
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
Why do cats lock eyes with you? ›
Your cat just really loves you. Fixed eye contact and regular slow blinking is a sign of affection in cats. So, look straight back, indulge in some slow blinks and enjoy an affectionate moment with your feline friend.
What smell do cats hate? ›
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Do cats get sad when you close the door? ›
It's normal for cats to get upset when doors are closed, especially when left isolated in rooms. Cats love being in control and will rarely pass the chance to satisfy their curiosity, meaning your feline friend will do all he can to get you to open the door.
How to discipline a cat? ›
How to Discipline Your Cat
- 1 Use Voice. When your cat is doing something you don't like, simply using your voice to stop them might be enough. ...
- 2 Clap Your Hands. Cats dislike the sound of hands clapping. ...
- 3 Use Noisy Cans. ...
- 4 Use Deterrents. ...
- 5 Play with the Cat. ...
- 6 Time Out. ...
- 7 Use a Spray Bottle. ...
- 8 Reward Good Behaviour.
Cats love to rub up against their owners. This movement may involve their entire body or sometimes just their foreheads and cheeks. Most owners see this as a sign of affection and welcome this behaviour. When cats rub against objects, they are transferring their scent.
Why do cats roll on their backs when they see you? ›
Cat body posture is fascinating to observe, and rolling on the back sends definite signals. A cat that is secure and content is most likely to roll in an attempt to attract attention. The behavior can be meant as an invitation to play, whether directed to favorite people or other cats.
Why do cats follow you to the toilet? ›
Your cat might follow you into the bathroom simply because they love you and want to be with you all the time. Although independent animals, felines still form close bonds with their humans and your cat even misses you when you're not around.
Do cats prefer warm or cold? ›
What temperature do cats prefer? Cats thrive in consistent, comfortably warm environments with the option to cool off when necessary.
Do cats like the TV on? ›
Definitely. While some cats go nuts for on-screen antics, others are content to watch the activity with an air of calm, and still others may not be interested in TV at all. Depending on their temperament and the depth of their hunting instinct, your cat may or may not engage with television or other electronic screens.
Cats like peace and quiet. Household conveniences, like vacuum cleaners, can easily disrupttheir nap time.
Do cats watch you sleep? ›
Staring at humans while they sleep is a common cat behavior, albeit a puzzling (and sometimes annoying) one. As it turns out, cats stare at people a lot, not just while they're sleeping. Cats often stare at you while you're awake for the same reasons they stare at you while you're peacefully sleeping.
Why do cats sit on your chest when you sleep? ›
Believe it or not, they usually snuggle up to you because they love you and it makes them feel safe and secure. Your kitty is always looking for a warm or sunny place to rest. In addition, they are predators so they are always ready to attack or defend themselves.
What does it mean when a cat curls up next to you? ›
When your cat is curled up near you, they're simply letting you know that they feel safe. This is your feline friend's way of letting you know that they trust you.
What is Splooting cats? ›
"Sploot" is a slang term for the position pets take when they lay on their stomach with their legs stretched out behind them.
How can you tell if a cat has imprinted on you? ›
What are the signs your cat has imprinted on you?
- Communicating with you — meows, purrs, and all the other happy noises a cat makes.
- Kneading you (a.k.a. ...
- Choosing to be close to you — following you around, cuddling and sleeping with you, being on your lap whenever they get the chance.
- Greeting you when you come home.
This means before napping they may find a vantage point somewhere high up, or they might even bury their head in a basket of laundry to help give them a sense of security. Either way, they know their pretty faces are also their most vulnerable point, so it makes sense that covering them helps them feel more secure.
What is a cats favorite resting place? ›
On Your Bed
“Cats like dark cozy places, which is why they love to be under the covers,” Reimers says. In addition to being a spot where they can bury themselves and snooze, your bed gives your cat comfort “because it smells like you,” she adds.
Why do cats like cat towers so much? ›
Put simply, felines love cat trees because they're a lot of fun to climb. Kittens and adults like using their bodies to balance and reach high places, and it's a great form of exercise.
Are cats safe on high balconies? ›
Cats are expert jumpers and climbers so unless your balcony is completely cat proof, it won't be safe for them. Every year our animal hospitals treat many cats who have suffered serious and even fatal injuries after falling from windows and balconies.
They know when they've reached terminal velocity, and they relax. Their ability ability to relax while falling through the air at 60 mph is a big help. Cats don't generally survive falls from just any height, though.
How high can a cat fall without getting hurt? ›
While cats have been known to fall from over 30 stories and survive, it's not very common or thoroughly researched. That being said, studies suggest cats can fall as far as 20 stories, over 200 feet, and survive with little to no injuries.
Why do cats hate belly rubs? ›
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Do cats like kisses? ›
Every cat is different. While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection.
Are cats happier with a cat tree? ›
Yes, most cats will be very happy to have a cat tree in their lives. A good tree will allow cats to fulfill most of their natural instincts - climbing, scratching, hiding and resting. It can be a great improvement for your furry friend and provide endless fun, as long as you find the right cat tree.
Do cats actually like tunnels? ›
Grown-up cats will enjoy toys like tunnels, exercise wheels or laser pointers, as this gives them the opportunity to exhibit their natural hunting sequence of 'stalk, chase and kill'.
Why do cats love windows so much? ›
If your kitty always sits at the window right when the sun is beaming through that spot, it's because he loves the warmth. A cat's natural body temperature is higher than a human's, so they prefer warmer spots.
