Cat behaviour
Short answer: Cats love climbing because height offers safety, security, warmth, confidence, and a better view of their territory. Elevated resting places let them observe without being disturbed, manage social interactions, and feel in control of their environment. Climbing and perching are natural behaviours that support emotional wellbeing and reduce stress.
Written by Paul Denman, Cat Welfare Writer at Kitten Kaboodle
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Key points at a glance
- Height gives cats a safe vantage point to observe their surroundings.
- Climbing supports natural feline instincts and physical agility.
- High resting spots help cats regulate stress and feel secure.
- Vertical space reduces tension in multi cat homes.
- Providing climbing opportunities improves overall welfare.
Height as safety and survival
In nature, cats often rest in trees, ledges, and sheltered high areas. Elevation protects them from predators and lets them observe potential threats or prey without being seen.
Domestic cats retain this instinct. A high shelf or wardrobe offers peace and quiet where they can relax without interruption.
Better visibility of their territory
Cats feel more confident when they understand what is happening in their environment. A high perch provides a full view of the room, which helps them feel more in control.
This is especially valuable for anxious or timid cats who prefer to stay aware of movement around them.
Climbing supports feline athleticism
Cats are agile creatures built for scaling trees and jumping between branches. Climbing strengthens muscles, coordination, and balance.
Even indoor cats benefit enormously from opportunities to leap, stretch, and explore vertical pathways.
Warmth and comfort up high
Heat rises, so higher areas in the home are often warmer. Cats seek these spots for cosy naps, especially during colder months.
A high bookshelf or the top of a wardrobe can act like a natural radiator bed.
Height as a stress buffer
High places allow cats to remove themselves from situations they find overwhelming. This helps them decompress and reduces the chance of conflict.
In multi cat households, providing vertical options can dramatically improve harmony by giving each cat more space to spread out.
Privacy and uninterrupted rest
Cats value undisturbed rest. A high perch is less likely to be approached by children, dogs, or other pets, making it a perfect sanctuary.
The fewer the interruptions, the more confident and content your cat feels.
How to support your cat’s love of height
Providing vertical enrichment helps meet your cat’s instinctive needs. You can offer:
- cat trees and climbing towers,
- sturdy wall mounted shelves,
- window perches with soft bedding,
- safe access to wardrobes or tall furniture,
- bridges, ledges, and high walkways in larger homes.
Give your cat multiple choices, and ensure they can reach high areas without needing to jump great distances.
Safety considerations for climbers
Cats are skilled jumpers, but accidents can happen. Make sure:
- shelves are secure and stable,
- there are safe routes up and down,
- climbing structures cannot wobble or topple,
- elderly cats have lower options with gentle slopes.
Thoughtful arrangement keeps your home enriching but safe.
More Advent Calendar questions
Height is only one piece of the feline puzzle. Continue your festive Advent journey with these entries:
- Why do cats purr?
- Why does my cat chirp at birds?
- Why does my cat knead me?
- Why does my cat follow me to the toilet?
- Why does my cat stare at me?
- Why does my cat sleep on my head?
- Why does my cat suddenly run around at night?
- Why do cats love boxes so much?
- Do cats recognise their names?
- Why does my cat bring me gifts?
- What does my cat’s tail actually mean?
- Why does my cat sit on my laptop?
- Why do some cats chirrup instead of meow?
- Does my cat love me?
- Why does my cat sunbathe in the warmest spot?
- Why do cats get the zoomies?
- Why does my cat follow me everywhere?
- Why does my cat roll over and show their belly?
- Why does my cat knock things off tables?
- What makes cats obsessed with laser toys?
- Why do cats squeeze into tiny spaces?
- Why does my cat groom me?
Frequently asked climbing questions
- Is it normal for cats to prefer high places?
- Yes. Height seeking is a natural and healthy behaviour linked to safety, observation, and emotional regulation.
- What can I do if my cat climbs unsafe areas, like kitchen counters?
- Redirect the behaviour by offering stable high alternatives such as cat trees, shelves, or window perches. Never punish climbing. Instead provide better options.
- Do older cats still enjoy height?
- Many do, but they need gentler climbing routes. Offer ramps, lower shelves, and soft landings to keep them safe and confident.
Does your cat rule the household from the highest shelf?
Continue your Advent journey through our Articles section,
and show us your feline’s favourite lookout spots.
🐾 Here is to climbing, confidence, and every king or queen of the wardrobe. 🐾