Are you a pet parent in need of a DIY cat perch to keep your cat off the top of the bookcases?
Well, you're in good company! No one knows better than cat owners that their fluffy friends love to survey their territory from the highest heights. If this sounds like your cat, it may be time to make your own cat perch.
Why Do Cats Love Heights?
Why are cats so attracted to heights? Vetstreet explains, "Staying in higher places was most likely a behavior that, for smaller cats, was associated with an increased probability of survival." While indoor cats don't need to worry about coyotes or hawks, they do like the security that a high perch offers.
One inexpensive way to create a new space is to redesign an already existing area as a "cat only" zone. You could purchase a cat tree, but these can be expensive and take up a lot of floor space. A perch, however, is a great option because it's low-profile and, if you live in tight quarters, it allows you to take advantage of vertical space. You can create perches by attaching sturdy wooden boxes (such as wine cases, but never flimsy cardboard boxes) or bracketed shelves to the wall, or, if you're adventurous, even go as high as the ceiling and add a catwalk along the perimeter of a room. As always, while you're brainstorming ideas, keep your fur baby's safety in mind. Despite the popular cat myth, kitties don't always land on their feet.
Cats can be mischievous creatures while they're home alone, which may increase their desire to climb up on furniture and nose around, so creating an entertaining space just for your cat will help alleviate the boredom. "When your cat is ready to play, a special space that has been set up just for that purpose is important," says PetMD. "Even if you don't have an extra room to devote as a cat haven, a corner of a room or a window will suffice." One such option is to take advantage of one of her favorite nooks. If she is drawn to a particular bookshelf (one that is easily accessible to her), remove items from the shelf, and then line it with a blanket. Cats love to hide in small spaces, so you'll get two-for-one: height and security.
Why not make your own cat perch? Although you can buy a perch, it's more fun and fulfilling to customize one! This particular DIY cat perch is simple, yet it holds more weight than other designs. It's attached to the wall and has a leg on the floor for extra support, so it won't tip over, unlike a free-standing or under-supported perch. Importantly, the design allows for a sturdy wall-mounted perch that can be permanent or temporary, meaning you don't have to drill holes in your wall.
This DIY cat perch repurposes materials in your home and takes approximately 30 minutes to construct.
What You'll Need
- Two pieces of scrap wood plank (particle board works, too)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or pen to mark wood
- Four to six wood screws
- A hand saw (or cut-off if you have one and are comfortable using it)
- A drill
- Furniture tacks or a staple gun
- Hammer
- Masking tape
- A bath towel (a blanket or carpet remnant also can work, depending on the type of material your cat prefers)
- Removable picture mounting strips
Tasty Tips
How to Make It
- One piece of wood, which will not be cut, will be the platform on which your kitty sits. The other will be cut to form a leg and a shorter piece that will mount to the wall.
- First, measure on the wall the height from the floor to the bottom of the window sill or another desired spot to determine where you want the platform to be.
- Mark the spot on the wood where you want to saw (tip: place masking tape along your cut line to ensure a straight line and will make your pencil marks visible).
- Cut the leg/wall mount piece of wood to a length that allows the platform to be positioned at the desired height on the wall. Using a leg piece that is as wide as the platform makes a nice hiding spot for your kitty.
- Drill evenly spaced pilot holes in one end of both the leg and wall mount pieces and corresponding holes in the top of the platform. The holes on the platform that will be used to connect the wall mount piece should be positioned so that the wall mount piece will be flush with the back edge of the platform. This will assure the platform sits tight against the wall.
- Attach the leg and wall mount piece with wood screws.
- Center and stretch the towel on the top platform, making sure the material does not extend over the back of the perch (this will ensure that the perch sits flat against the wall). Tuck excess material underneath the top platform and secure in place with furniture tacks or wood glue.
- Attach removable adhesive picture mounts to the back side of the perch, on the far edges, and position the perch against the wall (yes, this will hold a large cat!). For a more permanent solution, attach the perch to the wall with screws through a wall stud or by using wall anchors.
- Finally, position the perch in place and press firmly against the wall to assure the adhesive tabs are firm.
Placing a perch under a window just adds to the fun! In addition to giving your cat her own spot, by placing it in front of a window, you'll provide her with hours of entertainment, from bird-watching to spying on the neighbors.
No matter its location, your kitty will love the security of this DIY cat perch, especially if you use an extra-fluffy towel to cover the top platform. She may try to sneak up onto the fridge every so often, but chances are, she'll be too busy lounging on her new digs. This is also a great option to keep her off of areas like tables and countertops if you can provide perches in rooms that you or your cat spend a lot of time in. If you're cooking, she likely just wants to know what is going on and be close to you. A kitchen perch will allow her to see what is going on, while staying out of your way while you cook.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
Get tips on how reduce your cat's stress level for the next time you have to move or relocate. Find ways to help your cat settle in.
Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Wonder if cats can see in the dark? Learn about feline night vision, including how their nighttime vision works & how it evolved compared to humans.
Why is My Kitten Crying? (& How to Help Them Stop)
Learn why kittens often cry as newborns, what age it should subside, and how you can help soothe and get them to stop through their first year.
Cat Parents: Bringing Your New Cat Home
Discover ten ways to care for your new cat after adoption, from preparing your home before she arrives to making her feel comfortable once she's arrived.
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
How to Tell if Your Cat has a Fever
Ever wondered if your cat is under the weather? Learn how to check to see if she has a fever and what steps you can take to help her feel better.
Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets
It's important to introduce your new kitten to kids, strangers and family pets early in their development to help raise a well-adjusted, socializing cat.
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Cat Foods for Weight Loss and Exercise Tips
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Cat Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Learn about common causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment of a cat ear infection, as well as tips for how to prevent them from happening.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Coccidia in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
While coccidia in cats is a common infection, it's good to know the common symptoms, how it's treated and what you can do to prevent it. Learn more.
Do Cats Have Periods?
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Understanding Your Overweight Cat
If you have an overweight cat, learn how this condition can affect your cat's health and tips for choosing the best cat food for weight loss.
Cat Bullying: What It Is & How to Stop It
Learn what a bully cat is, why cats demonstrate bullying behavior, and how to stop one cat from constantly bullying others.
Why Are Adopted Cats Returned to Shelters?
Learning common reasons why adopted cats are returned to shelters can help you better prepare for your adoption journey and enjoy your new pet.
Does My Cat Have Dry Skin?
Learn how to spot signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your kitty's skin irritation, and how you can help treat it.
Essential Oils for Cats: Are They Safe?
Wondering if you can use essential oils for cats? Learn all about essential oils and if there are any that are actually safe for your cat.
Cat Frostbite: Clinical Signs and Prevention
Concerned about cat frostbite? Read on to learn more about the clinical signs and what to do if you suspect that your cat might have it.
10 Important Health Tips for Senior Cats
Read our Top 10 Health Tips for your senior or aging cat, specifically tailored for the special health needs of a mature cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.