Central Virginia Pets: Cats Need High Places

For a moment, imagine you are a cat. How would you feel when your family members tower above you? Would you be confident and calm when young humans move erratically and make unpredictable loud noises? What would you feel when the ring of the phone or doorbell causes the resident canine to bark and frenetically dash about? Would you fear a visitor accidentally stepping on your tail? Considering the perspective of your cat will help you better understand why cats need high places where they can safely rest and observe life from a secure vantage point.

Cats are beautiful and agile beings and are popular family members. Unfortunately, some of their most basic needs are often unrecognized and unfulfilled. Cats need high places of their own for their psychological and physical well being. Cats were domesticated much more recently than dogs. Hence, they retain more of their wild instincts and behavior. In the wild, cats usually hunt and care for themselves solitarily. While our feline friends enjoy being with us, they retain a great need for occasional solitude. High places fulfill their need.

By providing your cat with several appropriate high places, you will help him be relaxed, happy, and physically fit. Cats jump to keep their muscles toned and their joints flexible. If you neglect to provide your cat with the high places he needs, he will be more prone to stress and physical injuries.

Frequent complaints from cat lovers include: My cat got on the dining room table, or kitchen counter, or bookshelf while I was out today. He broke expensive items or left paw prints behind. When your cat’s needs are not fulfilled, he will try to find his own high places.

Dining room tables, kitchen counters, and book shelves are often near a sunny window filled with enticing scents and scenery.

Eliminate these complaints by fulfilling your cats’ need for high places. Select a bookshelf or a wide windowsill that you know your cat is attracted to; replace any trinkets with a soft towel or blanket. Invite your cat to his new throne and reward him with praise and/or a special food treat. Soon your cat will recognize that this is his special spot.

Consider adding a tall and sturdy cat tree to your household. Place it by a window, if possible, to make it even more inviting. Cat trees are readily available in multitudes of styles at local pet stores and online. Make sure you invest in a well-made tree that won’t tip over. The taller it is and the cozier the ledges, the more your cat will enjoy it.

It doesn’t take much to keep your cat and your household happy and stress-free. Just look at life from your cat’s viewpoint. And remember, from your cat’s perspective, you are only human.

Beehler is a volunteer for the Lynchburg Humane Society.