Why Do Cats Love High Places?

If you've held your breath as your cat leapt to the top of your fridge or scampered from the mantle to the top of a bookshelf with nary a care, you are well aware that cats are drawn to high places. But why? The simple answer lies deep in their evolutionary roots, their insatiable curiosity, and their need for comfort and security in a world now built for creatures who walk on two legs instead of four. In short: It's nothing to worry about. 

Your domestic cat is still plenty wild 

Long before cats embraced the leisure lifestyle we lavish upon them today, they were apex hunters. The modern domestic cat, no matter how pampered, carries the instincts of its fierce ancestors—African wildcats. These predators sought safety in the branches of trees, scanning their surroundings for both prey and potential threats. Climbing to high places wasn't just a pastime, it was a survival strategy. That ancient behavior still pulses through the veins of your fluffy roommate, who now surveys her kingdom from the top of your tallest shelf.

It's safer up there

It's not all about hunting, though. Despite their bouts of boldness, cats are creatures of caution. Their instinct to avoid danger is finely tuned, and in the wild, staying off the ground could mean the difference between life and death. Even in the coziest of homes, where the biggest threat may be the vacuum cleaner, that instinct remains. When your cat leaps onto a high surface, he is often just seeking security, even if there's no imminent threat afoot. Up high, he's unreachable by most threats—real or perceived—and can relax without constantly being on alert. If you've ever noticed your cat sleeping on top of the fridge or curled up in the highest part of a cat tree, he's found a sanctuary where he can rest easy.

You've heard about curiosity and cats...

Curiosity plays a significant role in climbing, too. A high perch offers the best view of the household, allowing your cat to observe her domain without interference. She can watch birds outside the window, track your movements, and keep an eye on other pets, all while remaining undisturbed. To a cat, being up high is the equivalent of having VIP seating at the best show in town. 

It's also a matter of pride

Being high up isn't just about seeing everything and staying safe, though they're certainly important elements. Cats also use height to establish dominance and territory. In multi-cat households, the kitty that claims the highest ground is often the one in charge—a universally understood rule of the feline hierarchy. And even you are included in this. You might think you're the one in control, but if your cat is staring down at you from the top of the cabinet, he may well disagree. High places are not just strategic vantage points, but offer a psychological edge that helps a cat assert his place without unnecessary confrontation.

It's just plain fun

Didn't you like climbing trees or tall playground equipment as a child? Cats are playful creatures even in adulthood, and climbing provides them with both mental stimulation and physical exercise. In the wild, chasing prey often required scaling trees or leaping onto rocky outcrops. In your living room, that same burst of energy might manifest as a daring climb up your curtains or an ambitious leap onto the top of tall furniture. It's all part of their natural athleticism—a built-in drive to test their own agility and balance.

Climbing doesn't have to be a problem

For cat owners, the penchant for climbing can present challenges from torn curtains and damage to your displayed collectibles to physical danger to your cat. But it's often easy to redirect this physical prowess. Most simply, it's essential for cat households to have high-quality trees that give all the household cats a place to perch and offer appropriate opportunities to climb, stretch, and file those famous claws. It's not only safer and better for your cat's mental and physical health, but it also spares your human possessions. 

A well-designed cat tree is a must, but it may not be enough to satisfy the most athletic or curious of cats. If your insatiable climber continues to scale the walls, consider investing in some sturdy cat shelves. Place them away from high furniture you'd like your cat to avoid, and offer your cat a safe new space to explore instead. The next time your cat perches high above you, surveying his world with an expression of quiet superiority, remember that he's simply following instincts that have been ingrained in his kind for millennia. If you don't like where he's chosen, give him better options.