Are cat window perches safe, or an accident waiting to happen? All the cats I’ve ever known have loved to climb, but there’s something about the window perches suspended from suction cups which looks precarious to me. I’ve gone in search of more information about whether these popular kitty hang outs are truly safe, and I’m happy to report that lots of animal welfare professionals recommend them, and vouch for them being a safe and positive addition to cats’ lives. Here’s everything I’ve learned about getting the most out of cat window platforms, and using them safely.
Contents
- Are cat window perches safe?
- Are cat window perches safe for kittens?
- Do cats like window perches?
- Are cat window perches safe for senior cats?
- Can a cat window perch break a window?
- Can you put a cat window perch on a wall?
- How do you get a cat perch to stick to the window?
Are cat window perches safe?
Nothing is ever entirely risk-free. But for the most part, well made window perches from reputable pet product brands are a safe and fun way for your cat to enjoy a good view. There are two main types of window perch marketed for pet cats:
- Ones that secure to the window pane itself using suction cups. The cups can be on a frame beneath the perching platform (like a shelf bracket), or they can be above the platform (like a hammock or suspension bridge).
- And ones that overhang the window sill, and stick to the sill with adhesive strips, rather than to the window pane.
Both types are recommended by animal behavior experts and veterinarians as safe ways to make a cat’s environment more physically and mentally stimulating. Cats are naturally athletic and curious, and window perches combine a safe opportunity for climbing with the possibility of better observing the world around them. They’re a win-win!
How to use a cat window perch safely
To make sure a hammock or perch is safe for your pet, it’s wise to:
- Purchase from an established brand with a good reputation.
- Check that your cat is within the weight limit given by the manufacturer.
- Buy one per cat, so they don’t have to share.
- Check the perch all over for signs of faults or damage before using it.
- Clean the surface it attaches to thoroughly before installing it.
- Check it regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Are cat window perches safe for kittens?
Kittens start climbing from a young age, and enjoy it a lot. It’s a fun way of exploring their environment, building strength and coordination, and finding out what they’re capable of. Window perches are generally safe for kittens, since kittens don’t weigh very much. Unsurprisingly, they are most likely to injure themselves if the perch is particularly tricky to reach or dismount. So while their motor skills are still developing it’s a smart idea to place a cat tree or handy chair nearby, to use as a stepping stone to the ground.
Do cats like window perches?
Lots of cats like window perches because:
- They offer a good view outdoors. Watching the world go by is a pleasant enrichment activity for cats, especially indoor cats.
- They’re a good spot for watching what’s going on indoors too. Cats love a good vantage point from which to monitor their territory, and window perches often have the perfect combination of elevation and unobstructed views to every corner of the room.
- They’re perfect for soaking up the sunshine. Most cats love to sunbathe – I’m pretty certain mine is at least partly solar powered!
Are cat window perches safe for senior cats?
As your cat gets older, you might notice his coordination or agility start to decline. He might become naturally less inclined to try and reach a window perch, or you might need to decide for him that the time has come to take it down. Since he’s likely to still enjoy the benefits of having somewhere to watch the world go by, you can meet him halfway by constructing an easy climbing route for him to use, or switching from a pane-mounted hammock to a sill-mounted platform.
Can a cat window perch break a window?
Window beds are only ever as strong as the window they’re attached to. Most modern windows are more than strong enough to support a cat hanging from the glass. This is because the manufacturing standards they have to meet to be safe for our homes require them to be pretty tough. However, if you have an old single pane window in a wooden frame, then it might not be strong enough to withstand the force of your cat landing on a perch attached to it. Likewise, it isn’t wise to attach a window hammock to windows in greenhouses or outbuildings. The glass in these structures is produced to a lower safety standard – it is more brittle and breaks more easily.
Can you put a cat window perch on a wall?
Window perches with suction cups can rely on a very smooth surface to work. Sometimes they can be attached to walls with either smooth gloss tiles on them, or a glass backsplash. Which means they might work on a sunny wall in your kitchen or bathroom for example. But you won’t be able to attach one to a painted, papered or stuccoed wall. For these surfaces, you’ll either need a cat shelf that attaches to the wall with screws, or a free standing cat tree.
How do you get a cat perch to stick to the window?
Window-mounted cat perches usually have four large suction cups to hold them in place. They will stick better if the glass is completely free from dirt, grease, and cleaning product residue. Wash your windows with a little dish soap in warm water, then wipe them down with dilute vinegar to achieve the perfect surface.
Before mounting the platform or hammock, check the suction cups. If they have been bent in storage, it can stop them forming a strong vacuum seal with the glass. You can (carefully) dunk the cups in hot water for a few moments to soften them back into shape. Next, breathe gently against the concave side of the cup to leave a little condensation on it, and press firmly against the window. Hold it in place for a few moments, and then try pulling downwards on it to make sure it is securely stuck.
If you’re still worried about attaching a cat platform to your window, choose one that mounts on the window sill instead. These are usually best for leaded windows, windows with old uneven glass, and textured glass windows anyway.
Are Cat Perches Safe – Summary
Window perches are a safe, expert-endorsed way of making your cat’s home more stimulating and suitable for them. Cats enjoy the view both in and out from a window hammock, and it meets their instinct to rest somewhere they can keep and eye on things. To keep your cat safe, choose a window perch designed to take their weight, install it according to any special recommendations from the manufacturer, and check it regularly for signs of wear that could weaken it.
If you have a cat who loves their window-mounted platform, let us know in the comments box down below!
More Ways To Enrich Your Cat’s Surroundings
- Sturdy cat shelves for big cat breeds
- Tall towers for feline thrill seekers
References
- Delgado & Hecht. A review of the development and functions of cat play, with future research considerations. Applied Animal BEhaviour Science. 2019.
- Herron & Buffington. Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian. 2014.
- Stelow. Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine. John Wiley & Sons. 2022.
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