Cats require a variety vertical spaces to rest and scratch. Cats love to be high up to see their surroundings and will seek it out if they feel more confident or curious.
Cats need to scratch. It strengthens their muscles and maintains their nails. While cat trees that have both scratching posts and high perches will serve both purposes, homes should also have other options for scratching or elevated resting.
Vertical Space Options
Cat Trees
A few cat trees can be a great way to increase vertical space in your home.
Shelves and cat perches
You can mount shelves under windows, but avoid those that stick to windows only with suction.
These provide a safe place for cats to rest and allow them to move freely around the room. These are just a few examples that I found online.
To increase vertical space in small apartments, one client installed simple shelves on a wall near a doorway. You could also add shelves to the hutch on each side.
An existing bookcase or end table can be transformed into a comfortable spot for your cat by placing a cat bed there.
Scratching Posts
Other posts are needed in addition to scratching posts for cats. You should have at least two scratching posts per cat.
The best material for cats to scratch. It’s vertical, strong, sturdy, long enough for them and allows them to stretch their entire body.
Horizontal carpet scratchers are preferred by some cats, particularly older cats. These can be made at home using carpet remnants that are attached to a board, or as part of another scratching platform.
