Choose a suction window perch if you have smooth, clean, flat glass, and a sill-mounted perch if your window has a deep enough ledge. Then place it on the window your cat already watches.
Why do cats love window perches?
Cats like to watch from above, and a window is the best show in an indoor cat's day: birds, people, leaves, other cats. A window is often the warmest spot in the room too, especially in the afternoon. A perch turns a narrow sill or bare glass into a proper seat, so your cat can settle in instead of balancing on the edge. For apartment cats, that seat also adds space that does not touch the floor.
Suction or sill-mounted: which type do I need?
There are two main types. Suction perches hold to the glass with suction cups. They can go almost anywhere on a large pane, including a floor-to-ceiling window with no ledge at all. Sill-mounted perches rest on the window ledge or clip to it, and sometimes add a support leg against the wall below. They suit windows with a usable sill and glass that is too small, textured or awkward for suction. If you have both a good sill and a large smooth pane, choose by where your cat already sits: on the sill itself, or higher up looking out.
Will a suction perch hold on my window?
Suction cups need three things: smooth glass, clean glass and full contact. Frosted, textured or patterned glass, window film and decals all reduce grip. Very small panes or panes split by dividers may not have room for all the cups. Before fitting, clean the glass with a degreasing cleaner, dry it completely and clean the cups too. Press each cup firmly from the center outward to push the air out, then test the perch by pressing down with your hand before your cat tries it. Temperature changes affect suction, so check the cups every couple of weeks, and refit them if one starts to lift.
How do I measure for a window perch?
For a suction perch, measure the height and width of the pane where it will go, and leave a margin around the cups so none sits on the frame or a seal. For a sill-mounted perch, measure the depth and width of the sill, and check whether the window opens inward or has a handle that could get in the way. Then compare those numbers with the dimensions listed on the product page. Think about your cat's size as well: a cat that likes to stretch out needs a longer seat than a cat that sits upright.
Which window should I put it on?
The best window is usually the one your cat already watches. Look for the sill with hair on it, or the spot your cat heads to in the afternoon. A view of trees, a bird feeder or a busy street keeps interest high. Afternoon sun is a draw, but glass in full summer sun can get hot, so on very hot days give your cat a shaded spot too. Avoid windows next to a door your cat could be startled by, and keep the area below the perch clear so jumping down is easy.
How do I get my cat to use the perch?
Some cats move in within minutes, others take a few days. Put a blanket or a worn T-shirt on the seat so it smells familiar. Toss a treat onto the perch, or move a wand toy up to it. Place a chair or shelf nearby as a step if the perch is high. Do not lift your cat onto it repeatedly: cats trust a new spot faster when they choose it themselves. If your cat ignores it after a week, try another window before giving up on it.
What about older or heavier cats?
Look at the weight details on the product page and compare them with your cat. For a cat that no longer jumps high, a low perch or a sill-mounted seat beside a chair is easier to reach than a perch halfway up the glass. If a detail you need is missing from the page, email us and we will check with the supplier before you order.