Make Your Cat’s Dreams of a Window Perch Come True With Our Favorite Picks—Not All of Them Have Suction Cups!

Most cats will tell you, in their way, that they love to be up high. (It seems to have something to do with predator/prey instincts.) A cat perch not only gives them an advantage but also allows them to observe the outside world so they can salivate at the squirrels and birds passing by. A cat perch is especially useful if you don’t have window sills.
In our search for the best cat window perch, we looked for perches that support any size cat, attach reliably, and offer a comfortable vantage point. We then tested several cat perches with our own cats to see how our cats liked them and how well they held up.
What We Like
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No cords for a cat to trip over
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Seat folds up so that blinds can be lowered
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Suction cups or anchors for wall-mounted
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Can hold up to 40 pounds
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Reversible cover for all-season use
We were immediately impressed by how well this window perch stayed in place with only four heavy-duty 3.3-inch suction cups and by its unobtrusive design, which made it easier for their cats to get on and off. The Amosijoy Cordless Cat Window Perch can hold up to 40 pounds. Additionally, the suction cup mounts include hinges to fold the platform against the window to save space and get it out of the way of window treatments. If you prefer to wall-mount the perch, drywall anchors are included.
Setup only takes about five minutes. However, we found it challenging to get the removable cover onto the frame. One tester commented that it made them “disinclined” to clean as often as they should (it’s machine-washable), but they did note that hair and debris were easily removed with a sticky lint roller between launderings. The cover is padded with a thick cushioned rim around the edges and a breathable mesh bottom for comfortable sink-and-support balance. The soft faux fur provides warmth and comfort, while the breathable mesh helps dissipate heat—so it’s ideal for hot and cold weather.
Dimensions: 24.4 x 11.2 x 7.8 inches | Mount Type: Suction cups, drywall anchors | Colors: White
This perch from Zakkart hangs from the window sill. We particularly appreciated the durable hardwood construction on this one, as well as the weight testing up to 40 pounds. It comes in one size but it is generous, providing a bed size of 24.8 x 15.4 inches. You can choose between dark-stained or natural-colored wood and select either a brown or gray bed.
We also appreciated the cozy lip that runs around the bed. While cats can get quite comfortable on flat surfaces, many cats like to have a little pillow-esque object to rest their heads on. It can also help them feel enclosed, which makes them feel safer. One thing to note is that this bed is less adjustable than the Amosijoy window sill perch, so read the guidelines and ensure it will work for your window before purchasing.
Dimensions: 24.8 x 15.4 x 9.4 inches | Mount Type: Window sill hang | Colors: Natural or stained wood; brown or gray bed
The Amosijoy Cat Sill Window Perch latches onto the window frame and rests on the sill. It’s adjustable via thumbscrews so it will work for a variety of windows; however, there are also many types of windows it just won’t work for. The window setup will need to provide both a place for it to latch and a wall to lean against.
Although it’s designed for a window sill, it can also safely attach to certain types of desks, beds, or other furniture pieces. It comes in one size: 24 by 15 inches. It also includes a soft, filled cushion bed with a removable cover that sits on top of a breathable mesh top—unfortunately, the bed cover is hand-wash only.
Dimensions: 24.4 x 15 x 3.3 inches | Mount Type: Window sill hang | Colors: White cushion, untreated wood
Unlike many of our other options, the Joyelf Cat Hammock Bed presents a traditional hanging hammock design. This means less hardware, but it also means you’ll have to find a suitable spot to hang it. It has four sturdy metal clasps on each corner, so if you do happen to have a spot that works, the actual hanging is extremely easy. If you have a kennel, cage, or catio setup, then this shouldn’t be a problem. It’s also one of the more affordable options.
The hammock is reversible: one side is a fuzzy faux wool, while the other is smooth polyester. Depending on the temperature or your cat’s preference you can switch back and forth. The polyester side is also water-resistant for easier cleaning. You can machine-wash the hammock but you should put it in a washing bag first so as not to damage the washer with the metal clips. It comes in two sizes: a medium that’s 18 by 14 inches and a large that’s 21.5 by 17 inches.
Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 0.5 inches (medium); 21.5 x 17 x 0.5 inches (large) | Mount Type: Corner clips | Colors: Rust, white
What We Like
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Suction cups support high weight threshold
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Multiple level configurations available
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Folds up against window so you can lower blinds
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Cover is machine-washable
The suction cups on the K&H Pet Products EZ Window Mount Kitty Sill are industrial strength and able to hold up to 100 pounds apiece. The two levels are capable of supporting two cats, but the Double Stack is also a great pick for single-cat households, since it provides a pass-through between levels, allowing your cat to change vantage points. The Double Stack version of the EZ Window Mount Kitty Sill has six suction cups in total.
The platforms themselves have a comfy low-pile carpet that warms easily in the sun, and each platform can be folded up against the window if you want to lower the blinds. The carpeted cover can be removed and machine washed. One Redditor commented that they have owned the “K&H pet products EZ mount double stack kitty sill cat window perch for 5 years now. I love this thing and so do my kitties! Easy clean up. Never really had an issue with the suction cups either.”
There are also single-stack, triple-stack, and quad-stack versions of the EZ Window Mount Kitty Sill available.
Dimensions: 12 x 23 x 27 inches | Mount Type: Suction cups | Colors: Gray
This simple yet stylish option from Fukumaru mounts onto the wall rather than using suction cups to attach to the window. While the initial install will be a bit trickier, you shouldn’t have to worry about it falling once it’s up. The Fukumaru hammock can support up to 30 pounds so even your Maine Coon shouldn’t have a problem. It comes with mounting hardware for both drywall and masonry and even includes a drill bit. The dense rubberwood is a welcome alternative to plastic, but it does look a little rough—like untreated, natural wood. It might work for some decor aesthetics, but not all.
There is something nice about the simple design—basically, it’s a hammock hanging on two dowels affixed between two boards. The hammock section is available in two styles: a black-and-white-stripe canvas and a white flannel. It also comes in two sizes, medium (16 by 14 inches) and large (18 by 14 inches).
Dimensions: 15.7 x 13.8 x 5 inches (medium); 18.3 x 13.8 x 4 inches (large) | Mount Type: Solid wall screws, drywall mounts | Colors: Black stripe, white flannel
This design is both minimalist and affordable. It uses suction cups and wire suspension, so the only frame needed is the rectangular perch itself.
The perch is large and can support up to 40 pounds, making this a great option for larger cats and multiple-cat households. The suction cups are strong, but remember to clean them and the window before application.
Dimensions: 25.6 x 14.6 x 23.3 inches | Mount Type: Suction cups | Colors: Beige
Many of our options use wooden frames to support the perch. The Zakkart Cat Window Perch uses metal, specifically iron. This gives it an airy, less blocky look that might be more to your taste. As a result, the frame itself is very minimal, though it is still strong and has been tested up to 40 pounds.
It doesn’t require any tools to assemble and owners found it pretty easy to put together. The pieces connect like a simplified tent frame. This is a suction cup design, so you’ll want to ensure both the window and suction cup are clean before affixing it for a better hold. The perch itself is large and made from a fuzzy, faux shearling-style fabric. It only comes in white, unfortunately.
Dimensions: 23 x 13 x 12.5 inches | Mount Type: Suction cup | Colors: White
What We Like
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Thick, 1-inch base for stability
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Scratching post breaks down into multiple parts for storage
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Comes with sleeping pad
The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Window Climbing Perch combines a sisal-wrapped scratching post with a big top platform. It’s designed to be set up against a window, with three suction cups used to affix it. Unlike other perches, this combination scratcher encourages your cat to climb, providing better exercise than your standard napping perch.
You do have to assemble the combination scratcher and perch, though it comes with all the tools necessary and the process is straightforward. It even comes with a little bag of catnip.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 16.5 inches (platform), 44-inch total height | Mount Type: Floor base, suction cups | Colors: Espresso
CatastrophiCreations Cat Shelves is different from our other selections. Instead of one perch, they offer multiple wall-mounted play perches with bridges and scratching posts attached. They have various models but they can get quite elaborate and expensive. However, their simplest cat shelves, which we discuss here, make more sense as an upgrade option to a traditional cat perch. They’re made from wood canvas and rope and feature four levels, multiple perches, and a scratching post built in.
These shelves come in natural, chestnut, or dark wood stains with a natural or charcoal canvas. At the time of writing, some combinations are significantly cheaper than others. The wood and canvas look is sleek and attractive, and while it takes up a lot of wall space, it isn’t really an eyesore and has a smaller footprint than a traditional cat tower with similar features. As there are several levels that mount separately, putting it up will be a bit more of an ordeal than our other options, but if you mount it correctly it should be very sturdy. Each shelf, plank, and hammock has been weight tested up to 120 pounds, so it’s secure even with multiple cats using it.
Dimensions: 56 x 11 x 69 inches | Mount Type: Wall mount | Colors: Chestnut, natural, onyx wood; natural, charcoal canvas
Most cat perches allow your cat to see outside, but this catio from Cat Solarium lets your cat be outside (safely, of course!). The half-circle design gives your kitty space to roam, lounge, and nap. Constructed of cabinet-grade plywood with a plexiglass back panel, a cat door, and a mesh bug screen, the Cat Solarium Sun Room provides your cat with an enclosed outdoor space. Once you have it set up, your cat can go in and out as often as they choose.
It’s fairly simple to install into an existing window, though we had a few minor issues with screw alignment while assembling the product. Once the catio was installed into their cat’s favorite window, our one-year-old cat took a bit of coaxing (with a few treats) to get him past the flap entry. But after a bit of practice, their cat found his new favorite spot.
Dimensions: 24.5 x 14.5 inches (opening) | Mount Type: Fits within window frame | Colors: White
Final Verdict
Our favorite cat window perch for most homes is the Amosijoy Cordless Cushioned Cat Window Perch. It doesn’t have any wires for your cat to negotiate around, its suction cups are beefy, and it comes with two different covers—one for warm weather and one for cold. We also like the Zakkart Orthopedic Cat Perch because it’s generous in size and built of durable hardwood with a cozy lip that runs around the bed.
What to Look for in Cat Window Perches
Mounting
Because cat window perches are designed to be affixed to glass (or a wall), there are several ways of attaching a window perch. Some are completely non-destructive and easy to undo, while others are more permanent.
- Suction Cups: Heavy-duty suction cups are attached directly to a glass surface (usually a window). This method is quick to set up, adjustable, and leaves no marks or residue behind, making it ideal for renters. To ensure the best adhesion, clean the suction cups with a mild soap. Also, clean the window surface. Consider warming the suction cups slightly, either by leaving them in the sun or soaking them in warm water, to make them more pliable and ensure a tighter seal. Make sure the cups and the window are completely dry before attaching. It’s best to dismount and re-mount your suction cup window perch approximately once a month.
- Window Frame: This installation is for perches that fit snugly within a window or door frame. It is typically done with tension rods or brackets to hold the perch in place instead of screws or adhesive, so it’s renter-friendly.
- Window Sill: This type of perch is attached to the overhang of a window sill, desk, or table using clamps or hooks.
- Wall Hang: Small corner clips or brackets secure the perch to the corners of a wall. This method is stable and minimizes wall damage.
- Drywall Anchor Wall Mount: Insert anchors directly into drywall and then use screws, brackets, or other hardware to attach the perch to a wall.
- Solid Wall Screws: Use solid wall screws to install a perch into a brick, concrete, or wood wall.
Placement
When choosing a window perch for your cat, you’ll also want to consider where you’ll place it in your home. If you have a window with an interesting view, that might be the ideal spot to keep your cat engaged. Most cats enjoy sitting in the sun, so try to place your perch in the sunniest spot so your cat can relax and snooze.
Cats generally love high places because it allows them to survey their domain. Make sure that your perch is well-secured and that your cat can navigate to the perch safely.
It’s also important to consider your cat and their preferences. Senior cats might not like to or be physically able to jump as high. Different types of products might be better for senior cats.
FAQ
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Are cat window perches safe?
Because window perches often rely on suction cups, there is always a risk of one or more of the cups sliding, or falling off the window completely. However, following the instructions found in the “Mounting” section of our What To Look
For guide should help minimize this possibility, especially if you dismount and reattach the suction cups once a month. In general, cat window perches aren’t heavy enough to be dangerous, even if they fall.
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How do I get my cat to use their window perch?
A window perch is an inviting surface that offers a vantage point that cats appreciate, and often also provides a cushioned platform where they can sun or nap. If your cat already loves hanging around your windows, then it will likely discover a newly installed perch. However, you can help attract your cat toward it with snacks or catnip.
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How high should a cat’s perch be?
The answer will depend on your individual cat. While a healthy adult cat can jump more than four vertical feet, they’re unlikely to blindly jump up to something that high, especially a small cat perch. A cat perch that’s approximately 30 inches off the ground—about the height of a nightstand or cabinet—is a height that most cats are comfortable navigating. Eighteen inches high would be more manageable if your cat has to jump from a narrow spot, such as up from a windowsill.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was written by Ellie Welles, who has raised dogs, cats, rabbits, and even a green-cheeked conure. She’s passionate about finding the best products for your littlest family members. For this article, she consulted countless product reviews, and cat owner feedback to find products that will bring pleasure to the cat owners in your life and their feline companions.
A specialist in small pets, Ellie has spoken with a variety of sources and utilized experts in small animal care to assemble the best guinea pig supplies, ferret toys, and chinchilla cages. Her two cats were a little more helpful when it came to finding the best window perches.
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