How to Catify Your Windows in 5 Steps

Turn an ordinary window into a cat-friendly paradise with these tips from a feline design pro.

Written by: Kate Benjamin

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Catster Editorial Team

nebelung cat lying by the window

How to Catify Your Windows in 5 Steps

For indoor cats, windows provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation — vital to keeping your cat happy and healthy. It’s really easy to create a special space near a window for your cat to enjoy the view. You don’t have to have any special skills or spend a lot of money — just pick a good location, then make it comfy, and your cat will be curled up watching the show in no time! Here are some ideas for creating a fantastic window lookout for your cat, from very easy to more advanced. You choose!

How to Catify Your Windows In 5 Steps

1. Decorate an existing window ledge

Decorate an existing window for your cat — before.
Decorate an existing window for your cat — before. Photography courtesy Kate Benjamin.

This kitchen had the perfect window just waiting to be catified! Look at all that space surrounded on three sides by big beautiful windows!

Decorate an existing window for your cat — after.
Decorate an existing window for your cat — after. Photography courtesy Kate Benjamin.

But there was nothing to entice kitty to jump up and enjoy the view, so we added a thick shag carpet, some risers with fleece mats to create different levels, a sisal-wrapped scratcher and some fresh, potted cat grass and catnip. We even hung stuffed bird toys from the glass ceiling in the space, so kitty can swat at them when she sees real birds outside.

A windowsill can be paradise for your cat when you make a few catifications like adding a scratcher, cat grass and a thick shag carpet.
A windowsill can be paradise for your cat when you make a few catifications like adding a scratcher, cat grass and a thick shag carpet. Photography courtesy Kate Benjamin.

As you can see, this lucky cat now enjoys her luxury window perch, where she spends most of her time. How easy was that? And it’s super cute, too!


2. Move a cat tree in front of the window

Move a cat tree in front of the window.
Move a cat tree in front of the window. Photography courtesy David Weyman.

If you don’t have a built-in window perch waiting to be decorated, the easiest thing you can do is move a cat tree in front of the window and, voila! Instant lookout! Pick a cat tree or tower that has sizeable platforms that let kitty lounge while she’s watching the scenery. Maybe add a soft blanket or a bed to her favorite perch on the tower.


3. Hang a simple shelf

Hang a simple shelf.
Hang a simple shelf. Photography courtesy Michelle Tan Julius.

For those of you who are a bit handier, install a shelf to create a spot for your cat to look out the window. Simple finished shelves from any hardware or home improvement store work perfectly — just add a non-slip surface, like carpet or a strip of yoga mat, to the top and anchor the shelf securely to the wall, ideally into the studs. If the shelf is up high, give kitty an easy way to get on and off the shelf without having to jump too far.


4. Make a custom shelf

Make a custom shelf for your cat.
Make a custom shelf for your cat. Photography courtesy Kate Benjamin.

For the most advanced DIYers out there, here’s a custom window shelf that I built in my office. The existing windowsill was just 3 inches deep, not adequate for lounging, so we put a piece of plywood to fit inside the window and extended it out in an arch. Heavy-duty metal brackets support the shelf from below, and I topped it with carpet tiles that match the décor. This is one of the most coveted spots in the house, since it has a great view and it’s right next to my desk.


5. Invite the Entertainment!

A cat looking out the window at a bird feeder.
A cat looking out the window at a bird feeder. Photography ©Liliboas| Getty Images.

Pro Tip: Whenever possible, add birdfeeders or plants outside the window that will attract wildlife. This will keep your cat engaged and entertained. Also give her plenty of toys inside for her to “catch” and play with after seeing the action outside where she can’t reach it.

Read more home design tips at Catster.com:


Feature Image Credit: Image Credit: mama_mia, Shutterstock

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