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
This kitchen had the perfect window just waiting to be catified! Look at all that space surrounded on three sides by big beautiful windows!
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.
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
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
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
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!
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:
- 5 Tips for Controlling Cat Litter Tracking and Scattering
- How to Catify Your Home to Welcome a New Cat
- Black Cat Art & Décor — 11 Items Purrfect For Your Home
Feature Image Credit: Image Credit: mama_mia, Shutterstock