Part of routine pet care involves watching your animal for any strange behaviors. If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably familiar with many of your feline’s quirks—including their preference for jumping up onto elevated surfaces. While perfectly normal, you may find yourself wondering what drives this odd cat behavior. Discover what compels your kitty to climb below.

Natural Instincts

There are many instinctual drivers behind a cat’s desire to be up high. For one, felines are predatory. In the wild, an elevated spot would allow them to scout out potential prey, thanks to greater visibility. At the same time, elevation can also act as a defense mechanism. Cats can get away from predatory, ground-dwelling species by climbing objects, such as trees.

Hierarchy is another feline instinct that can spur an upward retreat. Cats may use a higher physical location to show dominance if approached by another cat. This behavior essentially allows them to demonstrate a better “ranking,” and it may be especially common in households with multiple cats.

A Desire to Get Away

Cats are notoriously independent, so it makes sense that they’d want their personal space from time to time. Jumping up onto elevated objects, like shelves and furniture, gives them a way to retreat. Yet, to promote pet care, it’s important to ensure your animals have safe spaces to go.

Tables, counters, shelves, and other types of furniture can be riddled with hazards. Giving your cats an alternative, such as a kitty condo, is a simple and effective way to satisfy their instincts while keeping them safe. Many climbing solutions, such as multi-tiered perches, can be found at pet care centers.

At Hickman Creek Kennel, cats enjoy their own exclusive climate-controlled boarding areas with cat trees. Located in Jessamine County, KY, this facility prioritizes pet care and offers services provided by animal-loving associates, including grooming, boarding, and training. Schedule a stay for your pet by calling (859) 885-3647.