Are you a pet parent in need of a DIY cat perch to keep your cat off the top of the bookcases?

Well, you're in good company! No one knows better than cat owners that their fluffy friends love to survey their territory from the highest heights. If this sounds like your cat, it may be time to make your own cat perch.

Why Do Cats Love Heights?

Why are cats so attracted to heights? Vetstreet explains, "Staying in higher places was most likely a behavior that, for smaller cats, was associated with an increased probability of survival." While indoor cats don't need to worry about coyotes or hawks, they do like the security that a high perch offers.

One inexpensive way to create a new space is to redesign an already existing area as a "cat only" zone. You could purchase a cat tree, but these can be expensive and take up a lot of floor space. A perch, however, is a great option because it's low-profile and, if you live in tight quarters, it allows you to take advantage of vertical space. You can create perches by attaching sturdy wooden boxes (such as wine cases, but never flimsy cardboard boxes) or bracketed shelves to the wall, or, if you're adventurous, even go as high as the ceiling and add a catwalk along the perimeter of a room. As always, while you're brainstorming ideas, keep your fur baby's safety in mind. Despite the popular cat myth, kitties don't always land on their feet.

Cats can be mischievous creatures while they're home alone, which may increase their desire to climb up on furniture and nose around, so creating an entertaining space just for your cat will help alleviate the boredom. "When your cat is ready to play, a special space that has been set up just for that purpose is important," says PetMD. "Even if you don't have an extra room to devote as a cat haven, a corner of a room or a window will suffice." One such option is to take advantage of one of her favorite nooks. If she is drawn to a particular bookshelf (one that is easily accessible to her), remove items from the shelf, and then line it with a blanket. Cats love to hide in small spaces, so you'll get two-for-one: height and security.

Why not make your own cat perch? Although you can buy a perch, it's more fun and fulfilling to customize one! This particular DIY cat perch is simple, yet it holds more weight than other designs. It's attached to the wall and has a leg on the floor for extra support, so it won't tip over, unlike a free-standing or under-supported perch. Importantly, the design allows for a sturdy wall-mounted perch that can be permanent or temporary, meaning you don't have to drill holes in your wall.

This DIY cat perch repurposes materials in your home and takes approximately 30 minutes to construct.