Cats are often more comfortable in the upper part of a room where they can keep an eye on the world below them. Show
 Most cats enjoy being in high places. Whether it's a high shelf, a window perch or the top of the refrigerator, your cat may feel more comfortable in the upper half of the room where he can keep an eye on the world around and below him with greater confidence. Instinct plays a large role in determining this feline habit. Cats are tree-climbing mammals that descended from Proailurus, the first true cat. Early cats were hunters and many of them lived in the rain forests. Their claws enabled them to climb skillfully, escaping into trees for safety or climbing up high to lie in wait for prey. In other words, climbing had survival value and became hard-wired as a way of life for cats. Our cats climb for safety and just for the fun of it. They will sprint up and down a tree, or your draperies with the same skill their ancestors used in the forest. A cat’s flexible musculoskeletal system gives them exceptional coordination and balance and enables them to jump up high. Strong muscles in the hindquarters and back enable a cat to leap several times his own length, either horizontally or vertically. A cat’s claws are as important to them for anchoring and leverage as grappling irons and crampons are to rock climber. Watch a cat before he leaps onto a high place. He leans back and stares. He seems to be calculating angles from where he is to where he's going. Without taking his eyes from the intended spot, the cat suddenly becomes airborne, but he doesn't land with a thud. Making a graceful jump, the cat seems to hover momentarily before his paws softly touch down. Quickly, the cat makes himself comfortable, turns around a few times, tucks in his paws, and enjoys the panoramic vista from his lofty safe haven. Want to learn how to save on veterinary care? Click here High-Rise SyndromeWhen summer comes around, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they are also unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint - “High-Rise Syndrome”. During the warmer months, it is not unusual for veterinarians see a case or two of this each week. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises, and sometimes even death. Cats have excellent survival instincts, and they don’t deliberately “jump” from high places that would be dangerous. Most cats fall accidentally from high-rise windows, terraces or fire escapes. What Dangers are Associated With High-Rise SyndromeCats have an incredible ability to focus their attention on whatever interests them. A bird or other animal attraction can be distracting enough to cause them to lose their balance and fall. Because cats have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, pet owners often assume that they can take care of themselves. Although cats can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces are much more difficult, such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces. When cats fall from high places, they don’t land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart, which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries. It is a misconception that cats won’t be injured if they fall from one or two-story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly. Remember that when cats fall from high-rise buildings, they may end up on sidewalks or streets that are dangerous and unfamiliar to them. Never assume that the animal has not survived the fall; immediately rush the animal to the nearest animal hospital or to your veterinarian. There is a 90-percent survival rate for cats who are high-rise victims if they receive immediate and proper medical attention. Are you sitting there wondering why does my cat try to climb walls? Well, there are several reasons behind your cat’s shenanigans. But we’ll break down each one and answer other questions to help solve this issue. I promise we’ll get to the bottom of why your cat keeps climbing the walls. Check: Best Cat Climbing Wall
6 Reasons Why Your Cat Climbs WallsMany explanations are behind cats’ wanting to climb their owner’s walls. However, it usually boils down to the following six causes: Reason 1. FearfulnessCats will naturally climb objects, such as trees when trying to get away from other animals. Your cat could be doing the same action. In other words, your family dog has been getting a little too rowdy. So your cat has taken the opportunity to climb up your walls to get away from them. A dog isn’t the only cause for this fearfulness, though. Loud noises are another nuisance for kitties that can result in them climbing up walls. Reason 2. Pent-up EnergyMany people assume cats are going to be lazy and overweight. They picture them straight out of a Garfield comic. But this belief doesn’t cover all cats, as some will be very energetic. It shouldn’t be too shocking since cats do have a natural behavior instinct to hunt and kill. So they’re often on the prowl while moving around your home. It’s why pet owners with rodents or other small animals aren’t always the greatest fits for cats. As a result, it’s common for these indoors to have lots of pent-up energy. It leads them to do things, such as climb up onto your walls. Some cat owners mistake this energy for schizophrenia or them being crazy. But it’s just your cat trying to release all the fuel they’ve gotten from sleeping all day. You’ll likely catch them doing these odd behaviors during the night. However, an easy way to avoid these behaviors is by playing with your cat frequently. Regular play sessions with toys can eliminate this pent-up energy and save your walls. Reason 3. Your Cat Loves Climbing ThingsIf your cat has been acting irregularly, enjoyment is likely behind their climbing walls. A certain level of randomness will also come with their climbing as if nothing is forcing them to do it. Reason 4. PlayfulnessA cat climbing onto walls is often a function of trying to play. It’s an easy way of getting their exercise and enjoyment. In these cases, this energetic playing usually comes out in the early morning or late at night. These times are when cats feel the most active. Reason 5. Trying to Get OutsideAny attempt to climb up a wall near windows or doors could be about getting outside. Obviously, this situation happens more with cats who are allowed outside. If your cat is climbing up walls near their normal outdoor exit, it’s their way of trying to go outside. So open up the door, and this issue will disappear. Reason 6. Sees Something on the WallSometimes, we forget cats will see and hear things that we can’t. I don’t mean cats will see ghosts or otherworldly beings, but they have more acute senses. Due to this, your cat will be a lot more interested in whatever moves on the wall. It could be something as innocent as a white fluffy, but your cat will still be ready to pounce on it. Based on a few signs, you can even tell when the pounce will happen. Most cats will shake their bums before finally jumping or bouncing on the falling debris. READ MORE: How to Fix Cat Scratches on Wallpaper How to stop a cat from climbing the wallsSo you now have a handle on why your cat’s climbing the walls, but it still brings up one question. How does an owner stop them? Well, I’ve collected a few tips to help curb this behavior a bit. You’ll soon have a couple of methods to stop your cat’s wall climbing madness! Buy A Large Scratching PostCat owners often buy smaller scratching posts with attractive features like little toy mice. But in most cases, these posts won’t meet your cat’s needs. Any cat tree under 3-feet isn’t going to be sufficient enough for a full-grown feline. It won’t give them enough room to stretch themselves fully and enjoy the cat tree. Instead, buy a large cat scratching post and place it near the wall where they climb. You can then see whether they start scratching and climbing onto it. Encourage Scratching Elsewhere With CatnipA simple way to keep them off your walls is by encouraging them to go elsewhere. I’ve found placing catnip on other areas can limit the likelihood of any wall scratching. You can then combine the catnip with treats by rewarding them. In other words, if they do scratch and climb the right area, give them treats and attention. Sadly, this process isn’t going to be a short one. Deterring a cat from doing anything will take a lot of patience and a sense of consistency. Ensure your entire family is on board with the training and using the selected methods. Otherwise, the whole process will become effectively useless. Your cat will be climbing up the walls and other furniture without any sense of right or wrong. But if everyone stays consistent, it doesn’t have to be this way. Use Double Sided TapeCats hate the feeling of double-sided tape. After all, it has a habit of getting stuck on their paws and can cause them to rethink going near it. So you can use their hatred to your advantage. Line the wall with double-sided tape to discourage scratching and climbing the area. After jumping on or walking across the tape, your cat will move to another area. This method is more suited for door frames and counters, but it also works with walls. It’ll just require more time and patience to set up on your walls. However, the results should come rather quickly once it’s in place. Purchase A DiffuserAs I mentioned earlier, scratching and climbing are a way to release pent-up energy. This excess energy can lead to increasing your cat’s stress levels if unchecked. A diffuser is one helpful tool to help with a cat’s stress levels. These products are excellent at calming down felines because they emit pheromones designed to relax cats. It’s a simple, straightforward method of keeping your cat’s scratching and climbing to a minimum. Diffusers are also completely safe, inexpensive, and space-saving. Another benefit of diffusers is their helpfulness in multi-cat households. These homes can be very stressful for pets at first, but the calming pheromones can ease tense situations. Give Your Cat More Regular Attention and ExerciseOne of the simplest ways to solve cat wall climbing is by giving them attention. Their actions may be their way of stating that you’re aren’t meeting the attention quota. So give them an extra amount of petting and exercise to encourage better behavior. Honestly, a little love can go a long way in curbing an unwanted behavioral issue. It also reduces stress and anxiety, which is always a massive positive. I’d even recommend trying to entice your cat into some play sessions. For instance, I’ve found a feather toy that does wonders with my cat. He loves leaping and pouncing at it for a few minutes, then going right to sleep. Don’t Ever Punish Them For Scratching or ClimbingLastly, it’s essential to avoid using punishment methods for scratching or climbing. These actions are natural behaviors that impact a cat’s happiness. After all, cats need to scratch and climb to survive. Deterring these actions would be fundamentally inhuman, hence why declawing is looked down upon, more on this later. Instead, use positive reinforcement and encourage them away from off-limit areas. It’s not their fault that your walls look fun to climb onto for them. How come indoor cats have so much energy?Every cat will have moments when they run across a room or meow like crazy. It’s part of the experience of owning a feline. You might have heard this wild behavior referred to as the “midnight crazies.” But honestly, it’s just a way of your cat entertaining themselves. But the reason behind this behavior can vary from situation to situation. So if you’re ever wondering why your cat has suddenly got the zoomies, it’s likely one of these five causes: Predatory InstinctAs I stated previously, cats are natural predators. It’s not something that goes away because you’ve decided to keep them inside the house. In some cases, the crazy bouts of energy exhibit these hunting behaviors. They could even be practicing escape techniques or fighting maneuvers. You’ll need to prepare for these energetic bouts by giving them outlets. Toys and scratching posts around your home can do wonders to help keep these situations to a minimum. In the end, this exercise is essential for indoor cats, so it’s best to encourage it. Don’t yell or throw stuff at them, as these actions will only scare them and damage your relationship. Nocturnal InstinctYour cat’s crazy behavior could be a function of them being nocturnal animals. Due to this, they are often most active at night or in the early morning. If your cat isn’t getting enough exercise during the day, its crazy levels can become very noticeable. It’s a common issue for domestic cats, especially indoor ones. Many indoor cats spend their days inside and alone while their owners are at work. So I’d imagine it becomes very boring for them. Given this info, it’s never surprising to come home and find a cat being very active or playful. Furthermore, kittens are often the biggest culprits of exciting bouts of crazy energy. SenilityUnfortunately, crazy behavior isn’t always from instincts or pent-up energy. Some older cats will start doing odd things because of senility or cognitive dysfunction. As your pet ages, its brain can start functioning differently. This situation will lead to them exhibiting strange behaviors for no reason whatsoever. Scheduling a vet visit has never hurt anyone if you notice anything unordinary. You always want to get in front of these situations before anything serious occurs. FleasIf your cat’s energy is more focused on biting or meowing, the reason could be fleas. It can cause your cat to look crazy and do all sorts of irregular behaviors. The meowing aspect usually comes from a cat being hypersensitive to flea bites. So their reaction to it will be following you around the house and meowing. If you think fleas are the issue, proceed to treat all your furry friends with a prescription product. Ensure the product is designed specifically for each animal to avoid any problem. I’d also suggest seeing your vet determine if any secondary allergies or a skin infection from the fleas need treatment. Don’t forget to treat the environment, as well. A good starting point would be doing laundry, vacuuming, and using area sprays/flea bombs suggested by the vet. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)Cats who engage in “intense biting or licking of the back, tail, and pelvic limbs” could suffer from Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS). It’s a rare condition, but one capable of making your cat seem crazy or more active than usual. Discuss the possibility of Feline hyperesthesia syndrome with a vet if these symptoms occur:
Learn more about this syndrome in this video: Why Declawing is Not the Answer?Declawing used to be a standard method for stopping unnecessary scratching and climbing. But it has become frowned upon by experts and even banned in certain countries. For instance, it has numerous drawbacks and can negatively affect a cat’s behavior. Here’s a look at what harmful medical conditions and physical limitations come from declawing: Medical ConditionsIt’s necessary to understand that declawing is much more than a permanent trim. The procedure requires the removal of the last bone in each toe to ensure claws won’t grow back. This issue can cause intense pain long after the surgical procedure. It can then lead to infections or change how your cat walks, causing back pain and lameness. Physical LimitationsCats without claws might stop using their litter box due to pain caused by their digging. It makes sense because the cat has wounds from declawing: “If cat litter gets in those wounds, it hurts.” They also can become bitters since they no longer have claws to protect themselves. Furthermore, a declawed cat is usually clumsier as it can’t balance on its claws. It becomes a massive issue when they’re jumping or climbing onto objects. FAQsConclusion Cats climbing onto our walls is a natural part of the cat owner experience. It’s an easy way for them to get the necessary exercise to get rid of their pent-up energy. But if you still have a question or two, feel free to leave a post in our comment section. I’d love to help you out in any way possible. Thanks for reading! Resources
Why does my cat try to climb walls? Let us know your opinion in the comments below! Ben Robers My name is Ben Roberts, and I absolutely love animals. So, naturally, I love writing about them too! As far as my animals, I have a Pit-bull, a Beagle-lab mix, a Chihuahua, and one old cat. Each one
of them provides me with a new adventure every day. And the best part is they’re all best friends. Well, except the cat when he gets a little annoyed. Learn more about Benhere Why is my cat literally climbing the walls?Climbing Is a Natural Instinct for Your Cat
In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. Climbing to higher ground gives them a better vantage point to hunt small, ground-dwelling animals. It also offers the perfect hiding place from their own dangerous predators.
Why do cats randomly start acting crazy?Cats tend not to do anything without a reason. If your cat suddenly freaks out about something it's probably because they've been startled, are nervous, are excited or happy, or because some primal instinct has kicked in. Just because it doesn't make sense to us, doesn't mean it doesn't make sense to them!
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Why is my cat suddenly climbing everything
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