Window Perches and Bird Feeders for Cats: Safe Cat TV Ideas

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Cats are hunters and watchers, and a window is their television. For an indoor cat, a view of birds, squirrels and passing life can be among the best forms of enrichment. With a safe perch and a well-placed feeder, you can give your cat hours of entertainment at almost no cost.

Why cats love windows

Cats are curious, and movement draws their attention. A window offers sunshine, warmth, smells, and moving targets. Watching helps to relieve boredom, particularly for cats that cannot go outside. It also provides a way to engage their predatory instincts without the risk of harm. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Choosing a window perch

Types. - Suction cup perches attach to glass, and are cheap but vary in strength. - Sill seats and shelves fit on a windowsill with brackets. - Cat trees by windows offer height, with scratching. - Wall-mounted shelves or hammocks. - Window boxes or enclosures for outdoor access.

Check: - Weight limit, with a margin for large cats. See largest cat breeds. - Stable mounting, and check suction cups regularly. - Soft, washable padding. - Access with steps for older cats. See senior cat care guide.

Window safety

• Use secure screens. A cat can push through a loose screen. Use sturdy, cat-proof screens, particularly in high-rise buildings.
• Do not leave windows open wide. Limit openings to a few inches, and use window guards.
• Beware of blinds cords. Tie up cords, since they pose a strangulation risk.
• Watch for heat. Glass magnifies sun, and cats can overheat. See keeping cats cool in hot weather.
• Check balconies, which need netting. See cat proofing your home and how to build a catio.

Bird feeders for cat TV

A feeder outside the window brings birds into view. Place it a few feet from the window, so that the birds feel safe and the cat can see. Choose a feeder that does not attract many rodents. Clean it regularly to prevent disease. Keep it far from where an outdoor cat could ambush birds. Window feeders that attach directly to glass are a good option for close views. Check local advice on feeding birds in your area.

Other cat TV ideas

• A bird bath or a small fountain outside.
• Plants that attract butterflies and insects.
• Videos made for cats, on a screen, with caution, since some cats find them frustrating.
• Fish tanks that are secured, with a lid.

Watch for frustration

Some cats become so excited that they chatter, pace or attack. Some redirect to another pet or person. See why do cats chatter at birds and redirected aggression in cats. If your cat becomes tense, close the blind or move the feeder, and offer play with a wand toy afterwards, so that the hunting sequence is completed. See how to play with a kitten.

Cats and neighborhood cats

If outdoor cats visit the yard, your cat may spray or become anxious. See why do cats spray and how to stop a cat from spraying. Use film on the lower window or block views.

Cleaning and care

Clean the glass, and wash perch covers. Keep nails trimmed to protect fabric. See how to trim cat nails.

Rotating views

Cats can get used to a view. Move the perch to another window, change feeders, or add new toys, to keep it interesting.

Budget and DIY options

A good perch need not be expensive. A sturdy shelf, a cushioned stool or a stack of boxes by a window can serve, provided that it is stable. Cardboard boxes make excellent temporary perches for kittens. If you are handy, a wide board with brackets and a washable pad makes a good seat. Keep cords and small parts away from cats, and check for stability each month.

Safety for older and disabled cats

Seniors may need ramps or steps to reach a perch. Blind or deaf cats can enjoy sun and warmth on a low, wide perch, but will not benefit from a view. See caring for a deaf cat and caring for a blind cat.

Multi-cat households

If you have several cats, provide more than one perch so that they do not compete for the best seat. Some cats like to sit side by side, while others need space. Place perches at different heights and in different windows, and watch for guarding or blocking. A cat that sits in the window and stares may be defending territory, which can cause tension with other cats at home. See aggression between cats. Provide hiding spots too, so that a nervous cat can retreat after watching a stressful scene outside.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat becomes aggressive, stops eating or seems unusually anxious. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.