Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

11 DIY Cat Window Perches You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Fat Calico Cat Lying or sleeping on a Perch in the Window sunbathing

Cats love to laze in the warm sun, and for indoor cats, it can sometimes be difficult for them to find a suitable sunny spot. Cats are also highly observant and curious creatures, and they love to spend their time gazing out of a window at the world outside and absorbing the sights and smells.

Windowsills are not really comfortable for your feline, and a simple window perch can be an excellent place for your cat to hang out. Best of all, making a window cat perch at home is simple and inexpensive. This small addition will make a massive impact on the well-being of your feline. We scoured the internet to find innovative, inexpensive, and simple designs to help you make your very own DIY cat perch!

divider cats oct 2024

The 11 DIY Cat Window Perches

1. Easy cat window perch by Martha Stewart

DIY cat window perch
Image by: Marthastewart

This simple DIY cat window perch is easy and inexpensive to make, consisting of just a piece of thick plywood, screws, and a chain. The perch is easy to install on any window, and you can custom fit the perch to fit your cat’s preferred spot. The perch can then easily be stored against the window when not in use.


2. Hanging window basket by Hymnsandverses

DIY cat window perch
Image by: Hymnsandverses

We love the idea of taking discarded items in the home and turning them into feline furniture. If you have any wicker baskets lying around (if not, they are easy to find), they can easily be turned into an attractive and functional window seat for cats that they will love. Best of all, it is free!


3. Window perch pipe by Hgtv

DIY cat window perch
Image by: Hgtv

We love this simple and unique pipe perch. It has a unique design that gives your cat privacy if they’d like, as well as a view out into the world. All you need is a simple cardboard concrete form, which is inexpensive to buy, a short length of PVC piping, and soft carpeting to cover it with. You can attach it to the window with suction cups or screws in the wall for a more secure perch.


4. Cat hammock by Aaron Fixes Stuff

This simple cat hammock is designed for walls but can be easily adapted to windows. It consists of two lengths of PVC pipe attached to the wall on either side of your window that are wrapped with rope or carpeting. You can then sew cloth to hang like a hammock or even attach a piece of wooden plywood shelving for a more solid option.


5. Easy DIY Cat Perch by hometalk

window cat perch
Image by: hometalk

The Easy DIY Cat Perch is simple to construct. All it takes is a repurposed serving tray and shelf brackets. You should be able to fit this DIY cat perch into almost any window, and your cat can have a favorite window without getting on your table or counters to get there. Don’t forget to add a pretty cushion and a hanging toy filled with catnip; your furry friend will appreciate it.


6. DIY Window Bed by Cat Games

What cat wouldn’t love this DIY window bed that’s free, simple, and easy to build? If you’ve owned a cat for a while, you know that window beds are expensive. With this DIY bed, you only need a PVC pipe, a few accessories, and the patience to complete the job.

This is the perfect perch for your cat to view the outdoors and a great place to lay in the sun and take a much-needed nap.


7. DIY Cat Window Perch by byBrittanyGoldwyn

DIY-Cat-Window-Perch-bybrittanygoldwyn
Image by: by Brittany Goldwyn

This DIY Cat Window Perch is perfect for your dog to lounge around in the sun all day. It is an easy build for a DIYer who wants to spend the time to make the perch perfect for their feline pals. All you need is scrap wood, a few other materials, and a window big enough for the perch to be securely placed in, and your Tabby will be soaking up the sun in no time.


8. Laundry Basket Hanging Cat Bed by cuteness

Laudry basket cat bed
Image by: cuteness

If you’re on a budget, but your cat won’t stop climbing into your windows to see outside or sleep in the sun, this Laundry Basket Hanging Cat Bed may do the trick. All you need is a good-sized wicker laundry basket and a window tension rod. The construction is simple, but ensure the basket is secure before letting your cat climb inside to nap.


9. Easy Window Shelf for Cats by Instructables

Easy window shelf for cats
Image by: Instructables

The Easy Window Shelf for Cats is the perfect space for not one but two of your cats to watch the birds outside or curl up to sleep in the sunlight. This one is a bit more difficult to pull off than others on our list, but it just takes particle board, angle brackets, and a few tools to build.

This project is best for DIYers with power tool experience, but you can always ask a friend to help. The result will make you and your feline pals happy and content.


10. Window Catio/Cat Patio by Instructables

Window catio
Image by: Instructables

One of the more creative perches on our list has to go to the Window Catio/Cat Patio. For many of us living in big cities, there is little to no outdoor time for our feline friends. With the Window Catio, you can change that.

You can install this in a window where an air conditioner would normally go. However, ensure it’s secure and sturdy before letting your cats inside. Your cats will love sitting on their patio to get a fresh breeze and enjoy the world outside.


11. Glass Mounted Cat Perch by Instructables

Glass mounted hanging cat bed DIY plan
Image by: Instructables

This Glass Mounted Cat Perch is a hanging cat bed mounted in the window that takes a bit more skill than some of the other DIY cat perches on our list. While it will take more work than other projects, the results are well worth it when your cat can sleep in the sun all day. You’ll need a few materials that you can easily pick up at the hardware store for this plan.

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

There’s a wide variety of DIY cat perches, from simple designs to complex catios. However, most commercial perches are expensive, and some may not match the interior design of your home. Thankfully, we found several DIY plans online that are inexpensive and relatively easy to construct. No matter which perch you decide to make, your cat will thank you and adore their new window to the world.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Lisa A. Ernst, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Won’t My Cat’s UTI Go Away? 6 Possible Causes (Vet Answer)

Your cat urinated outside the litter box, so you took them to the veterinarian. Your vet diagnosed them with a urinary tract infection...

Why Does My Cat Watch Me Shower? Feline Behavior Unveiled

Anyone who lives with cats knows that they are prone to some strange behaviors. For one reason or another, our cats exhibit many...

Rushie the Special Needs Kitty: Rescued From the Streets of Dubai & Now an Internet Sensation

Watched by more than one million viewers, the story of Rushie is the sort of uplifting tale we all need to hear right...

15 Surprising Facts About Kittens That Might Surprise You

Since kittens are sweet, innocent, and immeasurably adorable, it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Youth is a precious time for...

More related

Are Cats Independent? What Science Tells Us (Vet-Reviewed Info)

Cats are considered the go-to pets for people who work long hours because they’re thought to be more independent than dogs, according to...

What Is a Barn Cat? A Comprehensive Vet-Approved Guide

Many people have heard of barn cats, or farm cats, as they’re sometimes called. They look like regular house cats, but it’s easy...

Tuxedo Cat: Info, Pictures & History

The Tuxedo cat is highly recognizable since they look as if they’re wearing a tuxedo. They’re incredibly popular felines, but did you know...

My Cat Drank Alcohol! Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)

Alcohol has been a common part of human culture and society around the world for thousands of years, and is still found in...

Keep reading

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Walking Like They’re Drunk? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It’s a question that concerned cat owners may ask: Why is my cat suddenly walking like they’re drunk? There are many possible reasons for this, and we will discuss some of them below. Cats can become unsteady on their feet...

orange cat shaking its tail

How to Tell if Your Cat Was Poisoned: 8 Vet-Reviewed Signs

If your cat is acting strange and exhibiting unusual behavior, it may be due to poisoning. Knowing the signs of poisoning will help you identify the problem in time and react accordingly. Of course, if you suspect your cat has...

vet checking up the cat

Do Feral Cats Like Catnip? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQs

If you’ve ever watched a cat go crazy over catnip, you may be surprised to learn that some cats are completely indifferent to it. However, feral cats, house cats, and even large wild cats, such as lions, leopards, jaguars, and...

cat smelling catnip

6 Strange Items Cats Like to Collect & Why (Vet-Reviewed Info)

Cats are interesting animals that often do things that remain a mystery to us. One behavior that some cats engage in is collecting random items. There’s yet to be a concrete explanation for why cats will collect, hide, or hoard...

Cat-hunting-to-toy-mouse-at-home

Can Cats Drink Sparkling Water? Nutritional Facts & Risks

If you own a cat, you always want to look after their health. After all, they are a member of the family! It should be no surprise that a hydrated pet is a healthy pet, so clean drinking water must...

Can Cats Drink Sparkling Water

When Can Kittens Eat Dry Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Kittens are adorable little creatures that require a lot of attention and care to grow up healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of their care is feeding. As kittens grow, they will need to transition from milk...

When Can Kittens Eat Dry Food

Cat Person Wet Cat Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Cat Person Food is a subscription-based cat food company that delivers high-protein, minimally processed food to your door. They utilize only human-grade ingredients and have several recipes to choose from. Their wet food is made with either real, shredded meat...

Cat Person Wet Cat Food Review

Are TNR Programs for Feral Cats Ethical? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Roughly 3.3 million cats enter shelters annually, with many of these cats being euthanized.1 Many felines are strays that escaped their homes, with some thankfully being reunited with their families. However, feral cats are another story. They’re essentially wild animals...

kittens in a cage of a shelter for homeless animals