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)

Share

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.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting About the Importance of Spaying/Neutering, Cat Retail Shopping Ban & Red-Level Storms | Chatty Cattys, Episode 30

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn are celebrating a major legal win for pets before diving into...

Is Your Cat Happy? Here’s How You Can Tell

Cats have a reputation for being indifferent, even inscrutable. But despite their seemingly ambivalent appearance, cats experience many emotions, including happiness, and they...

Human Brains Age Like Cats – New Study Debunks the 7-Year Rule

If you’ve ever caught your senior cat staring blankly at a wall, wandering the halls at 3 am, calling out for no clear...

Chatting with Devin About Here! Have a Kitten, Fostering, & Why Two Are Better Than One | Chatty Cattys, Episode 29

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here...

More related

10 Best Cat Trees for Kittens in 2026 – Reviews And Top Picks

Few animals are as adorable and irresistible as a tiny, mewing kitten. This might explain how some of us end up with more...

15 Independent Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are already known for their independent nature, but did you know that some breeds of cats are even more independent than others?...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! How Much Pee Is Too Much Pee? (July 13, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Smoke Maine Coon Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Smoke Maine Coon is not a specific breed of a Maine Coon Cat but rather a coloration of this fantastic feline. The...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Lentils? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ

We’ve all heard that curiosity killed the cat, and that saying has a foundation in reality; cats explore their world with their mouths, and ingesting foreign substances and objects can be fatal! Lentils are a superfood for humans that packs...

Catster_Can Cats Eat Lentils_v1_Dec 3 2024

When Can Kittens Be Dewormed? The Safest Age & FAQ (Vet-Verified)

It’s an exciting time when you bring home an adorable kitten, but there are also less pleasant aspects, including worms! Not all cats will get worms, but deworming your new pet is still crucial. Young kittens are more susceptible to...

vet-giving-pill-to-kitten

How to Give a Cat a Flea Bath Without Getting Scratched: 3 Vet-Verified Tips

Cats get fleas from time to time, just like other animals. However, cats are so hairy that spotting the signs of fleas can be too late to stop them in their tracks. So, how can you effectively get rid of...

bathing cat

Do Cats Get Brain Freeze? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’ve ever sucked down a milkshake too quickly, you’re probably familiar with the discomfort of “brain freeze.” A quick Internet search will reveal multiple clips of cats reacting abruptly to their first taste of ice cream or frozen treats....

bored domestic cat

How to Pick Up a Cat the Right Way: Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

Not all cats enjoy being picked up; however, there are times when it is necessary. If you need to pick up your cat for any reason, it is important that you do so properly. Picking up your cat correctly can...

person holding a gray cat with collar

How to Discipline a Cat for Biting: 9 Tips & Tricks

Cats are sweet and cuddly-looking creatures, but that does not mean they cannot have their fair share of behavioral problems. One common behavioral issue among cats is biting. There are many reasons a cat may bite, such as overstimulation, fear,...

playing with cat

Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia: Why Is It So Common? Our Vet Answers

Your Maine Coon is a loveable giant of a cat, but you’ve noticed that they seem to favor a hind leg when they’re walking or jumping. You’ll want to consult a veterinarian because it could be hip dysplasia. Let’s take...

maine coon cat at the vet with owner

Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Recommendations & Alternatives

Dish soap as a grooming tool is not new to the world of at-home pet grooming. It’s often touted as a quick at-home fix for fleas and a gentle option for regularly bathing your pet. Most of us are familiar...

Catster_Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.