Anybody who’s ever lived with a cat knows that they’re not only expert nappers but loungers, too. One of their favorite spots to lounge? You guessed it: Windows. And a cat window hammock or perch may provide the ultimate spot for taking in all the outdoor action. 

Windows provide stimulation and serve as a natural enrichment tool. The more stimulating the view, the better. “Cats are stimulated by movement, so birds flapping their wings to dogs walking down the street may be of interest—and exciting—to cats,” says Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant and radio host in Chicago.

In fact, it’s why cats in animal shelters are often housed in rooms with windows. “Enrichment is no longer considered just a good idea,” says Dale. “It’s a necessity and part of meeting a cats’ needs.”

Our Top Picks:

Best Cat Window Hammocks and Perches

Your cat may certainly be okay hopping up on a sill, but with so many cat window hammocks and perches on the market, now might be the time for an upgrade. Here are seven to consider. 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Sill Double Level Cat Bed

K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Double Stack Kitty Sill Cat Window Perch

This bed features two lounging levels, which makes it a wise choice if you have more than one cat in your clan. And no need to worry about weight loads, as the suction cups provide an industrial-strength grip that can hold up to 100 pounds. The frame is made from steel, which should make it even sturdier.  

Highlights

  • The two levels give cats plenty of options
  • Great for multicat households
  • It’s hard to find a cat window perch with a higher weight capacity
  • The steel frame is extra durable

Things to Consider

  • Some users had trouble with the suction cups holding their grip, so make sure to check them and clean them regularly

Kitty Cot Original World’s Best Cat Perch

Kitty Cot Original World's Best Cat Perch

Four suction cups secure this Humane Society-approved perch to any window. The hammock is made from a black nylon fabric, which the company claims is almost impossible to rip or tear, and it’s suspended from two steel support cables. For more comfort, add your cat’s favorite pad or blanket. The perch can hold up to 25 pounds.

Highlights

  • The nylon fabric is durable and easy to clean
  • Assembly is minimal and quick
  • Just clean with soap and water to keep it fresh

Things to Consider

  • On the wide side, so make sure to measure your windows 
  • A bit pricey
  • While the suction cups seem to perform well, some reviewers did see suction fail after a few months

PEFUNY Cat Window Seat 

Cat Window Perch

When a product becomes a bestseller on Amazon.com, you know it’s got to be good. Plus, it’s less expensive than other cat window perches, making it a great option for budget-conscious cat parents. The window seat itself is made from a rugged fabric that attaches to a frame made from pipes and is suspended from extra thick wire ropes. Four suction cups secure it to the window. Bonus? A free flannel pad comes with every order. 

Highlights

  • Holds up to 40 pounds
  • Flannel pad is included for added comfort
  • Company offers free accessory replacement within 180 days

Things to Consider

  • Assembly instructions are minimal and a bit confusing
  • May be wider than standard windows. Make sure to measure!
  • Tubes can be difficult to get into the fabric during assembly

MEWOOFUN Pet Cat Window Hammock

MEWOOFUN Sturdy Cat Window Perch Cat Window Hammock

If you’re looking for a stylish and modern option to fit in with your home decor, this cat window hammock from MEWOOFUN is as cool as it is functional. It features a sturdy canvas mat that supports kitties up to 30 pounds. Plus, it offers two different hanging styles—one open and one covered—to suit your cat’s style. We love the different color options and minimal, wooden look. 

Highlights

  • Modern color selections to fit a variety of decor
  • 2 different hanging options give pet parents options
  • Supports cats up to 30 pounds with strong suction
  • Durable canvas mat

Things to Consider

  • Does require a bit of assembly
  • Not widely available from different retailers

K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Sill Cat Bed

K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Kitty Sill Cat Window Perch

This window-mounted cat bed provides a cozy retreat for your feline. It holds up to 50 pounds, and a pad is included. The unique characteristic of this bed? Although it attaches via three suction cups, it doesn’t have wires, which may appeal to those who want less fuss on their window. 

Highlights

  • Requires very little assembly
  • No cables or pipes—it’s all one unit
  • Comes with a machine-washable pad
  • Holds up to 50 pounds

Things to Consider

  • May not be big enough for larger cats
  • Will only fit windows over 27 inches wide

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Window Climbing Perch

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Window Climbing Perch

Give your cat a sturdier window view with this 45-inch tall post with perch. The base, which is an inch thick, rests on the floor and attaches to a sisal scratching and climbing post for even more stimulation. At the top is a padded seat with three suction cups to secure the perch to the window. Organic catnip is included to make the perch even more enticing.

Highlights

  • Provides the benefits of a cat tree and a window perch in one
  • Padded top seat is cozy and comfortable
  • Great for multicat households

Things to Consider

  • May not install easily on windows with panes
  • It’s on the expensive side for what you get

Topmart Pet Cat Window Seat Wall Mount Perch 

Topmart Pet Cat Window Seat Wall Mount Perch

This perch is a fantastic option if you prefer to make your window sill more cozy. You don’t have to deal with suction cups, as this perch can be installed on any window sill. It features a foam cushion with a nice-sized basking area. Two metal brackets hold it in place, and depending on how you install it, the perch can hold either 20 or 35 pounds. 

Highlights

  • Metal brackets ensure this is sturdy when installed properly
  • Seat pad features a removable cover for easy cleaning
  • Affordably priced option

Things to Consider

  • Requires screws and a drill to mount, which may not be ideal for everyone
  • Only available in one color (grey)
  • May not fit all window sills. Double check your measurements

Cat Window Hammock and Perch Buyers Guide

Cat laying in a window hammock

Choosing the right cat window hammock or perch will largely depend on your cat’s preferences and your lifestyle. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping around and comparing options.

Types of Cat Window Perches

Start searching for cat window seating, and you’ll see that there are dozens on the market. In general, they fall into one of three categories:

Window-mounted hammocks and perches: Just as it says, these cat hammocks and perches attach to the window with suction cups. Some are also supported by cables. You’ll find the most variability in shape of the perch or hammock with a window mount. They may be flat or rounded and may even feature an enclosure. While most people use these in their homes, some pet parents use them in their cars when they travel with their cat (follow all safety recommendations if using it in the car).

Sill-mounted perches: These usually have brackets that attach to an existing window sill, no suction cups required. Consider them an extension of the sill to give your cat a larger lounging space. These tend to be a bit more sturdy than window-mounted options and may hold larger cats more easily.

Stand-alone cat perches and hammocks: These come as part of a cat tree or stand, and while they’re certainly something to consider, this review focused on those that attach to windows or sills. 

What to Look for in Cat Window Seating

Cat relaxing in a hammock at the window

Several things should go into your decision about buying the right perch or hammock for your cat. Ask yourself these questions:

How many cats will use it? Perches and hammocks have weight limits so make sure whatever you buy can support your feline crew.

Is your window or sill big enough for the perch or hammock? This should go without saying but check the window or sill before you make a purchase and ensure that the measurements make sense for your window size. 

Do you prefer suction cups or metal brackets? This matters because you may need to keep windows cleaner if you opt for suction cups. Temperature changes on the window could also be an issue with suction cups sticking, so keep that in mind. However, suction cups don’t need to be affixed to anything and are easier to remove than brackets. 

How much assembly is required? Most of these hammocks and perches are easy enough to install, but if you’re not particularly handy with simple tools, look for one that comes with fewer steps. 

Can you wash the hammock or perch? You may have to remove fabric pieces from the frame if it can’t be rubbed down. If cleaning the seat is important to you, look at care instructions carefully before buying. 

What do the reviews say? You can gain a lot of insight from reviews from other cat parents. Make sure you check reviews to see what other cat parents have said, especially if you’re buying the product online.

Cat Window Hammock Safety

Cat looking up while laying in a cat hammock on the window

You might worry about the safety of your cat while using a window or perch. However, as long as you’ve chosen a quality product, checked that it’s appropriate for your cat’s weight, and installed the perch or window correctly, your cat should be safe. 

Make sure to install cat hammocks and perches with suction cups on clean windows and check the suction regularly. 

If your cat will be spending a lot of time lounging at the window, be careful about keeping windows open (even if they have screens installed). High rise syndrome is real and cats can fall through windows when screens are loose.