Cats are curious and fascinating creatures, each with its preferences when it comes to where they like to spend their time. Some cats are natural climbers, regularly found perched atop furniture or shelves, while others are perfectly content staying close to the ground. Understanding the breeds that love high places versus those that prefer grounded spots can help create a more comfortable and personalized environment for your feline companion. Let’s explore six breeds that are drawn to elevated spaces and six that enjoy staying grounded.

1. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are known for their boundless energy and athleticism. These playful and curious cats are natural climbers, enjoying the challenge of scaling tall furniture, shelves, or even trees. Their quick reflexes and strong muscles make them excellent at jumping, and they love being able to observe their surroundings from an elevated position. Being high up offers them a sense of safety and allows them to watch their environment, satisfying both their curiosity and their desire for control over their territory.

2. Bengal

Bengals are known for being highly energetic and curious cats. With their wild ancestry, Bengals have an instinct for exploration and climbing. These athletic cats love scaling bookshelves, windowsills, or tall cat trees. High places give them a sense of security as they can observe the world below while feeling safe. They enjoy the view from above, where they can stay alert and in control, whether watching their family, surveying their surroundings, or engaging in playful antics.

3. Siamese

Siamese cats are known for their inquisitive and social nature. Their agility and acrobatics make them excellent climbers, and they often seek out elevated spots to perch, such as on windowsills or high shelves. These cats are naturally curious and love to keep an eye on their family and surroundings from above. The height provides a sense of comfort, where they can watch everything happening around them while feeling secure. High places allow Siamese cats to stay engaged, constantly observing and interacting with their world.

4. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an excellent climber, thanks to its robust build and long, strong legs. Originally from the forests of Scandinavia, these cats are built for scaling trees and cliffs. Their natural climbing skills make them ideal for high spots like tall cat trees, window ledges, or even the top of shelves. Being high up offers them not just a safe space but also a good vantage point to monitor their surroundings. Elevated spots allow them to stay vigilant and engaged, satisfying their need for both exploration and security.

5. Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtails are playful, energetic cats with a strong desire to explore. These cats have muscular legs that make them great jumpers, and they love to leap onto high furniture or shelves. High places offer these cats a perfect spot to watch over their domain. They enjoy the view from above and feel secure when they are elevated, allowing them to stay alert while engaging with their environment. Whether they are observing their family or simply relaxing, high places provide Japanese Bobtails with both comfort and a sense of control.

6. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, yet despite their size, they are highly agile and skilled climbers. These cats love high places such as tall cat trees, window ledges, or high shelves. Maine Coons have a natural curiosity and a social personality, so they enjoy being in elevated spots where they can stay connected to their family and keep an eye on everything going on around them. These cats thrive when they have a vantage point, offering both physical comfort and mental stimulation.

7. Persian

Persians are known for their calm, relaxed demeanor, making them one of the more laid-back cat breeds. These cats have little interest in climbing and prefer to stay close to the ground, where they can lounge in comfort. Whether it’s a soft bed, a cozy rug, or a quiet corner, Persians enjoy being in familiar spaces where they feel secure. Their calm nature means they are less likely to seek out high places, instead finding peace in low, grounded areas where they can relax undisturbed.

8. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthairs share many traits with Persians, including their affectionate nature and love for comfort. These cats prefer staying grounded, often found lounging in low, cozy spots like beds or couches. Exotic Shorthairs aren’t natural climbers and tend to gravitate toward areas where they can relax without the need for elevation. Their calm disposition makes them content with grounded spaces where they can rest, play, and spend time with their family in peace.

9. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are known for their calm, docile nature, making them one of the most relaxed cat breeds. They love to stay close to their humans, often lounging at ground level on soft surfaces like carpets, beds, or even the floor next to their owners. Ragdolls are not interested in climbing, preferring to stay grounded and enjoy the company of their family. Their easygoing nature means they find comfort in familiar, low-lying spaces that allow them to relax without needing to venture to high places.

10. British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are independent yet gentle cats with a preference for calm and comfortable environments. Unlike more energetic breeds, they tend to stay on the ground, enjoying the comfort of cozy spaces like couches, chairs, or beds. These cats don’t show much interest in climbing and feel most secure when they are low to the ground, surrounded by their family. For the British Shorthair, being grounded offers a sense of peace, where they can rest undisturbed while enjoying their home.

11. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are affectionate cats with a gentle temperament. They are more likely to be found lounging in comfortable, low-lying spaces than climbing to high places. Whether it’s on the floor, in a soft bed, or next to their humans, these cats prefer staying grounded. Their calm, affectionate nature makes them content with their familiar environment, where they can rest and enjoy the company of their family without the need for height. Scottish Folds find joy in the simple comforts of being close to the ground.

12. Munchkin

Munchkins are a distinctive breed known for their short legs, which make climbing difficult. Despite this limitation, Munchkins are playful and curious, and they love to explore their surroundings. However, because of their short stature, they prefer staying closer to the ground, where they can explore low spaces and play with toys. Munchkins don’t need high places to feel secure or engaged, as they are perfectly content with accessible, grounded spots where they can be active and interact with their family.