CatsClimbingHighChallenge_vote

Whew! Sorry for taking so long to get to the grand prize winner in the Cats Climbing High Challenge, but I had to look at more than 1,000 cute cat photos (I love my job!) It’s no surprise that there were tons of amazing photos to choose from, and I just couldn’t pick, so I’m going to let you choose! I’ve narrowed it down to seven finalists and everyone will have one week to vote. The photo with the most votes wins the grand prize, a $300 shopping spree at ContempoCat.com!

But wait, there’s more! ContempoCat has decided that all the finalists deserve something! The photo in 2nd place will get a $200 gift certificate, 3rd place will get $100, and 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th place will each get $25. Thank you ContempoCat!

CatsClimbingHighFinalists

Voting will take place now through midnight on Saturday, August 16, 2014. You will be allowed one vote per computer per 24 hour period, which means you can vote for your favorite every day!

Vote Now!

ContempoCat wants to thank everyone who participated in the Cats Climbing High Challenge! And don’t forget, if you already claimed your prize, you should have received two more coupon codes that will expire on 9/30/14 so make sure to take advantage of the savings!

Also, we’d LOVE to see photos of your cats using their new shelves, so please upload to Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and be sure to use the hashtags #CatsClimbingHigh #Catification #ContempoCat #Hauspanther. You can also submit them directly to me using our project submission form.


CATS CLIMBING HIGH PHOTO GALLERY

Of course I wish everyone could be a finalist, it was really hard to pick, there were so many awesome photos! As I sorted through them all, I found some really interesting trends that illustrate a cat’s natural instinct to climb. Remember, cats are naturally both predator and prey, so this affects how they view their environment, and being up off the ground gives them a better perspective from which to survey their territory. Some cats like to be just off the ground, some like to be at mid-level, while others prefer to be way up in the rafters. Take a look at these awesome photos submitted by readers that show different ways cats like to climb high.

Bookshelves

If you don’t give your cats a place to climb, they will make due with what’s available! Bookshelves make perfect cat climbing structures, whether or not you agree. Think about clearing off the top and giving kitty access via a cat tree or some wall steps, then let her enjoy her new Catified space. Add a bed on top to make a cozy destination. Make sure to secure your bookshelves to the wall to make them more stable, a good idea regardless of whether or not kitty will be using them to climb.

Bookshelves

Bookshelves2

Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets, or any other cabinet that’s attached to the wall, usually have a space on top that’s like heaven for a cat. Way up by the ceiling, they can hangout and pretend to be a wildcat up in a tree, keeping an eye on their domain. Again, clear off these areas, give kitty an easy way to get up and down, and add a bed or sisal mat. Make sure to avoid creating dead ends! Add multiple entrances and exits, especially in a multi-cat household.

Cabinets1

Cabinets2

Refrigerator

Of course, the top of the refrigerator is a favorite spot for cats to hang out, plus it’s usually a great access point to the top of the cabinets.

Fridge2

Fridge1

Not too high, please!

Some cats don’t like to be up too high. These cats might prefer to lounge on tables, chairs and other furniture.

Midrange

A little higher…

The back of the sofa or the top of a chair are other favorite cat hangouts. This gets them just a little higher in the room, and gives them a place to perch that’s near where you are sitting. My cats use the back of the sofa as part of their superhighway.

SofaBack

Cat Trees

Some cats are lucky enough to have their own cat tree. Placement of a cat tree is critical in getting cats to use it. Try putting it in front of a window, near where you sit to watch TV or read, or by your desk. They should be using it in no time! Also, cat trees are great for giving kitty access to the top of a bookshelf or other surface. Think about strategic placement.

CatTrees3

CatTrees1

And don’t forget, there’s a cat tree for every style!

CatTrees2

Windows

Cats will always climb up to a window to get a good look at the world outside. This is prime real estate for watching Cat TV! If your house doesn’t have windowsills that are deep enough to accommodate your cat comfortably, consider adding a perch or ledge underneath the window. You could even just place a table or low shelf in front of the window, or of course, a cat tree!

Windows1

Windows2

Doors

Not the safest option, but more adventurous cats sometimes like to climb to the tops of doors! If your cat is doing this, she’s probably trying to tell you she needs some Catification!

Doors

Ladders

Kitty says “Well, I’ve seen you use this thing to climb high, I’ll try it too!” Again, not such a safe choice, so watch out when you’ve got the ladder out and give your cat some safer options.

Ladders

Screens

Another behavior that can be discouraged with Catification, screen climbing is a popular extreme kitty sport.

Screens

Humans

And if there really are no other options…

People

Cats climb the weirdest things!

When left to their own devices, cats will climb anything! So make sure they have safe alternatives that expand their territory and enrich their environment. You know where to find more ideas, coming soon! 😉

WeirdThings1

WeirdThings2


 

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