Suction cup or screw-mount? Choosing how your cat's perch is fixed.
Every cat perch is held up one of two ways: by suction cups on the glass, or by screws in the wall. Neither is better across the board. The right one comes down to your window, your walls and whether you're allowed to drill.
The short answer
- Choose suction cups if you have smooth, flat, untreated glass, you rent, or you want the perch right against the view.
- Choose screw-mount if your glass is textured, tinted, filmed or leadlight, if you want a permanent climbing route, or if you'd rather not keep checking cups.
Side by side
| Suction cup | Screw-mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | Smooth, flat, clean glass | A solid wall and the right fixings for it |
| Tools | None | Drill, screws, a stud finder or wall plugs |
| Renting | Usually fine, no holes | Check your lease first |
| Upkeep | Clean and re-press cups regularly | Check the screws now and then |
| Moving it | Easy | Leaves holes to fill |
| View | Right on the glass | Beside or below the window |
Suction cups: how they hold, and why they let go
A suction cup holds because it seals against the glass, and air pressure pushes it on. Anything that breaks that seal (dust, a smear, a fine scratch, textured or filmed glass, or a cup that's gone stiff in the cold) lets air in and the cup slowly lets go. That's why fitting matters more than the cup. We've written a whole guide on whether suction-cup perches hold.
Our suction-cup perches: Cat Window Perch, Cloud, Two-Tier and Window Sling. They come with our Falls off? We replace it guarantee.
Screw-mount: more set-up, less checking
Wall-mounted pieces are screwed into the wall, so they don't depend on the glass at all. Fixing into a stud or masonry with the right anchors matters, and plasterboard on its own needs proper wall anchors. If you're unsure about your walls, ask a handyperson.
Our screw-mount pieces: the Wall-Mounted Cat Hammock, Cat Wall Steps and the Cat Wall Bridge (AU and US), or all three in the Cat Wall Set.
How to fit each
Suction cup
- Clean the glass with warm soapy water, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner and dry it.
- Wipe the cups clean. Warm stiff cups in warm water so they're supple.
- Press each cup firmly from the centre outwards to push the air out.
- Test by hand before your cat uses it, then re-check the cups every week or two.
Screw-mount
- Find a stud or solid masonry, or choose wall anchors rated for your wall type.
- Mark the holes with a level, following the maker's instructions.
- Drill, fix and tighten. Test by hand before your cat uses it.
- Check the screws now and then and tighten if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Are suction cup cat perches safe?
On clean, smooth, flat glass, fitted and checked regularly as the instructions describe, they're a popular choice. Always test by hand first and supervise the first few sessions.
Do suction cups work on textured or tinted windows?
No. They need smooth, flat, clean glass without film. For other windows, choose a perch that screws into the wall.
Can renters use a screw-mount cat perch?
Check your lease, since screw-mount perches leave holes. Suction-cup perches are usually the renter-friendly option.
How often should I check suction cups?
Every week or two, and after any big temperature change. Re-clean and re-press any cup that has started to lift.
Sources
Written by the Perchwild team. Questions? Write to us.
