Cats are renowned for their incredible agility and climbing abilities. With fast reflexes and an innate sense of balance, cats can scale fences, trees, and other structures with ease. Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap several times their body length, and their sharp claws help them gain traction on almost any surface. However, while cats can climb just about anything, there are some materials that even these master climbers struggle with.
A cat’s anatomy gives them some key advantages for climbing. They have flexible spines that allow them to twist and turn their bodies as needed. Their retractable claws provide grip, while the pads on their paws help absorb impact. However, cats do have limitations. Very smooth surfaces like glass or metal can be too slick for their paws to gain purchase. Similarly, loose materials like sand or gravel shift under their weight, making climbing difficult. Sharp or painful surfaces are also hard for cats to traverse. With knowledge of a cat’s abilities and some clever cat-proofing tactics, most unwanted climbing can be prevented.
Smooth surfaces
Cats have a hard time climbing smooth surfaces that don’t allow their claws to get traction (source). Materials like glass, metal, and porcelain are very slippery and difficult for cats to get a grip on.
Glass surfaces like windows and tabletops are too smooth for cats’ claws to dig into. Unless there is something on the glass creating friction, cats will slide right off (source).
Metal surfaces like aluminum, steel, or galvanized metal can be challenging as well. Cats have a hard time finding traction on the smooth, hard exterior (source).
Glazed porcelain and ceramic surfaces found on sinks, tubs, and toilets do not give cats’ claws any grip. The slippery finish prevents cats from being able to scale these types of fixtures (source).
Lubricated surfaces
Cats often have trouble gaining traction and climbing up slippery, lubricated surfaces. This includes surfaces that are soapy, oily, or covered in water. When a surface is wet, soapy, or oily, it reduces the friction between the cat’s paws and the surface. Without that friction, cats have a hard time getting a grip to climb up these kinds of surfaces.
For example, cats will likely struggle to climb up the side of a bathtub or shower wall when it is covered in soap and water. The same goes for kitchen and bathroom countertops if they have been recently cleaned with soap and are still wet or oily. Wet outdoor surfaces like decks and patios after rain can also be quite slippery for cats trying to walk or climb on them.
According to vets, even a small amount of water or oil can cause issues. As this source explains, “A light misting of water is sometimes all that’s needed to deter jumping on kitchen surfaces and other furniture.” Oily surfaces have a similar effect.
So in summary, cats generally struggle to climb up soapy, wet, or oily surfaces due to the lack of friction. Homeowners can use this knowledge to help deter cats from climbing on certain slippery surfaces where they are unwanted.
Loose Materials
Cats can have difficulty climbing loose materials like sand, gravel, and loose dirt. These materials tend to shift under a cat’s paws, causing them to lose traction and footing. According to one source, cats have trouble climbing loose ground for more than 3-4 feet before losing their grip and falling (Source).
The shifty nature of loose materials makes it difficult for cats to get a solid grip with their claws. As they try to pull themselves up, their weight combined with gravity causes the materials to slide downwards. A cat’s light bodyweight also works against them, as it does not provide enough counterforce against the sliding materials.
Loose dirt, sand, or gravel can be effective materials for preventing cats from climbing up walls or fences. Using a depth of at least 3-4 feet of loose material can make it extremely challenging for a cat to ascend. This provides a simple and affordable way to cat-proof certain areas without needing to construct tall walls or fences.
Sharp materials
Cats generally try to avoid climbing on sharp or spiky surfaces that could injure their paws. Materials like barbed wire fencing and spiky ornamental plants can deter cats from climbing.
Barbed wire fencing features sharp metal barbs twisted around the wire that can scratch and puncture cat paws. Installing barbed wire along the top of fences or walls creates an uncomfortable barrier that cats will avoid climbing over. According to The Cat Site, “Thick sisal rope wrapped around wood may be a good option. Most cats can easily climb that kind of surface.”
Spiky ornamental plants such as cacti, rose bushes, holly bushes and yucca plants can also make climbing uncomfortable. The sharp thorns and spikes on these plants can poke and scratch curious cats. Strategically planting them around areas you want to keep cats away from creates an irritating deterrent.
Tall vertical climbs
Cats are incredible jumpers and climbers, but they do have limits when it comes to scaling tall, vertical surfaces. According to Protect A Pet, a healthy cat can leap over a fence up to 6 feet high, but any higher could pose a challenge [1]. Quora users report that cats who fall from 5-9 stories tend to survive, while falls from higher than that often result in severe injury or death [2].
This indicates that while cats are agile, their ability to safely climb and descend tall, sheer surfaces has limits. Vertical climbs over around 10 meters or 30 feet exceed most cats’ abilities. Installing tall, smooth fences or surfaces at this height can help deter cats from scaling areas meant to be out of bounds. However, cats who fall from such heights risk severe injuries, so cat guardians should take precautions to prevent unwanted climbing. Consulting a vet is recommended if a cat seems intent on attempting dangerous vertical climbs.
Overhangs
Cats have difficulty navigating horizontal ledges and surfaces that have an overhang. According to this source, cats cannot climb anything with an overhang. The overhang prevents the cat from getting enough leverage and traction to pull itself up and over. This is because a cat’s strength comes from pushing downwards with its hind legs, which is difficult on an overhanging ledge.
Creating overhangs is an effective way to cat-proof fences and other structures. For example, this source notes that proprietary fence systems often incorporate overhangs at the top specifically to prevent cats from scaling them. The overhang can deter cats even if the total fence height is lower than the cat can typically jump.
Tips for cat-proofing
There are certain materials, surfaces, and designs that can help discourage cats from climbing in unwanted areas. Here are some tips:
Use slippery or sticky shelf liners on surfaces like counters and shelves. The texture makes it hard for cats to get traction (ArmandHammer).
Apply pet repellent spray made with citrus or mint oils onto surfaces. Cats dislike the smell. Reapply frequently as the scent fades (ArmandHammer).
Use Scat Mats that give a mild static shock. Place them on countertops, shelves, or furniture to deter cats from jumping up (ArmandHammer).
Install smooth acrylic sheeting on window sills and ledges to prevent traction and climbing (ArmandHammer).
Apply double-sided sticky tape on furniture edges and windows. Cats dislike the stickiness on their paws.
Place thorny house plants like cacti or rosemary on shelves. Cats will avoid touching them.
Consider cat repellents like ScareCrow Motion Activated Sprinkler if cats are climbing in gardens.
When to seek vet advice
If your cat has fallen from a height, it’s important to monitor them closely for signs of injury. Cats are remarkably resilient, but falls can still cause internal or external trauma. According to the PetMD article “High-Rise Syndrome,” injuries commonly seen in cats after a bad fall include broken bones, punctured lungs, ruptured bladders, and head trauma or concussion [1].
Look for limping or inability to walk, crying out in pain, bleeding from the nose or mouth, breathing problems, loss of balance or coordination, vomiting, dilated pupils, and unconsciousness. If you observe any of these symptoms after a fall, take your cat to the vet immediately. Prompt treatment can help prevent further injury and minimize lasting damage from the initial trauma.
Even if your cat seems fine at first, keep a close eye on their behavior over the next 24 hours. The effects of internal injuries may not show up right away. Take your cat to the vet if you notice any loss of appetite, lethargy, hiding, or other unusual behaviors that could signal injury. With prompt care for falls and trauma, most cats recover fully.
Conclusion
Cats are incredible climbers, using their sharp claws and agility to scale most surfaces with ease. However, certain types of materials can thwart even the most determined feline climber. Smooth, slippery surfaces like metal or tile provide no grip for claws to dig in. Materials like loose sand or gravel shift under a cat’s weight, making it impossible to climb. Overly tall climbs without resting spots will also deter most cats.
Key takeaways: Focus on using smooth, loose materials when cat-proofing areas. Lubricants can also make surfaces too slippery to climb. For tall climbs, make sure resting spots are unavailable. Consulting a vet is recommended if your cat is exhibiting excessive or dangerous climbing behavior that persists despite efforts to redirect them. With some smart adaptations, most areas can be made cat-climbing proof.
