The incredible leaping cat

Predators like dogs attack on the ground, so when a kitty is high up, she feels safe. Photo: 123rf.com

Human beings walk into a room and think in terms of floor space, or perhaps sofa seating. Cats are three-dimensional thinkers who are happiest lounging high up in the air, on bookshelves, counter tops, windowsills and stairs.

Part of their love of heights stems from a safety issue: Predators like dogs attack on the ground, so when a kitty is high up, she feels safe. They evolved to seek high spaces.