Cats often enjoy sitting in a window to take in their surroundings, but it can be difficult for a cat to perch comfortably on a narrow window stool. To solve this problem, I replaced the narrow window stool on a window with a wider shelf to provide a cozy place for a cat to relax.

Here’s how to go about making a window perch for your cat:

• Remove the existing window stool with a pry bar, being careful not to damage the surrounding surfaces.
• Cut a solid wood shelf board to the length of the old window stool.
• Hold the self board up to the window, and mark the location of the window jambs on each end of the board.
• Measure the distance needed to notch the shelf to allow it to fit against the window, and mark that distance on the shelf board.
• Draw lines on the shelf board with a square to outline the notch.
• Use a jigsaw to cut notches on each end of the shelf board so it fits around the window jambs.
• Slide the shelf board in place on the windowsill.
• Secure the shelf board to the windowsill with finishing nails.
• Set the nailheads slightly below the surface.
• Putty over the nail holes and apply caulking to the joints.
• Prime and paint the shelf if needed.
• If desired, put a soft material with a nonslip bottom, such as carpet or a bath mat, on the shelf board to make your cat as comfortable as possible.

Watch this video to find out more.

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