As your well-fed and pampered buddy gets into a comfy space for yet another nap, you’re suddenly hit with the realization of how it’s all grown up. The kitten who wouldn’t get out of her box is now a full-grown cat who may soon out-maneuver every athlete in the area. Even in the absence of training, a healthy cat’s speed can amaze you.
However, when it comes to jumping, that’s another story. So if you’re wondering how high can cats jump, there is no definite answer to it. A cat’s health determines how physically active it is and how high it can jump. Here’s more on the question.
How High Can Cats Jump Typically?
The criterion for jumping is different for every animal. Hence, what may be high for you may not be high for a cat. Generally, a fully grown cat can jump up to five times its height. It can roughly go up to five feet, but this isn’t the set criteria.
There are also certain exceptions to the rule because indoor and outdoor conditions also vary. So if you find your cat jumping from the table to the couch in the living area, it may not be as high as it looks.
Interestingly, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the cat that holds the record for the highest jump is from the US. Apparently, Waffle, the Warrior, jumped as high as seven feet back in 2018.
Is it Okay for a Cat to Jump?
Jumping and running are a normal part of a healthy cat’s routine. Therefore, it isn’t uncommon to come across a jumpy and active fellow. However, sometimes, the jumping could get in the way of you doing normal daily chores. If you don’t want your cat to be active around areas with your daily-use appliances, it’s time to learn how to redirect their attention.
Jumping is also a way for your cat to communicate that she’s happy and well-fed. If you want your indoor cat to remain healthy and active, you must invest in jumping and climbing structures such as indoor trees and furniture.
Some cats also have condos where they can rest for a while after jumping and running around. One tried and tested way to attract your cat to jump in a certain area is to sprinkle catnip all over. It may also be a great way to keep them away from your kitchen counters.
However, if you notice your cat going to unusual areas like behind your furniture, for example, you may want to find out why they’re doing it. It could be a way to escape from possible danger, or it may be due to some health issue.
What Do Unusual Jumping Patterns Indicate?
A happy and healthy cat will normally jump in areas where there are trees or objects they may find interesting. Whether it’s to chase a ball or play with other cats, your kitty will find various excuses to jump around. However, if you notice any unusual jumping patterns, you may want to pay closer attention.
Sometimes, cats can jump and go into corners that they otherwise wouldn’t go to. It could mean that they’re trying to avoid some kind of danger. So look around for how your cat acts in the presence of your other pets, and if you see a sign that your cat may be hurt or scared, take immediate action and keep them in a separate corner.
Sometimes, jumping into unusual corners may also indicate pain. Cats often communicate differently. Some may go quiet while others become very loud. Some may go into corners, while others may constantly show obvious signs of discomfort. Whatever it is, jumping into unusual corners can indicate a lot of things or maybe nothing at all.
How to Redirect a Cat’s Attention?
When a cat seeks a high place, they’re either looking for a spot to rest or exploring their surroundings. So if you adopt a cat, you must prepare their surroundings with high perches. It’s also quite natural for these creatures to scratch on surfaces vertically, which is why you must have a proper structure they can scratch for fun.
Moreover, since they are generally playful, you may want to give them various opportunities to do so or provide them with toys to keep them busy. Get a few light balls or make some out of paper and let them chase it.
At the end of the day, the only way to encourage natural behaviors is to provide your cats with opportunities to practice and display them. Sometimes, if things go out of hand and you feel that the only way to correct their behavior is through physical or verbal means, avoid doing so.
You will have to find harmless ways to let your cats know that their actions are unacceptable. Through verbal or physical punishment, you may condition them in the wrong direction. They may grow up being scared of you and may also encourage unwanted behavior when you’re not around.
The right way to correct their behavior is to let the environment do its job. Remote Connection technique is one of the most effective ways to deal with an animal’s unpleasant behavior. Through this method, you allow your cat to experience the consequences of its behavior. For example, if jumping in an area causes them to feel unpleasant, it is very likely that they won’t do it again.
Moreover, you can also spare yourself from being the bad guy because the idea is simply to incorporate an unpleasant experience with the behavior you wish to eradicate or reduce. For example, if you want them to not go in a certain area, you can have aversive smells or textures do their work. If you don’t want them to eat something harmful, make sure that their food smells and tastes terrible.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, active cats are the best and the healthiest ones out of the lot. While jumping and running are natural aspects of their growth and behavior, sometimes you may have to redirect those behaviors in the right direction.
So the answer to the question “how high can cats jump?” can vary depending on factors such as their age, the outdoor and indoor conditions, and their health.
