Cats Claim the High Ground in Catster's "Highest Perch" Photo Contest

Cats have never been shy about looking down on their humans, and this week's Catster photo contest gave them a chance to do it in style. The September 14, 2026 round was themed "The Highest Perch," and readers responded with pictures of cats who had found the tallest spot in the room and made it their own.

Each week, the Catster team goes through the photos sent in by readers and chooses a set of winners. The editors describe the job as a privilege, and it is easy to see why. Submissions arrive from households of every kind, and the theme rewards the classic feline instinct to seek out height.

That instinct is worth understanding, because it is about more than showing off. Cats are both predators and prey in the wild, and a high vantage point lets them watch their surroundings, stay out of reach of threats and rest with a sense of security. Bookshelves, wardrobes, fridge tops and cat trees all serve the same purpose for a house cat.

For owners, the contest doubles as a reminder to give cats safe places to climb. Sturdy cat trees, wall-mounted shelves and window perches let a cat indulge the urge without risking a fall or knocking valuables to the floor. A cat with plenty of vertical space often seems calmer, especially in multi-pet homes where a high retreat gives them a way to step back from the crowd.

The full set of winning photos is on Catster's site, and the contest continues weekly. Readers who want to take part can send in a picture of their own cat, whether it is a lofty climber or a low-key floor dweller. A new theme means a fresh chance for a cat to be crowned, and for its owner to enjoy the bragging rights.