Why does my Abyssinian always want to be in the highest spot?

Ever wonder if your cat sees you as just another piece of furniture to climb? That high spot gives them a god's-eye view of their territory-they can watch your every move, spot threats, and feel untouchable. Ask yourself: do you really want a pet that's always looking down on you, or are you okay being the lowly servant in this relationship?

In ancient Egypt, where the Abyssinian’s ancestors likely roamed temple halls, elevation wasn’t just a preference-it was survival. Perching on the highest stone ledge gave them a strategic view of both prey and predators, and that instinct hasn’t faded with domestication. Your cat’s drive for the top of the bookshelf or refrigerator is essentially a living memory of desert vigilance, a way to survey their entire kingdom without interference.