Cat palms grow best in a location with full sun. But full sun all day will fry the leaves of this plant. No plant, except some extreme tropical plants, can handle full sun for 10-12 hours. This plant needs shade to rest. But there is also one thing you should remember. Full sun in the early spring and winter can be tolerable for this plant. However, full sun for the entire day in summer months should be avoided. On extended periods, full sun combined with bright light works much better.