Many cats love looking out the window. This way, they constantly see new things and new characters. Furthermore, observing the outside world stimulates their mental activity. Here are the five most common reasons why cats love windows.
Interested in birds
Domestic cats don't have the ability to hunt properly, but live prey is very attractive. The sight of a bird awakens the small domestic predator's hunting instinct. Although it can't leap and catch the bird, the animal experiences intense excitement. Often, the sound of its teeth clicking can be heard during these moments.
Birdwatching can save your pet from boredom. This is especially true for cats that don't go outside. They spend every day indoors, seeing the same objects and people. Birdwatching is a great way to entertain yourself. In this case, the window becomes a cat TV.
In search of an owner
Cats have much more acute senses than humans. They can remember the sound of footsteps, the scent of perfume, even the sound of their owner's car. They anticipate a person's arrival home and are already on the lookout for their humans. Cats also have a very sensitive internal clock. So, if their owner returns at roughly the same time every day, it's not just their amazing sensitivity that's at work, but their sense of time.
Sometimes, waiting for your owner on the windowsill can be a sign of separation anxiety. Contrary to popular belief that cats are very self-sufficient animals, separation anxiety can be quite stressful for some. This type of anxiety is typically seen in cats who were weaned early. In this case, your pet won't simply sit and stare out the window; instead, they'll pace nervously, tapping the glass with their paws, and meowing loudly.
Exploring the world
Cats are very curious animals and love variety. When every corner of the house has been explored, they crave something new. That's where the view from the window comes in. People walk down the street, cars drive by, trees sway… So many new things can be seen in just 15 minutes. Observing the world around them will help them avoid boredom, especially when they're left home alone. Therefore, it's worth considering a convenient observation post. For example, place a cat tree nearby or create a cozy perch right on the windowsill. If you secure the window with a special mesh, your pet will explore not only with their eyes but also with their nose. Exploring the world around them stimulates mental activity and helps them better control their territory. Besides being enjoyable, exploring the world around them also helps them feel more confident.
I saw insects
If a cat seems to be staring into space, it's likely that it's spotted an insect. Just like with birds, instincts are awakened and an imaginary hunt begins. But if the insect is inside, observation won't be enough. In this case, a person will see the pet in action. After all, a hunter can't resist the temptation to catch real prey. This is especially convenient in the summer, when mosquitoes are rampant. Having a little hunter at home will significantly reduce their numbers. However, it's important to be careful that your pet doesn't catch a wasp, bee, or bumblebee. Such bites can cause allergies. To protect yourself and your pet, simply install a mosquito net.
Having fun with curtains
If your cat is tired of toys, curtains can be a great new distraction. This is another reason to spend long hours by the window. Your pet can play with both the fabric itself and any accessories, if present. If you have blinds instead of curtains, the string used to adjust them can become a toy. It's a good idea to protect your cat from accidental injuries and ensure that anything they could catch on or hang on is out of reach. To keep your curtains intact, simply attach a special toy to the windowsill.
The window easily becomes a cat's favorite place because it offers entertainment, a chance to enjoy the sun, and a chance to passively (and sometimes actively) hunt. Observing the world occupies the pet and helps prevent boredom, engages the mind, and therefore feels more confident.
