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Window perches near windows are popular for a reason: cats love windows and watching the world pass them by. They're naturally curious, perceptive pets, and it's unsurprising to see the outdoors transfix your cat.
But why do cats like looking out of the window? There are a few reasons for this behaviour, from natural hunting instincts to enrichment and stimulation.
We help you understand your cat's fascination with the outdoors below.
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Why do cats look out of the window?
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Natural hunting instincts
Cats, as obligate carnivores, are natural predators. This isn't a switch they turn off and on; it's an instinct that's always running in the background, even when they're acting relaxed or playful.
Windows serve as a safe vantage point for cats, allowing them to watch and take notes on prey, like watching birds, insects and squirrels.
Your cat is likely in "hunting mode" if they're looking out of the window and their body language is a certain way.
Hunting body language includes signs like:
Chattering noises
Crouching low to the ground
Intense, direct stares
Narrow pupils
Outstretched whiskers
Pricked ears (bent forward, pointed)
Vocalisation
These all signify your cat is in hunting mode, as they're little things that help them succeed in getting food in the wild.
Territory surveillance
Cats are very territorial, and sitting next to a window is a way for them to monitor and watch their territory. Think of it like them taking notes about the world around them: potential threats, new neighbours, etc.
Sometimes, you'll notice your cat marking the window with their cheeks. This is scent marking, as cats have scent glands in their cheeks. They have a few of these around their body, which helps them mark areas and "sweat".
Environmental enrichment and stimulation
Sometimes, your cat looks out of the window because they're a bit bored. Looking out of the window, especially if you've given them a perch, provides plenty of enrichment and stimulation.
We recommend placing perches or cat trees near the window if you have them, as it's an easy way to give your cat some mental enrichment. Of course, make sure the window is closed and your cat can't get out (or make sure they can get out safely if they're an outdoor cat).
Things like cars, other animals and people will catch their attention most of the time - it's anything that can give them a mix of auditory and visual stimuli. They may also be attracted to smells.
A need for outdoor stimulation is likely to influence indoor cats more than outdoor ones. While indoor cats still live very fulfilling, happy lives, they do get less outdoor stimulation than their outdoorsy cousins. This means indoor cats can spend more time near the window.
But if your cat is becoming a bit too obsessed with looking out of the window for enrichment reasons, it may be a sign that they need more stimulation. Playing with your cat, giving them some mental enrichment (like training) or redirecting their attention with positive reinforcement should ease things.
Seeking warmth and comfort
Cats love to lounge in the sun, and the window is often the best place to get that.
If your cat only really looks out of the window on a rare, British sunny day, then it's just their desire to feel comfort, security and warmth.
If the temperatures are high, make sure they have everything they need for hot weather.
Anxiety or frustration
Usually, your cat looking out of the window is completely fine; you don't need to worry. But sometimes, it can indicate anxiety and frustration, particularly when combined with other symptoms.
The signs of cat anxiety or stress include:
Clinginess (or separation anxiety)
Destructive behaviour
Excessive grooming
Excessive meowing
Flattened ears
Hiding
Inconsistent eating habits
Lethargy
Weight change
Your cat could feel these due to stressors at home, other animals entering their territory or due to loud noises in the environment.
To reduce window stress, we recommend:
Engaging in enrichment with your cat and making sure they aren't bored
Making sure your cat has everything they need, like proper nutrition
Positive reinforcement training to entice your cat away from the window
Seeing a behaviourist if symptoms become difficult to manage
Teaching your cat tricks to keep them mentally engaged
Using blinds or window films if the stress is from the outdoors
A cat spending too much time looking out of the window or doing any other activity to an obsessional level can indicate mental health problems. Always chat to your vet if you're concerned; it's a key part of good, preventative pet care.
Generally, most window-watching is fine. You just need to take steps when things get excessive.
Why does my cat look out the window at night?
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Now, a cat looking out of the window at night may have the same reasons as daytime watching, but the stimuli are a little different. It's likely your cat is becoming stimulated by different things, like bright lights, nocturnal animals or shadows.
We covered this in our "do cats recognise their owners?" piece, but a cat's eyesight is very suited to low-light environments as they're naturally more active at dawn or dusk. This means your cat is probably looking for:
Lights and shadows, which act as stimulation
Nocturnal prey
Noise, especially when it's quiet
Territorial invaders, like other cats or animals
Most of the time, this is normal. But if your cat is always up late looking out of the window, it's probably worth looking into the cause. Your cat could suffer from anxiety or restlessness, which may have an underlying health reason for it.
We recommend seeing your vet or a behaviourist if your cat struggles to sleep, has signs of anxiety and struggles to settle due to nighttime stimuli.
Are some cat breeds more prone to window-watching?
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No, not specifically. But cats with higher prey drives and hunting instincts may find themselves window-watching more often.
These include:
Are kittens more likely to window-watch?
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In general, yes, but all kittens are different. It's because they're learning about the world. Watching things go by can help them understand their environment, themselves and new sights, sounds and smells.
Overall, kittens are more likely to look out of the window due to their:
Curiosity
Engaging in hunting instincts
High energy
Lower sense of risk, which can lead to them climbing heights more
Mirroring other cats
Is window-watching safe for cats?
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Normally, it's safe. But here are a few safety tips:
Make sure the window is shut to reduce falling, injuries or jumping
Provide comfortable viewing spots that your cat can easily access
Supervise your cat, especially if your window isn't on the ground floor
Take time to secure windows, like making sure your cat can't open the latch
Train your cat with positive reinforcement to use a specific window spot, which can make things easier to manage
Making window time safe and enjoyable
Usually, a cat's window time won't need much input from you. But to make things easier, you could:
Add window screens to make it more secure
Build window guards or grilles
Get a one-way window film (this is if you want to keep your privacy while letting your cat look outside)
Use window-mounted perches
Really, it depends on your cat and your window. Always prioritise safety, but for most cats, window-watching is an enjoyable, enriching pastime.
Remember: please consult your vet or a behaviourist if there are any signs of anxiety or obsessive behaviour, like obsessive window-watching.
Our cat insurance can help with behavioural cover up to the vet fee limit on our Complete Care plan.
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