Why Do Cats Love to Look Out of Windows? 10 Reasons For This Behaviour

Why do cats spend so much time staring out windows? This is a question many cat owners have probably asked themselves. It may seem like a boring thing to do for us humans, but not for cats! If you’re a cat owner and ever wanted to know the answer to this question, you’ve come to the right place!

There are many reasons why cats love windows, and some of them may surprise you. Below, we’ll uncover the reasons for this favorite feline pastime and lay your human bewilderment to rest.

The 10 Reasons Why Cats Love Windows

Essentially, there are many explanations for why cats stare out the window. It can be anything from a leaf blowing by to a bird flying out of a tree. Whatever the reason, cats love to watch because it provides stimulation. It also connects indoor cats with the outside world. Here are the most common reasons cats love windows.

1. Provides Entertainment

Cats can get bored, so windows connect them with the great outdoors. There is much to see through a window that will catch your kitty’s attention. A bored cat makes for an unhappy cat, which leads to destructive behavior, and windows provide a determent. Your cat can probably sit or lie on the windowsill for hours and watch the world spin outside. If that occupies your cat, then they’ll be content.

2. Offers Warmth

Windowsills are great for your cat to sit on as they can serve as a natural seat warmer. Cats enjoy the sun’s warmth coming through the window, and the windowsill provides a cozy place for your cat to chill and sunbathe.

3. People Watching

Cats can enjoy watching people out walking or riding bikes without the worry of a human trying to interact with them. Let’s face it—some cats are finicky and don’t like to be bothered. Thanks to windows, cats can observe from a distance, and the act of people (or animals) watching provides endless entertainment.

4. Squirrel Watching

If you have squirrels in your yard, odds are your cat loves to watch them go to and fro. Cats naturally hunt squirrels, so when your cat spots one, its curiosity will pique. Squirrels can bite or even carry rabies, so squirrel watching through the window is a safe activity for your cat.

5. Insect Entertainment

Insects can be an annoyance for humans, but they can provide a vast amount of entertainment for your cat. That pesky fly that keeps coming around will provide your cat the stimulation of catching it. As long as the fly keeps coming back for more, the more entertainment your cat will get. Remember to keep your window closed or you have a screen to prevent your cat from leaping out.

6. Bird Watching

If a bird is flying around your house, your cat will spot it. Cats have an instinct to hunt birds, so it’s natural for your cat to be interested through the window. If you don’t have a bird feeder or birdbath, maybe consider getting those items because your cat will love to observe them from the comfort of your home! Also, your cat can enjoy watching the birds safely without the worry of getting injured.

7. Breezes

Humans aren’t the only ones who love an open window when the weather’s glorious; cats love it too! Cats enjoy the breezes that flow through the screens and the smells that come along with them. Whether it’s the smell of recent rainfall, freshly cut grass, or the smell of blooming flowers, your cat will love this connection to the outdoors.

8. Keeping Watch

Cats love to monitor what’s going on outside, especially if you’re out there mowing the lawn or washing your car. Because of access to the window, your cat can keep an eye on you to make sure you’re right. After all, you’re the owner, and you mean the world to your feline companion (well, sometimes—all cat owners know that’s on the cat’s terms).

9. Cat Enrichment

Window watching helps with cat enrichment. This pastime is especially true for indoor cats. Cats can spend hours watching the world outside, so if you’re away at work for long hours at a time, rest assured your cat will be content to relax in the window.

10. Window Licking

Some cats love the feel of the cool glass against their tongue in the winter months. If it’s summertime, some love to lick the condensation that forms. Whatever the reason, it’s not unusual to find your cat licking away.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is It Good For Cats To Look Out The Window?

The answer to this question is yes. When a cat has access to a window, your pet receives visual enrichments that connect them with nature. It’s important, though, to adhere to a few safety measures, such as leaving the window closed if you don’t have a screen. Keeping the blind cords out of reach from your kitty is also important.

Do Cats Need A Window?

Not necessarily. As long as your cat has plenty of love from you, an ample amount of exercise, such as playing with toys, and having a designated play area (such as a cat tree and condo), your cat will be happy. However, if you do have a window, you can add window mounts if your cat doesn’t like to sit on the windowsill.

Why Does My Cat Look Out The Window And Meow?

 Cats have many different ways to vocalize, and one way is called cat chattering. Odds are you’ve noticed your cat meowing at the window, and that’s because something has caught its attention. Maybe a dog is “doing his business” in your cat’s yard, much to your cat’s disapproval. Or, maybe a few squirrels are chasing each other up and down a tree. Many things can cause your cat to meow because of the countless possible things your cat will see outside.

Final Thoughts

 In a nutshell, we’ve listed 10 reasons why cats love windows, and we hope you’ve found the answers you were looking for. Now when you watch your feline friend staring out the window for hours, you can take comfort in knowing your cat is content.

Featured Image Credit: colobok34, Shutterstock