Why Do Cats Love to Look Out of Windows? 10 Vet-Verified 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 some of the common 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 mental and sensory 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 can provide stimulation by allowing them to watch outdoor movement and activity. 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 deterrent. 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 likely remain relaxed and engaged.

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 while remaining in a location where they cannot be approached or handled. 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 moving people (or animals) watching provides visual stimulation.

4. Squirrel Watching

If you have squirrels in your yard, odds are your cat loves to watch them go to and fro. Cats have a natural predatory instinct toward small, fast-moving animals, so when your cat spots one, its curiosity will pique. Squirrels can bite or carry infectious diseases, 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 with the stimulation of tracking and attempting to catch moving prey. As long as the fly keeps coming back for more, your cat may remain interested in watching or attempting to catch it. 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 and other small moving animals, so it’s natural for your cat to be interested in what’s outside 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 from indoors without the risk of outdoor injuries or hazards.

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 variety of scents 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 watch activity around the home and the surrounding environment. 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 can contribute to environmental enrichment for cats. 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 may spend time resting or observing activity from the window.

10. Window Licking

Some cats may lick window glass, possibly because they are attracted to moisture on the surface. If it’s summertime, some love to lick the condensation that forms. 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 of your kitty is also important.

Do Cats Need A Window?

Not necessarily. As long as your cat has adequate environmental enrichment, regular interactive play, and appropriate resting and climbing areas (such as a cat tree or condo), most cats can meet their behavioral needs indoors without access to a window. 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. 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. Or, maybe a few squirrels are chasing each other up and down a tree. Many things can cause your cat to meow when they see movement or activity 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 likely relaxed or engaged in observing activity outside.

Featured Image Credit: colobok34, Shutterstock