Not all people let their cats go out unsupervised, but for those who do, they often wonder where their cats go. Is it living a double life? Is it going to other homes in search of food? Is it having an affair with someone else? These are just a few of the questions we ask ourselves. Many people do not know how social cats really are. I myself know that my cats provide endless entertainment for my neighbors, and I appreciate that they don’t seem to mind my cats’ curious presence. Have you ever wondered why cats go to other people’s homes? The answer may help you understand the story behind your cat’s whiskers.
Below are a few possible reasons why cats go to strangers’ homes.
Cats go to other people’s homes because they are naturally curious
Remember that cats are very territorial animals. Cats do not want to be best friends with the dog next door like dogs do. If there is another cat next door to yours, your cat may not want to get close to it. Some cats are not very confrontational, but don’t be surprised if they argue with a stray dog without sniffing it. Inquisitiveness is in the cat’s DNA. Therefore, if something touches their innate curiosity, the cat is likely to investigate. This is especially true if a neighbor’s cat has cat food in a dish outside the house.
We want attention.
Cats train us well. They get whatever they want and we are ready to meet their every need. I have learned that even my shy cat, Tom, is not as shy as I thought he was. And I must confess, I was a little jealous when I saw him with his little tail wrapped around my neighbor’s leg, washing dishes like a scorned lover, and glaring at my kitchen window through the open blinds. In short, cats are not as solitary creatures as many people think.
Most cats don’t jump on your car like a dog or stick their head out the window to ride in your car, but they are excellent judges of character. May her jolly soul rest in peace. Even a “shy” cat like me will wander over to be petted if I think the person is not a threat. Your cat loves attention. And they’ve been warned.
Minnie, in all her glory
There are many reasons why cats go to other people’s homes, so as long as you know they are being properly cared for, you don’t have to worry too much.
Remember, cats are opportunistic by nature. While they do well in the house, they may just be curious if the grass is greener outside. There is a cat in England named Minnie who is very clear about her needs and wants to board at the local coop to get attention from shoppers. Even though there are some very nice homes on that street. As a result, some cats want to be pampered more than others.
Cats are actually very social and love to be praised by others!
All three of my cats love attention. My cat, Pepper, is a total goofball. Before this year’s pandemic, when my daughter and I were door-to-door selling Girl Scout cookies, we noticed that our cats fit in well with the neighbors. Especially the neighbors on either side of us who bought boxes of cookies. They even named our cats and told us they “really liked” them every time we visited. I felt guilty that my cat had invaded their space and apologized profusely. The man smiled and said he didn’t mind at all. He said “Norman” always makes him laugh, Chad is very impressive, and Glenn is very sweet.
Tom, AKA Chad. And a fake “shy” cat, Mr. Purple, AKA Glenn, in the background
My daughter thought our new cat’s name was funny and made sure to tell him that her cat’s name is Pepper ……. He hates being called Norman. Cats like attention and some cats like to be praised. Cats can understand the difference in tone of voice when we speak. If I call Pepper “Norman,” I don’t know if Pepper will turn and look at me. The truth is, only they know the answer to that question! Believe me, cats know their own names. But sometimes they don’t answer.
Pepper AKA Norman depending on what side of the fence he is on.
What’s theirs is mine.
Don’t forget that your cat is a very territorial animal. In its mind, the boundaries of its feline kingdom extend beyond the confines of your home. The problem is that cat marking can be very worrying for your neighbors, who get upset when they see a cat that is not theirs spraying water in their garden. Cats spray to mark their territory, and your neighbor may be upset if his bushes are marked by the cat’s potent urine. It’s obviously safer to keep your cat indoors. As much as we all love cats, cat marking is a major cause of disagreements between neighbors. If you have a cat that is very territorial and isn’t afraid to show it in your neighbor’s yard, then keeping your cat indoors will solve the problem entirely.
Have you learned something new about our feline friends? Share this article with other cat lovers you know so they can learn something too.
by Modi Ramos
