Read time: 2 mins
Forever known as the most curious of creatures, it isn’t unusual for our cats to venture off for hours and sometimes days at a time, before casually returning home for dinner. Many owners wonder (and occasionally worry) about where their cats go to spend all their time and what exactly it is they’re getting up to.
Why does my cat roam?
A lot of cat parents think their furballs must dislike their company as they opt to spend so much time prowling the neighbourhood, but rest assured this isn’t the reason. Cats have an innate urge to roam due to the nature of needing to hunt and catch their food in the wild. Nowadays, most felines live in luxury with dinner served up right on time in the comfort of their homes, but this doesn’t cancel out their strong hunting instincts which lead them to wander outdoors.
Male cats especially seem to venture a little further than their female friends, and this again comes down to basic instincts and the need to find a mate. How romantic. If your male cat isn’t neutered, then they’re likely to want to look far and wide for the perfect pal, so make sure you keep tabs on them and don’t let them get too far away from home.
Being the ever curious cats that they are, most of our mogs like to know exactly what’s going on in their local area. Nosy neighbours if you will, cats like to survey their turf for any potential threats or changes to their environment, another reason they might spend so much time exploring and keeping their territory in check.
How far does my cat go?
This one really depends on the individual cat and their explorative nature. Although your cat might disappear for hours on end, they are usually only lapping the same small distances each day to make sure everything is in its place. Some cats are much more adventurous and will spread their wings a little further, but this often depends on other factors such as how many other cats are in the local area and whether or not they find them a threat.
How do I keep my cat safe outside?
It’s certainly in their nature to be inquisitive, so if you do have an outdoor kitty and you’re worried about their wandering, it’s always wise to invest in a microchip for your pal, just in case they do go a little too far. Getting your cat neutered, especially if they’re male, is also important to keep them safe and closer to home. If you have a mini adventurer on your hands, keeping them up to date with annual vaccines is essential to keep their immune system tip top on their travels too.
How do I get my cat to come home?
Always have your cat’s favourite treats stocked up at home. A small shake of the treat tin should be enough to encourage them home so they can be safe and sound and snuggled up with you for the night.
