[Window Guard] The cat that is always looking outside was actually thinking about...?! The psychology of window-side cats and how to create a comfortable space
Good morning!
I'm makoto@kushiro, living a lively daily life with my three cats (Taiga, Oreo, and Cocoa) in Kushiro.
We've entered the latter half of June, and here in Kushiro, the days when the city is wrapped in the famous sea fog (jiri) are increasing. There are days that are cool and chilly, and days that are bright and sunny with pleasant early summer sunshine, so my cats are spending even more time in their special seats by the window, looking outside.
So far, I have talked about countless themes, including cat behavioral psychology, health management, and stress countermeasures. Thank you for always reading!
Now, this time, I will talk about the theme of the question you feel when you look at the back of your beloved cat who is almost always there when you look at the window: "What is a cat looking outside thinking?"
"Do they want to go outside?" "Are they bored?"
When you see their back as they stare intently outside in the same posture, you might feel a little sad. But please rest assured. When a cat is looking out the window, their mind is much busier than humans imagine!
1. The 3 "True Reasons" Why Cats Look Out the Window
The psychology of a cat staring out the window can be broadly divided into three patterns.
1. "No abnormalities today!" (Territorial patrol) Cats are inherently animals with a very strong sense of territory. Looking out from the window is a proper "security job" to monitor whether any enemies are approaching their territory (home) or if there are any suspicious characters. The sight of Taiga, a senior cat who sits firmly, looking slowly outside while squinting by the window, is truly the "security captain" of our house.
2. "Oh, a bird! A bug!" (A TV program for cats) Just as humans enjoy watching TV or YouTube, the outside of the window is a treasure trove of exciting entertainment for cats. Birds flying, insects fluttering, leaves swaying in the wind, and sometimes cars and people passing by. By following moving objects with their eyes, their hunting instinct is stimulated, which helps them pass the time. Sometimes the mischievous Oreo makes strange "kakaka" or "kekeke" sounds toward the window; this is called "chattering," and it is a behavior that comes from the frustration and excitement of wanting to catch prey but not being able to reach it.
3. "It smells like the wind~" (Information gathering and relaxation) Cats enjoy the outside world not only through sight but also through smell and hearing. They sensitively perceive the scent of the outside air coming in through the slight gap in the window, the changing of the seasons, and the presence of other animals. Also, by basking in the warm sunlight, the happiness hormone (serotonin) is secreted, and they are enjoying the ultimate relaxation time. When the affectionate Cocoa is sleeping as if melting by the window, she is in this state.
2. Please rest assured that it does not mean they "want to go outside"
Many kind owners worry when their cats are looking intently out the window, thinking, "Is it pitiful for them to only be inside the house?" or "Do they want to go outside?"
However, for a cat kept entirely indoors, the inside of the house is their own territory where they feel safest and most secure. The outside world is an "interesting world on the other side of the TV," and it does not necessarily mean that they "want to go there themselves."
Rather, if you force them outside, there is a high risk of panic leading to escapes or accidents like I talked about in the previous article, so please absolutely avoid leaving the window wide open like that.
3. How to create a "special window seat" for your beloved cat
The window is the best entertainment space and relaxation room for a cat. Here are some tips to make it more comfortable for them.
Stabilize the footing: If the window frame is narrow, place a cat tower right next to the window, or set up a stable shelf or chair to create a space where they can sit comfortably and look outside.
Sunshade/Cold protection: In the summer, there is a risk of heatstroke from too much direct sunlight. Adjust the temperature by using lace curtains or placing a cooling mat.
Safety measures for screen doors are essential: As I wrote in a previous article, to prevent accidents where cats get excited and jump at the screen door, tearing it, please don't forget to replace it with a pet-safe screen, install a fence, or lock the stopper.
Summary: A back at the window is a symbol of peace and security
The reason cats can spend their time relaxing while looking out the window is precisely because the house is safe for them and there are no threats.
"The birds are here again today," "The breeze feels nice."
If you see the round backs of Taiga, Oreo, and Cocoa lined up staring outside, it's a wonderful time to gently sit next to them and enjoy the same view. Even if you don't speak the same language, simply looking at the same things together and sharing a pleasant moment will deepen your bond with your cats.
I hope you all will make your cat's "window-side TV viewing time" safe and comfortable!
