Why do cats hang around my house? Let’s find out together…
Do you ever wonder why cats seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing which houses to hang around?
It’s a common phenomenon that we’ve all experienced at one point or another.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why cats choose certain homes as their favorite haunts.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of feline behavior.
Why Do Cats Hang Around My House
There can be several reasons why cats might hang around your house and one reason could be that they have found a source of food or water nearby, such as a birdbath, leaky faucet, or garbage bin.
If you have pets that go in and out of your house, cats might be attracted by the scent of other animals.
Another reason could be that your house or yard provides the cat with a safe and comfortable place to hang out.
Cats may seek out quiet and shady areas for rest, or they may seek out sunny spots for basking.
Finally, cats may simply be passing through your property on their daily rounds, especially if you live in an area with a high population of outdoor cats.
Reasons Why Cats Hang Around Your House
The following are some common reasons why cats hang around your house:
1. Seeking food
Cats are opportunistic predators and scavengers who will devour nearly anything that comes their way.
If you feed stray or wild cats on your property, they will rapidly learn that your place is a reliable source of food.
Cats may be drawn to your property even if you are not purposefully feeding them, if they can smell the remains of a recent meal, such as the aroma of meat or fish.
Their keen sense of smell helps them detect any available food, and they may return to your house if they associate it with a reliable source of nourishment.
2. Seek human companionship
Cats are well-known for their ability to create affectionate attachments with people.
If you or your family members have been kind to or cared for a cat in the neighborhood, they may identify your home with positive experiences and want human interaction.
They may also enjoy playing and cuddling with you or simply watching you from a distance.
3. Hunting prey
Cats are natural hunters who may be loitering on your property because they smell prey such as mice, birds, or insects.
This is especially likely if you have a garden or plants that attract these animals, such as fruits and vegetables.
While cats can be useful for pest management, it is crucial to ensure that they do not damage any creatures that you do not want them to.
4. Seeking shelter
Cats are animals of comfort, and they enjoy curling up in a warm and snug position.
They might be drawn to the warmth of your windowsill or the protection of your porch.
If you see a cat sticking about your house when it’s very chilly or rainy outdoors, the cat may be looking for protection from the elements.
You can provide a safe haven for them by erecting a cat house or filling a box with blankets.
5. Scoping out territory
Cats are quite territorial and may be scouting your property for potential hazards or possibilities.
They may be marking their territory by rubbing their smell on items such as trees or fences, signaling to other cats that this region is theirs.
If you have a cat, they may be watching the competition as well.
6. Socializing with other cats
Cats are gregarious animals, and they may be staying around your house to mingle with other cats in the neighborhood.
They may also be drawn to your home if you have several cats.
If you don’t want random cats hanging out in your yard, you can dissuade them with motion-activated sprinklers or other deterrents.
7. Enjoying the scenery
Cats are inquisitive creatures, and they may be drawn to your home simply because there are intriguing things to observe.
They could be looking out your window at birds or other creatures or exploring your yard for new sights and smells.
Providing a range of toys and cat-friendly spaces to explore will help keep cats engaged and happy.
8. Marking their territory
Cats utilize scent to define their area, so if you see a cat rubbing its head on objects around your house, it’s probably trying to mark its territory.
Cats may also spray urine to indicate their territory, so if you detect any strong odors in your home, this could be an indication that your cats are marking their territory.
9. Playtime opportunities
Cats have a natural desire to stalk and pounce, and they need mental and physical activity to stay happy.
Cats may be drawn to your yard or garden if it offers options for hunting and play.
They may chase insects, birds, or even a single falling leaf.
Toys and engaging play sessions can help them meet their urge for playtime.
10. Seeking warmth to keep comfortable
Cats are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and need warmth to stay warm.
Outdoor cats may be drawn to warm sections of your home, such as sunny regions, snug nooks, or radiant heat sources.
They may also seek refuge around outdoor equipment or in sheds with residual warmth.
11. Exploring your house
Cats are natural explorers and may be lurking around your home out of curiosity.
They may be drawn to the noises of birds or other animals, or they may be curious about your home or yard.
Providing a safe and secure area for cats to explore can aid in their happiness and health.
Learn more about the behavior of abandoned cats.
How to stop cats from hanging around your house
There are a number of common ways to deter cats from hanging around your house, including:
- Using motion-activated sprinklers: These sprayers use motion sensors to detect when a cat is nearby and spray them with water, which can help deter them from coming back.
- Cleaning up food sources: Cats are attracted to areas where they can find food, so cleaning up any food scraps or spills and making sure all garbage cans are properly secured can help reduce the appeal of your property.
- Using natural cat repellents: There are a number of natural substances that cats find unpleasant, such as citrus, coffee grounds, and vinegar. Sprinkling some of these substances around the perimeter of your property can help deter cats from coming onto your land.
- Installing cat spikes: These are small plastic or metal spikes that can be installed on walls, fences, and other surfaces to make them uncomfortable for cats to climb on.
- Installing cat netting: This is a simple mesh netting that can be installed over garden areas or other attractive features to prevent cats from accessing them.
- Using noise deterrents: There are various noise-making devices available that emit high-pitched sounds that cats find uncomfortable. These can be an effective way to deter cats from coming onto your property.
- Planting cat-repellent plants: There are several plants that cats find unpleasant, including rue, lavender, and pennyroyal. Planting these in your garden can help keep cats away.
- Providing a designated spot for cats: Cats may be less likely to hang around your property if they have a designated spot where they can eat, drink, and relax, such as a small shelter or outdoor cat house.
- Using humane traps: If you’re having persistent problems with cats, using a humane trap can be an effective way to catch them and then release them elsewhere. However, it’s important to make sure you release them in a safe and appropriate location.
Learn more about why cats disappear without a trace.
How to help cats hanging around your house
Here are some common ways to help outdoor cats feel safe and comfortable around your home:
- Provide shelter: Outdoor cats need a dry, warm place to sleep, especially during the cold winter months. You can provide a shelter in your yard or porch, or even build a proper cat house for them.
- Offer food and water: Outdoor cats often struggle to find a reliable source of food and water. Providing them with a regular supply will help them become more comfortable around your home.
- Use pheromone sprays: These sprays mimic the scent that cats use to mark their territory, making it easier for outdoor cats to identify your home as a safe space.
- Provide scratching posts: Scratching posts are important for cats’ mental and physical health. By providing them outside, you give outdoor cats an outlet to satisfy their natural urge to scratch.
- Create hiding spots: Cats like to hide in small, enclosed spaces to feel safe. You can create hiding spots in your yard or porch by building some small shelters or providing a few boxes.
- Be patient: Outdoor cats can be skittish and may take some time to get comfortable around humans. Be patient and give them space, and they may grow to trust and even approach you over time.
- Avoid loud noises: Loud noises or sudden movements can scare outdoor cats. Avoid making loud noises around them, and approach them calmly and quietly.
- Use deterrents: If there are certain areas of your home or yard that you don’t want outdoor cats to enter, you can use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or certain plants that cats dislike.
- Consider TNR: Trap-neuter-release programs are a humane and effective way to manage outdoor cat populations. By sterilizing outdoor cats, you can help prevent them from mating and create even more cats that need homes.
Learn more about making a cat trust you.
FAQs
Why do cats hang around my house?
It’s possible that the cats are drawn to your house because they feel safe and comfortable there.
Cats are territorial creatures, and they often seek out spaces that provide a sense of security and familiarity.
Additionally, your house may offer a source of food or water for the cats, which could be attracting them.
How can I deter cats from hanging around my house?
There are several things you can do to deter cats from hanging around your house.
One option is to make your yard less appealing to them by removing any potential sources of food or water.
You could also try installing motion-activated sprinklers or using deterrent sprays that are designed specifically for cats.
Are there any benefits to having cats hang around my house?
If you’re a cat lover, having cats hang around your house can be a source of joy and entertainment.
Additionally, cats are known for their pest control abilities, so they may help keep the rodent population in check around your property.
Learn more about the behavior of adopted stray cats.
Is it safe for cats to hang around my house?
As long as the cats are healthy and well-fed, there’s no reason why it wouldn’t be safe for them to hang around your house.
However, if you notice that a cat appears injured or ill, it’s important to contact a local animal rescue organization to ensure that it receives proper care.
What should I do if a cat is hanging around my house and appears to be lost?
If you suspect that a cat is lost or stray, it’s important to approach it with caution.
If the cat appears friendly and approachable, try to check for a collar or other identifying information.
You could also contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization to report the cat and ask for advice.
Can I adopt a cat that hangs around my house?
If you’re interested in adopting a cat that hangs around your house, it’s important to approach the situation carefully.
First, make sure that the cat is actually a stray and not someone else’s pet.
If the cat appears to be a stray and you’re willing and able to provide it with a safe and caring home, you could consider taking it in and getting it checked out by a veterinarian to ensure that it’s healthy.
Learn more about traumatized cats and tips.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats choose to hang around your house because they find it comfortable and safe.
They may be looking for food or shelter, or maybe they just enjoy your company!
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to remember to be kind and respectful to these beloved creatures.
After all, a cat’s love and loyalty can bring a lot of joy into our lives.
So next time you see a cat lounging on your porch, remember to give them a little wave and maybe even offer them a treat.
Who knows, you might just make a furry friend for life!
