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It can be concerning to see your cat sitting by the door all the time, especially if they’ve never done it before. There are a few reasons why cats may sit by the door, and understanding them can help you figure out how to address the issue. In this article, we’ll go over why your cat is exhibiting this strange behavior and what you can do to encourage them to stop it.
The 13 Reasons Your Cat May Be Sitting by the Door
1. Your Cat Wants to Go Outside
The most common reason cats sit by the door is because they want to go outside. They may be attracted to the fresh air, sounds, and smells of nature. Even if your cat is an indoor-only pet, they still have an instinct to explore the outdoors.
2. Your Cat Is Bored or Lonely
Your cat may be sitting by the door out of boredom or loneliness. Cats are social and thrive in environments where they can explore, play, and interact with people and other animals. If your cat isn’t getting enough stimulation from their environment, they may try to find something interesting by sitting at the door.
3. Your Cat Is Seeking Attention
Cats are known for their independence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t crave affection from time to time! Sitting by the door may be a way for your cat to get your attention and let you know they want love and companionship.
4. Your Cat Smells Other Animals Outside
If other animals are nearby, such as wild birds or squirrels, your cat may be attracted to their scents. Sitting by the door gives them a better chance of smelling these creatures and possibly interacting with them.
5. Your Cat Wants to See Another Person or Animal
If your cat likes someone in your home, such as a family member or another pet, they may sit by the door waiting for them to come home. Or, if they know another person will come over soon, they may want to greet them as soon as they arrive!
6. Your Cat Just Wants Peace and Quiet
Sometimes, cats need time alone! If your house is particularly noisy or crowded, your cat may be looking for a quiet spot to relax. The door may be their way of getting away from it all.
7. Your Cat Wants Fresh Air or Sunshine
Cats love being in the sun and getting fresh air, so sitting by the door allows them to do both at once! If your house is particularly stuffy, they may seek a more pleasant environment by sitting near the door.
8. Your Cat Hears Something Intriguing Outside
If something is interesting happening outside, such as kids playing, birds chirping, or cars passing, your cat may be drawn to these noises and sit by the door to listen.
9. Your Cat Knows Someone Is Coming
Cats are incredibly perceptive, and they can sense when someone is coming before anyone else in the house does! If your cat is attuned to your comings and goings, they may be sitting by the door as a way of greeting you.
10. Your Cat Wants to Escape or Explore
If you live in an area where outdoor cats roam freely, your indoor-only cat may be drawn to their environment and be tempted to sneak out if given the opportunity. They may also want to explore outside–even if they don’t have access–and sitting by the door gives them a view of what’s out there.
11. Your Cat Is Marking Their Territory
Cats have a natural instinct to mark areas as theirs, and sitting by the door may be one way they’re doing this. They may also just be scent-marking the area around the door as a way of claiming it as their own.
12. Your Cat Feels Threatened or Anxious
Sometimes, cats will sit by the door out of fear or anxiety if they sense something outside that makes them feel unsafe. This could be anything from loud noises to strange smells, and your cat may be trying to stay safe by keeping an eye on what’s going on outside.
13. Your Cat Is Seeking Comfort or Security
Finally, some cats enjoy being close to an exit or entrance since it makes them feel secure and safe. If your cat is feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, they may be seeking comfort by sitting near the door.
What to Do If Your Cat Won’t Stop Sitting by the Door
If your cat has taken to sitting by the door, there are a few things you can do to distract them:
- Offer them treats or toys. Cats love rewards, so offering them something they enjoy may encourage them to leave the door and explore elsewhere.
- Play with them. Spending quality time with your cat is a great way to redirect their attention away from the door and onto something else.
- Provide plenty of environmental enrichment. Investing in interactive cat toys or activities can keep your cat entertained for hours, which means less time spent at the door!
- Keep an eye on any changes in behavior. If you notice that your cat’s behavior near the door has changed, it could be a sign that they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Take time to observe them and figure out what might be causing the change.
- Talk to your vet. If you’re still having trouble getting your cat away from the door, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They may be able to provide more insights into why your cat is behaving this way and suggest other solutions.
Is It Safe to Let Your Cat Outside?
It can be heartbreaking to keep cats indoors when they want to go outside so badly. In general, it’s not recommended to let your indoor-only cats outdoors for safety reasons. Outdoor cats face several dangers, such as cars, predators, and rodent poison. Cats can also be a hazard to the local wildlife populations (especially birds, including some fragile bird species). However, if you decide to let your cat explore the outdoors, there are some steps you can take to ensure their safety:
- Always supervise your cat when they’re outside. This will prevent them from getting into dangerous situations or encountering predators.
- Keep an eye out for signs of illness or injury. If you notice that your cat is limping, coughing, or not acting like themselves, bring them back inside and contact your veterinarian.
- Make sure your cat is wearing a collar with ID tags on it. This will ensure that if your cat does get lost, they can be easily identified and returned home safely.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots for your cat when they’re outside. This will keep them safe from predators, as well as give them a place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or scared.
- Take your cat for regular check-ups at a vet. This will ensure that your cat remains healthy and free of illnesses.
If you have additional questions about the risks and benefits of allowing your cat to roam outside and what you can do to keep them safe, you could also do a virtual consult with a licensed vet.
Safer Ways for Your Cat to Experience Nature
If you want to allow your indoor-only cat to experience nature without exposing them to potential dangers, there are a few ways you can do it:
- Set up an outdoor playpen in your backyard. This will allow your cat to explore the great outdoors while still being safely enclosed in a secure area.
- Invest in bird feeders and baths so your cats can watch birds and other wildlife from the comfort of their homes.
- Place houseplants around your home to bring nature indoors and provide a safe place for your cats to explore.
- Visit cat-friendly parks and green spaces where you can take your cat on a leashe to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of nature without being exposed to potential dangers.
- Take your cat on a walk with a leash and harness. This will allow them to explore the outdoors while still being safely tethered to you. It may take a few tries before your cat gets used to a leash or harness, but if you’re patient, they’ll eventually catch on!
Conclusion
Cats have many reasons why they might be drawn to sitting near the door, ranging from curiosity to safety concerns. If your cat is exhibiting this behavior, it is vital that you understand why they may be doing so to figure out the best way to help them feel more comfortable and secure. While it’s not recommended to let your cat outdoors, there are several ways you can provide them with safe experiences in nature. With the right amount of patience and understanding, you should be able to help your cat find their way back to a happy and healthy life.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
