A Cat’s view
Cat owners may be cautious about letting their cat outside for one reason or the next, and this is okay. Whether you decide to let your cat wander or not is your choice, but giving them access to a window to peer from should always be considered. Watching out the window is a great enrichment activity for your cat as it gives them a look into the outside world, and watching their surroundings can be very exciting to them.
“Chittering”
You may have noticed from time to time, when your cat is focused on something they are watching, that they start to make this “chittering” noise. They may make this when they are locked in on a bug flying around the room, or playing with you to get a toy. This chittering comes from their predatory instinct to hunt. You might see other things such as their ears moving back or eyes getting wide, signaling that this is the time that they want to pounce!
Visual Stimulation
Watching out of the window can be great enrichment for cats, and visually stimulating for them. Imagine you watching your favorite TV show, or maybe getting super excited about the sports game that’s happening in front of you. This is just as exciting or more for cats!
Feel the Breeze
Some cats also may feel like they need access to air outside of their environment. In order to keep them happy and the room feeling less stuffy, give them some time in front of the window when you let the breeze come in. If you are concerned about your kitty escaping, you do not need to open the window all the way for it to be enjoyable to them. Just opening your window a crack can draw in fresh air, and you might notice them migrating over to enjoy it! Sunlight also comes in through the window, which you might find they want to lay there and bask in.
Making your Windows Accessible
Final Tips
- Hang a Bird feeder outside – this helps to attract birds to the window for your cats viewing!
- Leave on the light at night – leaving on a light outside during dusk or the dark can attract bugs to be watched by your cat.
- Give access to a higher window – cats love elevated surfaces as it is, so doubling this with the window can make for an all around wonderful time.
Watching from the window is just one enrichment activity that can be simple yet effective for keeping your cat entertained. For other enrichment ideas, visit the enrichment section of our blog.