15 signs cats give to show they would rather live outside (Photo: Hadley Woodall/Unsplash)
Domestic cats are descendants of wild felines and, due to their many natural instincts, some of them don’t like being confined inside a house.
For us humans, staying inside seems like the obvious preferred choice. After all, at home we offer our cats a warm bed, food, and toys.
But if your cat scratches the door, meows at night, or watches the windows, it may be that they really want to go outside. Check out some signs your indoor cat can’t wait to get outside:
1. Obsessed with the door
Your cat knows the door is the way outside. Even if they’ve never gone out on their own, they’ve seen you come and go through it.
So, if your cat waits by the door even when you’re home, they may just be looking for a chance to dash out.
2. Watching the windows
Some cats like to watch the windows just as a hobby. Watching birds fly by in the morning can almost serve as TV for felines.
However, this is another natural instinct they have. In the wild, wild cats like to observe everything happening around them.
Since your indoor cat can’t do this outside, this is their way to see what’s happening in their external environment.
3. Nighttime zoomies
“Zoomies,” those sudden bursts of energy many domestic animals have, can happen at any time of day.
However, they’re more common at night. This happens because cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they’re more active after the sun sets. In the wild, dusk is a good time to hunt prey with low visibility.
4. Escape skills
If your cat seems to be constantly planning an escape, even learning how to open doors and windows, it could be a sign they want to go out.
This means the life they’re living inside isn’t satisfying. Instead of letting them go outside and exposing them to dangers, invest in toys that stimulate their natural hunting senses to keep them happier and more fulfilled.
5. Constant meowing
If your cat meows a lot, even making sounds that resemble howling near the door, they may be trying to tell you they want to go out. This behavior is more often seen in cats who have had outdoor access before.
6. Stress and aggression
Still on the topic of cats who had outdoor access and now live indoors, many cats can become aggressive or stressed if they smell other cats near the door.
The scent of another feline can trigger their natural territorial protection instinct. In this case, it’s better not to let them out to prevent violent fights.
7. Marking territory
But if they can’t defend their territory outside, they will definitely make sure other cats know they own the place. And how do they do this? By peeing all around.
This behavior is another natural instinct inherited from their wild ancestors, who used urine to mark territory. When a potential “enemy” smells the urine of a cat, they’ll turn back if they’re smart.
8. Excessive grooming
Cats are very hygienic and lick themselves to clean. However, if grooming becomes obsessive, this can be a sign of anxiety and frustration from not being able to hunt and play in nature.
9. Bored with toys
Even with a large variety of toys, if your cat seems bored with them, they might be trying to tell you something.
Most domestic cats are satisfied with a good play session and mental stimulation. However, if your cat starts ignoring toys, it’s a sign they’re seeking a more exciting hunt outside.
10. Problem-solving
Studies show domestic and outdoor cats solve problems differently. Outdoor cats tend to give up on puzzles after a few tries and reject any play involving stressful situations.
This is likely because outdoor cats are used to dealing with real-world challenges and don’t have the same patience for challenging games, especially those involving food.
11. Climbing anything
Outdoor cats love to climb. If your cat likes to climb shelves, the top of wardrobes, or on top of the fridge, it’s likely acting on instinct.
In nature, cats like to climb high places to get a better view of their surroundings. So even indoors, some cats tend to replicate this behavior.
12. Concern with outside
If your cat is constantly concerned about what’s happening outside — whether it’s something they saw through the window or a strange smell — this is another instinct inherited from their ancestors.
By knowing what’s going on outside, they can mentally map routes and track other animals.
13. Territorial patrols
Does your cat patrol windows or doors? Outdoor cats patrol to defend their territory and mark boundaries. Even inside, they may replicate this behavior.
14. Depressive symptoms
Outdoor cats, as the name suggests, are made to live in nature. Even if you think keeping them inside is best, they might not think so.
Watch out if your cat starts licking excessively, eating too much, or suddenly stops eating. Even if the vet rules out health problems, these signs indicate mental distress and shouldn’t be ignored.
15. Curiosity about other cats
If instead of showing aggression, your cat seems curious when smelling other cats nearby, it means they want to interact with other cats in nature.
Conclusion
So, what to do? If your cat longs for an outdoor life, it’s up to you to decide whether to let them out. Keeping a cat indoors protects them from outside dangers but can make them sad.
Many viral TikTok videos show owners with outdoor cats. They go out in the morning to spend the day outside and return at night to eat and enjoy cuddles on the couch.
With this in mind, weigh the pros and cons. If you believe your area is safe and suitable for your cat to roam and that it would make them happier, go for it.
However, outdoor cats face risks of disease, violent fights with other cats, and traffic accidents. Therefore, meeting your cat’s stimulation needs indoors will always be the safest option.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
