Why Does My Cat Want to Go Outside? 5 Main Reasons
No matter how comfy they might be indoors, even the indoorsiest of cats might paw at the door or yowl endlessly until you let them explore outside. Here's why.
Whether it’s a longing gaze out the window, loud meowing at the door, or an attempted escape every time it opens, you wouldn’t be the first cat parent to wonder, why does my cat want to go outside so bad? Turns out, this behavior is pretty common among cats — even indoor ones. But why do they do it? And how can you keep them safe while satisfying their curiosity? Here are a couple of our top tips, including where tracking their movements with a cat GPS tracker can be a potential lifesaver.
Find out where your cat spends their time.
Read moreWhy do cats want to go outside so bad?
Cats are natural explorers with instincts deeply rooted in their wild ancestors. (Yes, even your indoor cat.) Here are some of the most common reasons they might crave the outdoors:
- Instincts and territory
Cats have an innate desire to explore, hunt, and claim territory. Even if your feline has been indoors their whole life, those instincts don’t just disappear. They may be drawn to the sights, sounds, and scents of the outside world as part of their natural behavior. - Boredom
Wondering, why does my indoor cat want to go outside? They might just be a budding outdoor cat! A cat confined indoors may become bored without enough stimulation. Watching birds through the window or hearing outdoor noises might make the outside seem like the ultimate adventure. - Mating or socializing
Unspayed or unneutered cats are especially driven to roam, searching for mates or hanging out with the other cats in the area. - Routine and curiosity
If you’ve allowed your cat to head outside in the past, they may want to return to what they’ve experienced before. Cats are creatures of habit, and if the outdoors becomes part of their routine, they’ll demand it. - Nighttime activity
If you’ve ever asked yourself, why does my cat want to go outside at night? – it’s got to do with how your cat’s built, evolution-wise. Cats are crepuscular — meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. This is why your cat may be particularly insistent about going outside at night. They’re naturally wired to hunt or patrol during these hours.
💡 A cat GPS tracker can help you figure out where your cat’s off roaming all day, including their favorite spots and wider territory. Plus, with real-time tracking, you’ll always know where your cat is – with just a glance at your phone.
Know everywhere your cat goes
See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far from home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you. Track sleep and activity.
Why it’s a good idea to let your cat outside – safely
While keeping your cat indoors is the safest option, allowing them controlled outdoor access can be a great idea when it comes to their mental and physical well-being. It means you can:
- Prevent your cat from getting bored
The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors can keep your cat entertained all day long, with zero effort from your side. Exploring a safe environment can help prevent them from getting bored, stressed, and a little too scratch-happy around your couches and curtains. - Ensure your cat is getting enough exercise
Outdoor activities like climbing, running, and hunting bugs help keep your cat physically active and healthy. In the long run, this can help prevent them from packing on the pounds and being at risk for harmful health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. - Help your cat behave
A cat that gets to satisfy their natural instincts outdoors in a safe way may be less likely to act out at home. Like, for example, by scratching furniture or meowing endlessly at night – when they feel occupied and stimulated by getting some outdoor time.
⚠️ At the same time, the outdoors do come with their dangers. Whether from passing cars, poisonous plants, predators, or even pet thieves. Your cat might also run into infectious critters like ticks and fleas, many species of which can infect and spread harmful diseases – even to humans.
Which is why it helps to figure out…
How to let your cat outdoors – safely
- Vaccinations
Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccines and flea/tick prevention. Getting them spayed or neutered can prevent any unwanted pregnancies and roaming. - Collar and ID tags
Make sure your cat wears a breakaway collar with ID tags. Ideally, your cat is also microchipped. All these steps help ensure that if your cat does get lost, a helpful stranger can identify them and contact you. - Supervised outings
Start by carrying your cat outdoors in a carrier or a comfy backpack. Either way, make sure you’re around to intervene at first. It can help your cat figure out the safe, familiar areas nearby for them to explore by themselves later. - Cat-proof your balcony, if you have one
If you have a balcony, wire mesh or cat-proof coverings can keep them safely inside. Never let your cat in the balcony unsupervised. Check out our guide on how to set up a cat-proof balcony for max safety. - Get your cat used to a harness and leash
Yes, it may sound a bit strange – but cats can and do adjust pretty well to harnesses and being walked on a leash! Check out our guide on how to leash train a cat and consider using a long leash to give them some wiggle room. - Build a catio or a heated outdoor cat house
A catio is an enclosed outdoor space that lets your cat view their outdoor surroundings – while still remaining securely indoors. You can install or DIY a couple yourself with the steps in our guide. Plus, in the colder months, a heated outdoor cat house can help your cat have a safe space to retreat to.
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And as an emergency measure:
- GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker allows you to monitor your cat’s location in real-time, so you can ensure they’re staying safe and within designated areas. For example, with the Tractive GPS, you can set up a “safe zone” around your backyard – and get an escape alert if your cat ventures outside of it. (So you can intervene right away.)
How to stop a cat from wanting to go outside
If you’re worried the outdoors might pose more of a risk to your cat – like if you live near an unsafe, busy street full of cars – here are a couple of ways to redirect their energy away from it:
- Create an enriched indoor environment
Scratching posts, climbing structures, and puzzle feeders can keep your cat occupied. Window perches can help them spy on what’s going on outdoors without actually stepping outdoors. Toys that resemble “prey” animals like mice or birds can help curb their hunting instincts. - Spay or neuter your cat
This reduces their urge to roam for mates and even helps prevent harmful diseases. (Like certain cancers and tumours in female cats.) - Use barriers
Make the door or windows less appealing by using pet gates or spraying citrus scents. (Cats generally dislike these). Distract them with treats or playtime when they seem fixated on going outside. - Give your cat some company
Whether it’s another cat, pet, or someone checking up on them when you’re not around. This can prevent your cat from getting bored and scrambling to get outdoors for some company. - Go overboard on the attention
(And affection.) The few extra cuddles and quality time together can safely distract your cat from venturing outdoors. - Follow a consistent routine
Mealtimes, play time, and quality time with you all matter to your cat. (Even more so if they’re around the same time most days.) This can help keep them well-fed and well-exercised enough that they don’t feel the need to head outdoors for some extra fun. - Reward your cat plenty when they do come back indoors
Keep some treats ready for when your cat returns. With time, this can help them learn that “indoors = treats” and “outdoors = no treats.”
And in an emergency…
Like if your cat’s gone outside, but hasn’t returned – just hit “LIVE” on your Tractive mobile app. The tracker on your cat’s collar will update their real-time location on your phone right away.
Your cat’s urge to go outside is part of who they are, but it doesn’t have to mean constant stress for you. With an indoor environment full of toys, supervised outdoor time, and a cat GPS tracker as an emergency measure, your cat gets to enjoy the best of both worlds — safely.
