Feline Wanderings: The Secret World of Cat Territories

When your kitty happily trots in for dinner, after several hours in the great outdoors, have you ever wondered where on earth they have been?

While I can’t tell you exactly what mischief your cat has been getting into, I can shed some light on how their territory works.

What is a Cat Territory?

Our pussycats might act pampered and indulge in many home comforts, however every cat has a desire to maintain an independent territory.

If your cat is allowed to wander, they will likely have a territory that extends beyond just your house and garden. Ultimately, they want space to call their own and may defend their territory against cats and other intruders.

How Do Cats Mark their Territory?

You will likely have seen your cat marking their territory.

The most common methods, are spraying, scratching and rubbing their chin and cheeks against objects. When cats do this, they are leaving behind pheromones (or chemical Post-it notes).

These have lots of different meanings. If your cat is rubbing their cheek over prominent objects in the home, they are marking that environment as safe and secure. Scratching and spraying at the edges of their territory is warning other cats to stay away.

How large is my cat’s territory?

There will be a huge variety in territory size when it comes to the moggy.

Unneutered male cats will wander further in search of a mate. This is why it is so important to ensure your cat has been neutered before you allow them to explore the outside. This prevents unwanted kittens and keeps your kitty safer!

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The general rule is that cats will roam in the area between 40-200 metres from their house. In urban environments, cats will often see multiple gardens as their territory.

Some cats in neighbourhoods have learnt to timeshare, so each cat will wander their territory at different times to avoid seeing each other. However, conflict and tension between cats are common, I’m sure many of you have woken up to the horrific sounds of cats fighting.

Cats that live in rural environments are likely to wander a little further.

Territory and your Home

Ever felt like your cat rules your household? Well, that’s because they do…

Our homes are the places where our kitties feel the safest. This is the place where they eat, sleep, relax, toilet, purr and often cause chaos.

This is why introducing a new cat into the household can be very tricky. Your cat doesn’t see an adorable fuzzy kitten, they see a rival who puts their resources and territory at risk.

Discover more about Multi Cat Households.

How Do I Prevent My Cat Wandering?

Some cats are known for being very adventurous with their roaming habits. It can be very stressful dealing with a cat that can go missing for hours or days.

There are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of your cat roaming far:

• Ensure your kitty is neutered or spayed. Cats will wander further looking for a mate.
• Make sure their microchip is up to date, and they have had their vaccinations and boosters.
• Try using a quick release cat collar and an identity tag. Add your name, address and mobile number to the tag.

Alongside these tips, it is important to cater to your cat’s needs.

By making sure your kitty has everything in the home that they need. Make sure their resources (food, water, scratchers, toys, sleeping areas) are spread across the home. Playing with your cat every day and giving them the attention and love they deserve will help keep them closer to home.

Watch our 5 Tips for Happy Cats video.

I hope this sheds some light on your moggies’ mysterious habits when outside.

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