What's the deal with cats and windows? [photo essay]

MNN ^ | 8/26/14

[Slings and Arrows]

Cats possess many odd quirks and habits, but one of their most endearing qualities is their love of windows. It seems like once they find a good window perch, they won't leave for hours! Why is that?

 

The feline affinity for windows can be attributed to many factors. Cats are curious observers, and let's face it, the strange outside world is probably a lot more interesting than the interior of a house. After all, why would a cat want to observe his or her human sitting around doing absolutely nothing (e.g. melting into a couch and gluing their eyes to the television) when there's an exciting world of birds, bugs and squirrels just beyond the windowsill?

 

Another major reason these exquisite creatures gravitate towards windows is because they're a great source of warm sunlight during the day. Ever notice how a cat will seek out a patch of sunlight on the floor and flop down to sunbathe? This is because the domestic kitties of today are descended from wild desert cats that passed down their impressive heat tolerance, high metabolism and, in some breeds, their light, short-haired coats. They're hard-wired to bask in warm environments.

 

Whatever the reason, having a window available to perch in is a vital component of a happy, healthy indoor kitty.

 

In honor of the window-loving, sunbathing kitties everywhere, enjoy these adorable photos of indoor (and outdoor) cats lounging around in windows.

[Slings and Arrows]

Too many pix to post here - see them at the link.

[Slings and Arrows]

[GeronL]

do they not like Apples?

[C19fan]

One can make a funny meme (is that the right term?) of the photo with four cats which appear to be looking in the same direction.

[Slings and Arrows]

I’ll think about it. Tired now.

[kaehurowing]

They are looking out over the savannah. Memories of ancient Egypt and Africa.

[Blennos]

Like people watching the television screen

[DJ MacWoW]

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[blueunicorn6]

I was at my niece’s house the other day. Her big orange cat jumped up on the couch next to me.

“I was watching you out the front window”, he said. “I was wondering how you would taste with Fava Beans and a nice Chianti?”

“Did I tell you I gave your neighbors a pit bull?”, I responded. “Do you want to go outside? I think he wants to eat you.....I mean meet you.”

[Slings and Arrows]

"DUZ U TASTE LIEK CHIKN?"

[Slings and Arrows]

I keep a bird feeder on my balcony and leave the blinds open. I call it “Kitty TV.”

[Uversabound]

Many years ago I used to date a man who was mentally challanged. He had a cat and probably should not have, I did not see him for long. Once I discovered he had cats I could not leave them to fend for themselves. He was not clean and did not take care of the litter box. I threw everything out, bought a new box with the newer clumping litter and would visit every week to make sure the box was cleaned. This guy used to close all the curtains and the cat would go to the one sliver of sunlight that came through one of the openings. I could tell that he loved it. His name was Grady. I could not take him at the time but did my best to make his life better. It still breaks my heart that I could not take him. He loved to be cuddled. We do the best we can. Sorry for the venting but the window article made me think of Grady.

[Slings and Arrows]

do they not like Apples?

Well, they're darn sure not PC.

[truth_seeker]

Our small dog seeks sunlight patches on the floor.

Our cat looks out the window.

[thackney]

kitty pics ping

[humblegunner]

I keep a bird feeder on my balcony and leave the blinds open. I call it “Kitty TV.”

My mom has a pack of raccoons she feeds on the porch. Bread and ramen and waterbowls.

Her cat Alice Ann sits out there on the swing and watches.

We call it "Alice's Animal Show".

[Catmom]

My big barn cat, Louie, always comes in the house to take a long midday nap in front of the sliding glass doors that face west. Once the sun sets he heads outside for another night of hunting.

[tcrlaf]

[tcrlaf]

[DJ MacWoW]