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.

[Celtic Conservative]

Cats looking out Windows = “cat TV”.

CC

[Slings and Arrows]

Wow! No trouble between the critters?

[Daffynition]

Cats 'n blinds always crack me up!

[humblegunner]

Nope.
Alice has watched generations of ‘em.
Chides them sometimes about how their grandma would not have put up with this-or-that behavior from the young ones.

True story.

I sometimes save up scraps for the coons, I think of it
as putting something aside to pay for Alice’s Animal Show.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Ever notice how a cat will seek out a patch of sunlight on the floor and flop down to sunbathe? ... They're hard-wired to bask in warm environments.

I once visited a friend in Berkeley who lived in an historic house. The living room had cathedral ceilings and windows to match, but they were all vintage 1910 and single paned. I woke the next morning and found myself freezing to death. Nobody else was up, and I couldn't get war. Then, I noticed her Abyssinian cat stretched out, snoozing, in a corner. Eureka! I found the floor furnace, and I moved over there to be with the cat! It was the nicest spot in the house.

[Lady Jag]

They do it because they want to keep us confused



Give a hand

[TheConservativeParty]

Thanks again for the Kitty Ping List.
We all need a LOL Cat to get through these harrowing times.

[Slings and Arrows]

We surely do.

[Slings and Arrows]

OK, I believe that.

[Slings and Arrows]

Very cool. Good cats must run in your family.

[Slings and Arrows]

When the student is ready, a teacher will appear.

[kaehurowing]

Our cat loves to take sunbaths. She will move throughout the house, because she knows where and when the sun comes in through the windows.

[Lady Jag]

Either that or they are studying fusion. I get those two mixed up.

[afraidfortherepublic]

LOLOLOL! Outstanding!

[TheOldLady]

Fine pictures, SA&! Thank you for the delightful thread.

[yorkiemom]

It is heartbreaking that we can’t take care of all the neglected or mistreated animals. I’ve taken in more than I should have over the years, but wish I could’ve done more.

[yorkiemom]

Thank you for the ping.

I get a calm, peaceful feeling just looking at those window kitties.

[Slings and Arrows]

Always a pleasure.

[caww]

I have a window over my kitchen sink and bedroom window...there’s a metal awning where birds like to hang out. My cat goes bonkers when he sees them flutter in and out...and that’s frequently throughout the day. So Kitty always has entertainment....It’s funny watching her crouch down like she’s ready to attack.

[Slings and Arrows]

My cats love to birdwatch too. One chitters at the birds. It’s hilarious!