Cat Watching from the Window

About this drawing

It may look like a lazy afternoon, but a cat in the window is doing a real job. Cats like to keep track of their territory, and a sunny sill gives them a safe lookout over everything that moves outside.

Their eyes are especially good at catching small, quick motion, so a sparrow hopping across the lawn is hard to ignore. Many owners have heard the odd chattering noise cats make when they spot a bird. Scientists are still not sure why it happens, though it seems linked to the excitement of hunting.

Height matters too. Up high, a cat feels protected and can see trouble coming long before it arrives. That is why climbing shelves and tall perches are so popular, and why a window often beats the most expensive cat bed in the house. Throw in a warm patch of sunlight and it is close to perfect, since cats love to soak up heat.

Vets often suggest that indoor cats get a good view for this reason. Watching birds and neighbors gives their busy brains something to do, a little like reading the news each morning. Just make sure screens are strong and fit tightly, because a focused cat may leap at a bird without thinking about the fall. A sturdy screen and a soft towel on the sill are all it takes to create a favorite spot.

• cat
• window
• indoor cats
• pets