It can be concerning to see your cat sitting by the door all the time, especially if they’ve never done it before. There are a few reasons why cats may sit by the door, and understanding them can help you figure out how to address the issue. In this article, we’ll go over why your cat is exhibiting this strange behavior and what you can do to encourage them to stop it.
The 13 Possible Reasons Your Cat May Be Sitting by the Door
1. Your Cat Wants to Go Outside
The most common reason cats sit by the door is because they want to go outside. They may be attracted to the fresh air, sounds, and smells of nature. Even if your cat is an indoor-only pet, they still have an instinct to explore the outdoors.
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2. Your Cat Is Bored or Lonely
Your cat may be sitting by the door out of boredom or loneliness. Cats are social and thrive in environments where they can explore, play, and interact with people and other animals. If your cat isn’t getting enough stimulation from their environment, they may try to find something interesting by sitting at the door.
3. Your Cat Is Seeking Attention
Cats are known for their independence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t crave affection from time to time! Sitting by the door may be a way for your cat to get your attention and let you know they want love and companionship.
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4. Your Cat Smells Other Animals Outside
If other animals are nearby, such as wild birds or squirrels, your cat may be attracted to their scents. Sitting by the door gives them a better chance of smelling these creatures and possibly interacting with them.
5. Your Cat Wants to See Another Person or Animal
If your cat likes someone in your home, such as a family member or another pet, they may sit by the door waiting for them to come home. Or, if they know another person will come over soon, they may want to greet them as soon as they arrive!
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6. Your Cat Just Wants Peace and Quiet
Sometimes, cats need time alone! If your house is particularly noisy or crowded, your cat may be looking for a quiet spot to relax. The door may be their way of getting away from it all.
7. Your Cat Wants Fresh Air or Sunshine
Cats love being in the sun and getting fresh air, so sitting by the door allows them to do both at once! If your house is particularly stuffy, they may seek a more pleasant environment by sitting near the door.
Image Credit: Ben Kerckx, Pixabay
8. Your Cat Hears Something Intriguing Outside
If something interesting is happening outside, such as kids playing, birds chirping, or cars passing, your cat may be drawn to these noises and sit by the door to listen.
9. Your Cat Knows Someone Is Coming
Cats are incredibly perceptive, and they can sense when someone is coming before anyone else in the house does! If your cat is attuned to your comings and goings, they may be sitting by the door as a way of greeting you.
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10. Your Cat Wants to Escape or Explore
If you live in an area where outdoor cats roam freely, your indoor-only cat may be drawn to their environment and be tempted to sneak out if given the opportunity. They may also want to explore the outside–even if they don’t have access–and sitting by the door gives them a view of what’s out there.
11. Your Cat Is Marking Their Territory
Cats have a natural instinct to mark areas as theirs, and sitting by the door may be one way they’re doing this. They may also just be scent-marking the area around the door as a way of claiming it as their own, especially as they may be able to smell outdoor cats that frequent your yard.
Image Credit: 42 North, Unsplash
12. Your Cat Feels Threatened or Anxious
Sometimes, cats will sit by the door out of fear or anxiety if they sense something outside that makes them feel unsafe. This could be anything from loud noises to strange smells, and your cat may be trying to stay safe by keeping an eye on what’s going on outside.
13. Your Cat Is Seeking Comfort or Security
Finally, some cats enjoy being close to an exit or entrance since it makes them feel secure and safe. If your cat is feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, they may be seeking comfort by sitting near the door.
Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
What to Do If Your Cat Won’t Stop Sitting by the Door
If your cat has taken to sitting by the door, there are a few things you can do to distract them:
Offer them treats or toys as a means of distraction. Cats love rewards, so offering them something they enjoy while subtly persuading them to move elsewhere may encourage them to leave the door. Just make sure not to reward and reinforce them sitting by the door by offering treats in this spot, but get them away from the door using toys.
Play with them. Spending quality time with your cat is a great way to redirect their attention away from the door and onto something else. It also helps battle boredom and frustration if that’s the reason your cat is sitting by the door.
Provide plenty of environmental enrichment. Investing in interactive cat toys or activities can keep your cat entertained for hours, which means less time spent at the door!
Keep an eye on any changes in behavior. If you notice that your cat’s behavior near the door has changed, it could be a sign that they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Take time to observe them and figure out what might be causing the change.
Talk to your vet. If you’re still having trouble getting your cat away from the door, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They may be able to provide more insights into why your cat is behaving this way and suggest other solutions.
It can be heartbreaking to keep cats indoors when they want to go outside so badly. In general, it’s not recommended to let your indoor-only cats outdoors for safety reasons. Outdoor cats face several dangers, such as cars, predators, fights with other cats, parasites, and rodent poison, among others. Cats can also be a hazard to the local wildlife populations (especially birds, including some fragile bird species, and small mammals). However, if you decide to let your cat explore the outdoors, there are some steps you can take to ensure their safety:
Always supervise your cat when they’re outside. This will prevent them from getting into dangerous situations or encountering predators. It’s best to do so using a harness and a leash, or by providing your cat with a secure catio that is enclosed. Never just let your cat outside without supervision or a gradual introduction to the outdoors, as they are more likely to get scared or lost.
Keep an eye out for signs of illness or injury. If you notice that your cat is limping, coughing, or not acting like themselves, bring them back inside and contact your veterinarian.
Make sure your cat is wearing a collar with ID tags on it or a breakaway GPS collar. This will ensure that if your cat does get lost, they can be easily identified, tracked if they have a GPS collar, and returned home safely.
Provide plenty of hiding spots for your cat when they’re outside in the catio. This will keep them safe, as well as give them a place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or scared.
If you have additional questions about the risks and benefits of allowing your cat to roam outside and what you can do to keep them safe, you could also do a virtual consult with a vet.
Safer Ways for Your Cat to Experience Nature
If you want to allow your indoor-only cat to experience nature without exposing them to potential dangers, there are a few ways you can do it:
Set up an outdoor playpen in your backyard. This will allow your cat to explore the great outdoors while still being safely enclosed in a secure area.
Invest in bird feeders and baths so your cats can watch birds and other wildlife from the comfort of their homes.
Place feline-friendly houseplants around your home to bring nature indoors and provide a safe place for your cats to explore.
Visit cat-friendly parks and green spaces where you can take your cat on a leash to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of nature without being exposed to potential dangers.
Take your cat on a walk with a leash and harness. This will allow them to explore the outdoors while still being safely tethered to you. It may take a few tries before your cat gets used to a leash or harness, but if you’re patient, they’ll eventually catch on!
Image By: avbocherikov, Pixabay
Conclusion
Cats have many reasons why they might be drawn to sitting near the door, ranging from curiosity to safety concerns. If your cat is exhibiting this behavior, it is vital that you understand why they may be doing so to figure out the best way to help them feel more comfortable and secure. While it’s not recommended to let your cat outdoors, there are several ways you can provide them with safe experiences in nature. With the right amount of patience and understanding, you should be able to help your cat find their way back to a happy and healthy life.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
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Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
