How to Tell If Your Cat Is Visiting Another House

For cats allowed free access to the outdoors, it can be puzzling not knowing exactly where they spend their time. Unless your cat stays very close to home, they might roam widely during the day.

Many cats have large territorial ranges and may be spotted far from home. They enjoy exploring, hunting, and resting in quiet spots, but they may also visit other people’s houses if welcome.

Cats generally dislike other cats invading their territory but are far more tolerant about entering another home, especially if it offers food, comfort or companionship. This article explains common signs that your cat may be visiting someone else’s house and how to confirm it.

1. Extended absences or irregular patterns

If your cat disappears for many hours, overnight, or even several nights, it could indicate they are staying at another home. While occasional long absences can be normal for outdoor cats, repeated trips or longer visits suggest your cat has found an alternative place to spend time.

Look for signs your cat is happy and healthy when they do come home: a well-groomed coat, relaxed behaviour, and usual weight can indicate they are not lost or in distress, but choosing to roam.

2. Not acting hungry on return

A cat coming home after many hours will usually be hungry and eager for food. If your cat strolls in calmly and ignores its food bowl, it might have eaten elsewhere recently, either by hunting or being fed at another household.

3. Different smells on their fur

Cats groom themselves carefully so they don’t usually carry strong odours. However, smells from another home—such as perfumes, household cleaners, or fabric softeners—may linger in their fur. If you notice unfamiliar scents when your cat returns, it can be a clue they have visited someone else's place.

4. Changes in behaviour or routine

Be alert for subtle or more obvious changes in your cat’s behaviour or routine, such as spending more time outdoors, appearance changes like weight gain, or showing affection or comfort towards neighbours. These shifts can suggest your cat is receiving extra attention or food elsewhere.

5. Visitors or reports from neighbours

Sometimes neighbours notice your cat coming in regularly. They might inform you or may leave notes if they are feeding or housing your cat occasionally. Community observation is a helpful way to understand your cat’s wider social circle and assure their safety.

6. Collar tags and identification methods

Ensure your cat wears a collar with a tag indicating ownership to signal to others that your cat is loved and cared for. To find out if your cat is visiting other homes, you can try a temporary laminated collar with a polite note asking anyone your cat visits to contact you.

How to manage and respond

If you discover your cat is visiting other homes, consider having friendly conversations with those householders to exchange information and ensure the visits are safe and welcome. If you prefer your cat to stay primarily at your home, you might limit outdoor access or enrich their home environment to reduce roaming urges.

Remember, cats are independent animals and their roaming is a natural behaviour, especially for confident outdoor cats. Managing this behaviour gently and responsibly helps foster a happy and safe life for your pet.

For those considering obtaining a cat, you can find Maine Coon kittens or explore kittens for sale through reputable sources to ensure responsible pet ownership from the start.

Follow these tips to understand your cat’s outside activities better and keep them happy and safe.