10 Reasons Cats Are Hanging Around Your House

Let’s talk about the most common reasons cats are hanging around your house, and I will be discussing this topic based on my experience and the information I gathered from other cat owners in my group!

In this post, I’ll be discussing some common reasons cats are hanging around your house and what you can do to either welcome them or keep them away from your house.

Keep reading to find out more…

Why Do Cats Hang Around My House

Cats may hang around your house because they are attracted to food sources in your house, seek shelter in your house, or are simply curious about the environment.

If you have a garden or areas that provide warmth and safety, these can be appealing spots for cats.

Let’s dive deeper…

Reasons Cats Are Hanging Around Your House

In my opinion, here are some of the most common reasons cats are hanging around your house:

1. Your house is the cat’s food and water source

The first thing that should come to your mind when thinking about why cats are hanging around your house is food and water.

You should also keep in mind that cats are intelligent creatures that have a keen sense of smell and a knack for finding food.

If you regularly leave out cat food or water, it’s a strong reason why cats are flocking to your house to feed.

You’ve unwittingly become the local cat café where cats come to feed on different types of food!

You should also keep in mind that cats are naturally attracted to a consistent food source, and your house has become their go-to spot for a tasty meal.

So, don’t be surprised if you see a trail of cat visitors meandering their way toward your doorstep, enticed by the promise of a satisfying feast.

2. Your house provides shelter for cats

Even though cats are pretty independent creatures, they still need a cozy place to call home.

If your house, with its nooks and crannies, provides the perfect refuge for these cats, then you should expect to see them from time to time.

Whether it’s a warm spot in your garage, a comfy porch, or even a hidden corner in your garden if your house offers a safe haven for cats seeking shelter from the elements you will see them regularly.

So, don’t be surprised if you find a fluffy visitor curled up on your porch, basking in the comfort and security your house provides.

3. Cats visit your house to hunt small pests like mice and rats

Cats are natural-born hunters, and they have a strong instinct to track down and catch small prey.

If your house happens to be infested with mice or rats, consider yourself lucky to have these feline guardians on patrol.

Cats are excellent at keeping pests in check, and they see your house as a prime hunting ground for their next meal expect to see them around your house regularly.

So, the next time you spot a cat lurking around your property, remember that they’re not just there for the company.

They’re doing an important job of keeping your house free from unwanted critters.

4. Cats visit your house out of curiosity or to explore new environments

Cats are known for their curious nature and they’re always on the lookout for new adventures and exciting environments to explore.

If your house with its unique smells, sights, and sounds, offers an intriguing playground for these curious cats, then expect to see them often.

Cats are drawn to the mystery and allure of your home, eager to investigate every nook and cranny.

So, if you find a cat perched on your fence or peeking through your window, it’s likely just a visitor on a quest for new experiences.

5. Your house may be part of a roaming cat’s territory

Cats are territorial animals, and they mark their territory by scent marking and patrolling their designated area.

If your house happens to fall within the territory of a roaming cat, you should expect to see them regularly around your house.

Keep in mind that cats have an innate need to explore and defend their territory, and your house can unwittingly become a part of their roaming circuit.

So, don’t be surprised if you see multiple cats staking claim to your property, as they’re simply asserting their feline dominance in their chosen territory.

6. Cats may find your house attractive and inviting

Based on my years of experience living with cats, I can tell you that cats have their preferences when it comes to their surroundings.

If your house has certain features that make it particularly attractive to these curious creatures, then you should expect to see cats around regularly.

This could be the presence of a well-maintained garden, a cozy porch, or even a bird feeder that attracts their attention.

Keep in mind that most cats are drawn to places that offer them comfort, stimulation, and a sense of security.

So, if your house has become a popular hangout spot for cats, take it as a compliment that you’ve created an inviting environment for these four-legged friends.

Related: Repelling outdoor cats.

7. Seeking attention or assistance near your house

Cats are social beings, and they often seek human interaction, especially if they’re in need of attention or assistance.

If you’ve ever come across a cat meowing at your doorstep or rubbing against your legs, they might be looking for some extra TLC.

Cats are known to approach houses where they’ve received kind gestures in the past or where they’ve experienced a helping hand.

So, if you find a cat lingering around your house, they might just be hoping for a little human connection or perhaps some assistance with their needs.

8. Previous positive experiences around your house

Cats have remarkable memories, and they can associate places with positive experiences.

If a cat has previously had a pleasant encounter around your house, they’re likely to return for more.

It could be a friendly interaction with a kind neighbor, a satisfying meal, or a cozy spot they stumbled upon.

Cats are creatures of habit, and they’ll remember the places that have brought them joy or comfort.

So, if your house has left a positive impression on a feline visitor, they’ll keep coming back to relive those pleasant moments.

9. The cats feel safer around your house

Cats are instinctively cautious creatures, and they seek out environments where they feel safe and secure.

If your house provides a sense of safety for these wandering felines, then you should expect to see cats around your house.

It could be the quiet neighborhood, the lack of loud noises, or the absence of potential threats.

Cats are drawn to places where they can relax and let their guard down.

If your house offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, then you should expect cats to linger around, as they feel a sense of security in their surroundings.

10. Cats may detect the presence of other cats in your house

Cats have an incredible sense of smell, and they can detect the presence of other cats through scent markings.

If you have cats living in your house or if you’ve had cats visit in the past, their scent might still linger in the area.

This scent can attract other cats, who see it as a sign that your house is already occupied by their feline peers.

Cats are naturally curious and social animals, and they may be drawn to your house in the hopes of encountering or interacting with other cats.

So, if you find cats hanging around your house, it could be due to the invisible “cat welcome mat” created by the scent of previous feline visitors.

How to Stop Cats From Hanging Around Your House

In my opinion, here are some effective ways on how to stop cats from hanging around your house:

1. Create a cat-friendly environment: Cats are naturally drawn to comfortable spaces and food sources. By making your property less appealing to them, you can discourage their visits. You should start by removing any potential hiding spots, such as dense shrubs or cluttered areas.

Additionally, consider using motion-activated sprinklers or deterrent devices that emit high-frequency sounds to startle cats away.

2. Secure all trash cans and food sources: Unsecured trash cans and outdoor pet food bowls can attract cats searching for an easy meal.

Ensure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and keep them stored in a secure location. When feeding your pets outdoors, monitor their eating time and remove any leftover food promptly.

3. Utilize natural deterrents: Cats have sensitive senses, especially when it comes to smell. You can use natural deterrents to repel them from your property.

For example, sprinkle citrus peels, coffee grounds, or cayenne pepper around your garden or areas frequented by cats. These scents are known to be unpleasant to felines and may discourage their presence.

4. Install physical barriers: Physical barriers can be an effective way to keep cats away from certain areas. Consider installing deterrents like fences or prickly plants, such as rosemary or holly bushes, around your property’s perimeter.

These barriers create an obstacle for cats, making it less appealing for them to linger around your house.

5. Provide an alternative space: If stray cats are a recurring issue in your neighborhood, providing an alternative space for them can redirect their attention away from your property.

Set up a designated area with a comfortable shelter and a consistent food and water source. This way, you can help create a cat-friendly space elsewhere while keeping them away from your house.

6. Seek professional help: If all your efforts fail and stray cats continue to be a persistent problem, it may be time to seek professional assistance.

Contact local animal control or a reputable animal welfare organization in your area. They can provide guidance on humane solutions and possibly help with the safe removal and relocation of stray cats.