Does My Cat Remember the Way Home?

However, there are times when unexpected situations arise, such as when your cat becomes unusually excited today and, without being properly leashed, dashes out the door and is gone in a flash. In such moments, the cat's owner becomes quite anxious: Can my cat find its way back on its own?

When it comes to cats, we know that dogs possess a remarkable sense of direction. They often mark their territory by urinating on utility poles or trees and then use their noses to navigate. This is a useful method for them. But do cats also have this ability?

Abroad, there is a remarkable story of a British cat that, when left alone at home, ventured out to explore the neighborhood and even took the same bus several times back and forth.

This神奇 ability in cats is related to their animal sense of time, specifically their internal biological clock. When a cat leaves its home or its familiar territory, the biological clock that matches its original location and the position of the sun may be thrown off. However, the cat's internal clock remains relatively unchanged.

If the cat can move in the direction that corrects this discrepancy, it can find its way back home.

It has been proven that cats can generally find their way back within a radius of about 12 kilometers from their home. Beyond this range, they are more likely to become lost. When a cat is close to home, it can detect the scent of its abode with its keen sense of smell.

Of course, not all cats possess this skill. Therefore, it is essential to guide our cats carefully in recognizing their route, ensuring they become more familiar with the home and its surroundings.