How Cats Live "In Two Houses": The Secret Life of Your Feline Friend
Have you ever wondered what your cat does when you're not around? Domestic cats have long been known for their independent, mysterious nature, and many owners have mused over what their pets get up to when they slip out of sight. A fascinating study by researchers from the University of Georgia has shed light on this very question. By attaching video cameras to the collars of 60 cats whose owners volunteered for the experiment, the researchers discovered a surprising truth: many cats lead double lives, balancing multiple households, indulging in hunting, and navigating the streets like true adventurers.
The results of the study are nothing short of revealing, highlighting the behaviors and habits of cats when they are allowed to roam freely outside. What might seem like a cute, harmless pet can be living a far more complicated life when they are out of your sight.
Cats in the Wild: Nature’s Little Hunters
One of the most striking discoveries from the study is how frequently domestic cats engage in hunting. About one-third of the cats in the study destroyed an average of two small animals every week. Cats, despite being well-fed at home, have an innate instinct to hunt, and it seems their outdoor adventures fulfill this primal need. The victims of their hunting ranged from amphibians like frogs, lizards, and snakes, to rodents, insects, and birds. In fact, amphibians were the most common victims, accounting for 41% of the kills, followed by rodents at 25%, insects at 20%, and birds at 12%.
This behavior has raised concerns, particularly from bird conservationists like George Fenwick, the head of the American Bird Conservation Committee. Fenwick has been vocal about the negative impact of domestic cats on bird populations, as cats are believed to be one of the leading causes of the decline of several bird species. However, one might argue whether this is truly a problem, or if it's simply part of the natural balance of evolution. After all, cats are predators by nature, and hunting is a fundamental part of their survival instinct.
Once they’ve captured their prey, the behavior of the cats varies. Around 30% of cats ate their victims, savoring their catch as a reward for their efforts. However, 49% of them played with their prey for a while before abandoning it, as if their interest in the hunt was more about the chase than the actual meal. Interestingly, 21% of cats took the prey back home, often leaving it at their owners' doorstep as a “gift,” perhaps to show off their hunting prowess or simply to share their bounty with their human companions.
Cats as Adventurers: Crossing Roads, Exploring Ditches, and Eating Trash
Despite being domesticated, cats still possess a sense of wildness and independence. The study found that many of the cats displayed behaviors that reflected their adventurous spirit. Nearly 45% of the cats were observed darting across roads, weaving between cars like reckless adventurers. It’s a behavior that’s bound to make any cat owner anxious, as the risk of traffic accidents is a constant threat to outdoor cats.
In addition to their road-crossing escapades, cats were also found exploring filthy ditches and rummaging through trash. Around 20% of the cats ventured into the muck, while 25% indulged in scavenging for discarded food. While these behaviors may seem unpleasant, they highlight the survival instincts that drive cats to investigate every corner of their environment in search of food, shelter, and new territory. For many cats, the world outside is a vast, uncharted territory full of opportunities—and risks.
The Mystery of the "Two-House" Cats
One of the most surprising revelations from the study is the discovery that some cats manage to live “in two houses.” Cats are incredibly clever creatures, and they often have a knack for getting what they want—whether it’s a tasty meal or a comfortable place to nap. Researchers found that some cats, when left to roam, would visit multiple homes, effectively having two or even more "families."
One example from the study showed a cat scratching at a door that belonged to a household other than its own. The cat entered the home as though it were a regular member of the family, and the owners of that home were unaware that the cat belonged to someone else. These cats would sometimes stay the night at these other homes or simply receive food from their “second family.” Meanwhile, their primary owners were left unaware that their beloved pet was enjoying a second life elsewhere.
This double-life behavior is not unique, and it can be difficult for owners to identify when their cats are splitting their time between homes. However, certain signs can give them away. If a cat regularly disappears for long periods, especially overnight, and returns looking well-fed and clean, it could be a sign that it’s receiving care and attention from another household. So, what can owners do to protect their cats and ensure they aren't sharing their pets with others?
How to Spot a "Two-House" Cat
The simplest way to prevent your cat from sneaking off to another house is to put a collar on your pet with your contact information clearly displayed. This way, if someone else feeds or takes care of your cat, they will know that it belongs to you. However, discovering that your cat is living a double life can still be a shock, especially if you find a collar from another family around your pet’s neck.
For cats that are not allowed outside, there’s less chance of this double life occurring, but it’s still possible that they may find ways to sneak out or escape. Cats are natural explorers and may seek attention or affection from other people outside their home, creating a kind of “two-house” situation even if they are strictly indoor cats. The video study did show that cats confined indoors generally sleep, groom themselves, or watch the world go by from windows, leading fairly uneventful lives compared to their outdoor counterparts.
What We Can Learn from Cats’ Dual Lives
The phenomenon of cats living “in two houses” is a fascinating reflection of their independent, opportunistic nature. Cats don’t view the world in the same way humans do; they see it as a space to explore, claim, and manipulate to suit their needs. They are creatures of habit, but also of cunning and adaptability. This duality—of being simultaneously loyal and independent, of maintaining multiple relationships and territories—is a testament to how cats have evolved to survive in both the wild and domestic environments.
While cats’ behavior can sometimes be puzzling, it reminds us of their resilience, resourcefulness, and intelligence. Whether they are hunting, exploring, or making sure they get fed in two homes, cats continue to captivate us with their mysterious ways, teaching us that the life of a domestic cat is far more complex than we might imagine.