Cats Enjoy Being Up High
Cats enjoy being up high because it gives them a vantage point to survey their territory (Source 1). Their instincts drive them to climb to high places so they can watch for potential prey, threats, and interesting sights. Perching up high allows cats to watch birds and other wildlife outside (Source 2). Being elevated also makes cats feel safe and in control, as they can see any potential dangers coming. The height gives them a sense of security and satisfaction in overseeing their domain.
Open Air Stimulation
One of the main reasons cats enjoy sitting on balconies is the new smells and interesting sounds from the outdoors. As predators, cats have a strong sense of smell that allows them to detect scents from great distances. When your cat sits on the balcony, they are able to pick up new and intriguing scents carried on the breeze, from plants, animals, and all sorts of outdoor activities. This provides excellent sensory stimulation and entertainment for curious kitties.
In addition to smells, cats can hear sounds on the balcony that are different from indoor sounds. The tweets and chirps of birds are fascinating for cats to listen to. Other outdoor sounds like children playing, cars driving by, or even construction noises can pique your cat’s interest.
Cats also enjoy the pleasant breeze that flows through their fur when sitting on an open balcony. The movement of air is refreshing, and cats appreciate how it feels on their skin and coats. A light breeze can be relaxing as well as stimulating at the same time.
So the open air of a balcony allows cats to experience new scents, sounds, and sensations that appeal to their senses and instincts to hunt and explore their surroundings. This mental enrichment offers cats enjoyment and satisfaction.
Warmer Temperatures
Balconies can be sunnier than indoors, providing cats more opportunities to bask in the warmth and sunlight they enjoy [1][2]. Cats are descended from desert-dwelling species and retain that evolutionary preference for warm places. Their normal body temperature ranges between 100-102°F, so they seek out places like balconies and windowsills that allow them to soak up heat from the sun’s rays. The warmth from the sun feels good on their fur and skin and satisfies their instinctual craving for hot spots [3]. Cats will happily curl up in pools of sunlight for hours, with the balcony offering an inviting perch exposed to the sun’s comforting warmth.
[1] https://www.catster.com/guides/why-do-cats-like-warm-things/
[2] https://tobalie.com/en/magazine/animal-friendly-pet-keeping/why-cats-like-warmth
[3] https://www.ourcatsworld.com/2016/02/cats-like-warm-things-and-heres-why/
Mental Stimulation
The balcony offers cats far more sights, sounds and smells to stimulate their senses than being cooped up indoors. As naturally curious animals, cats are always looking for new experiences. According to the Windy City Paws blog, being on the balcony gives cats “change of scenery from the indoors…which can provide mental stimulation.” The open balcony provides an endless array of activity for cats to observe, from birds and insects flying by to trees rustling in the breeze. The blog Cat Bandit further notes the balcony “offers more stimuli and enrichment.” With their keen sense of smell, cats can pick up many more scents from outdoors than inside. The fresh air and extra sensory stimulation from the balcony keeps cats engaged and provides important mental enrichment.
Bonding With Their Human
One reason cats like to sit on the balcony with their owners is that it gives them a chance to spend quality time together outdoors. Many cats find it rewarding to accompany their favorite humans outside, as it allows them to be close to their bonded companion while also enjoying fresh air and new sights and sounds. Sitting together on the balcony can strengthen the bond between a cat and its owner through this shared experience.
Cats are highly social animals that form close attachments to their human families. According to research from this 2008 study, cats display secure and insecure attachment styles with their owners similarly to dogs and human infants. A secure attachment is demonstrated through behaviors like greeting the owner and seeking proximity. Being on the balcony with their special person allows cats a chance to fulfill their instinctual need to stay near their attachment figure.
Additionally, the calm setting of the balcony appeals to a cat’s desire for quality time with their favorite human. The peaceful atmosphere and absence of household disruptions makes it easier for cats to relax and enjoy the company of their owner. Sharing this quiet space together can strengthen the bond between cat and human.
Access to Plants
Being outdoors on the balcony gives cats access to grass, herbs, and houseplants that they don’t have access to indoors. This allows cats to satisfy their natural instincts to chew on plants and foliage. According to an article on The Wildest, “Many cats eat plants because they enjoy the taste. Others consume plants because they are bored, stressed, or attracted by the movement of the leaves and stems.”1 Cats are especially drawn to chewing on grass and herbs like catnip. Eating these greens may also help with digestion and moving furballs through their system, as explained on the Grady Veterinary Hospital blog.2 Having access to plants on the balcony lets cats indulge these natural urges.
Fresh Air
Cats enjoy having access to fresh outdoor air, which is less stale and recycled than indoor air. According to experts, breathing fresh air provides health benefits for cats.
Outdoor air contains higher oxygen levels and lower carbon dioxide levels than indoor air. Indoor air can become stuffy and filled with pet dander, dust, and airborne allergens. But outdoor air is constantly refreshed. Breathing outdoor air helps improve cardiovascular health and provides mental stimulation.
Balconies provide easy access for cats to enjoy fresh breezes. The open space allows air to circulate freely. Your cat can experience the invigorating scent of nature from your balcony. Breathing fresh, outdoor air on the balcony can be both physically and mentally enriching for a cat.
Urge to Explore
Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to investigate new areas and objects in their environment. A balcony can provide a cat with new spaces to explore and satisfy their inquisitive instincts. According to an article on Medium, “Cats are driven by an inherent motivation to explore their surroundings and interact with new environments.”
The balcony offers fresh vantage points, sights, sounds and smells for a curious cat. As quoted in an article on Rover, “A cat’s desire to explore is also a natural instinct related to hunting.” Access to the balcony allows them to survey a new territory. Their predatory drive means cats enjoy elevated spaces like balconies where they can overlook their domain.
Furthermore, the balcony presents an intriguing new space to investigate for an inquisitive cat. As Basepaws explains, cats “scrutinize their environment and engage with new things.” The balcony becomes a novel area for a curious cat to explore and satisfy their natural instinct to interact with new environments.
Security of Familiar Territory
Even though your cat may seem adventurous when sitting on the balcony, the balcony is still considered part of your cat’s home territory (1). Cats are very territorial animals and like to survey their domain from high vantage points (2). Even though the balcony extends beyond the home, it is a safer perch for your cat than venturing farther out into unfamiliar areas. By sitting on the balcony, your cat can enjoy looking out at the world beyond while still feeling secure within the boundaries of its territory.
(1) https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/territorial-behaviour-of-cats
(2) https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/territorial-behaviour-of-cats
Conclusion
In summary, most cats seem naturally drawn to balconies and outdoor spaces for several appealing reasons. The allure of heights allows them to survey their territory and gain a sense of security. The views, sunshine, plants, scents, sounds, and fresh air provide mental stimulation. Balconies often tend to be warmer, allowing cats to lounge in the sun. The accessibility gives cats an opportunity to explore while still remaining in the safety of familiar surroundings near their trusted human. While every cat has their own unique personality, these factors help explain the common allure of balconies that makes many cats inclined to spend time sitting or lying out there when given the chance.