Unlike fish, who rarely escape the water in a fish tank, cats are very curious animals that some time slip away. As a preventative measure, many cat owners want to know Why do cats run away. This article covers the main reasons why both outdoor and indoor cats run away. We also provide advice on what to do if your cat runs away and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

My Cat Wants to Run Away

Why do indoor cats run away:

Here are the main reasons indoor cats run away: 

Reproduction: When cats go into heat, they will do just about anything to satisfy their desires. This may include venturing out into unknown territory farther away from your house in order to find another feline that is in heat. This could cause your cat to be gone for several days. Additionally, some female cats might venture away from home when they are about to go into labor.

Claiming territory: As you are probably aware, cats are very territorial. It is possible that your cat’s claimed territory encompasses an area that extends past your house and yard. This may include your neighbor’s yards or even extend to nearby streets. On the other end, it is possible another cat has claimed the area around your house, and your cat feels threatened and runs away as a result.

Hunting: Cats are descendants of wildcats, which are natural born hunters. Although cats are now domesticated, they still possess a hunting instinct.  As a result, it is common for cats to hunt all sorts of animals including birds, mice rats, moles, and even rabbits. If your cat is having trouble finding pray in close vicinity to your home, it might venture out to other areas to satisfy its instinct.

Injury or Sickness: Your cat might have been wandering around nearby areas when it was injured. This could be caused by other animals, or in the worst cases hit by cars. Also, cats might have developed a sickness while they are away from home which prevents it from being able to return home. As many know, it is common for cats to run away before it dies. This happens because when cats become old and ill, they prefer to be alone and rest.

Why do cats run away:

Relocating to a new area: It is very common for cats to run away when you relocate to a new house. Your cat may be exploring the new year, or possibly trying to find its old environment.

Neighbor feeding your cat: This occurs often in close proximity neighborhoods. Your neighbor may be regularly giving your cat snacks or treats, which explains why they form a habit of venturing there.

Mistaken as a stray: If your cat manages to lose its collar, someone may pick it up thinking it does not have an owner. This could be a neighbor or animal control.

What to do if your cat runs away

When your cat runs away, it can be very stressful. Your mind might start racing with all of the worst case scenarios. It is very important to stay calm and keep a level head. You should act as fast as you can and get as many people as possible to help you in the search for your cat. The majority of run away cats are found within the first day of going missing. Here is our list of things to do if your cat runs away.

• Create flyers
• Alert animal control officer
• Contact neighbors
• Call local vets. It may have been injured and delivered there
• When searching for your cat, bring “stinky” cat food like tuna or sardines
• Don’t yell when you call for it, speak in your normal voice.
• Leave your garage door open a crack
• Put their bed or sheets with their smell outside on your porch

How to stop your cat from running away

• Make sure your cat has a collar with your contact information
• Cats are more likely to run away when they are stressed. There are many cat calming products you should look into, including cat calming treats, cat calming collars, and thunder disfuser kits for storms.
• Get your cat neutered. It will be less likely to try to find a mate and will be less motivated to fight.
• There are many gps technologies that you can attach to your cat’s collar
• Provide your cat with enough care and attention so it feels comfortable at home and wants to be there. If you think your cat might be bored, you may want to find a cat cafe near me.
• Make sure your cat is eating its food so it is less motivated to search for alternative sources
• If you have an indoor cat, make sure to keep doors/windows shut.