People Are Sharing Photos Of Their Best ‘My House, Not My Cat’ Encounters (40 New Pics)

Bored Panda reached out to a cat behaviorist Kasia with some questions regarding our furry friends. The cat behaviorist gave us some insights into why cats are likely to be attracted to visiting new places outside of their own homes and territory.

"Cats are naturally curious animals and they have a strong instinct to explore their environment. They are also territorial animals, and they like to mark their territory by leaving their scent in new areas. So one possible explanation for why cats like to visit new places is that they are naturally drawn to the unfamiliar territory as a way to explore and potentially claim it as their own." Kasia shared with us.

"Cats also have a keen sense of smell and may be attracted to new scents and textures in unfamiliar places. Additionally, cats are predators and may be drawn to new areas because they sense the presence of prey, such as small animals or insects.

Another factor that might come in to play is cats' genetics and early experiences, some cats tend to be more curious and adventurous while others are more content with staying close to home.

Overall, the desire to explore and investigate new places is a natural instinct for cats, and it is an important part of their well-being."

Given the topic of this article, we asked the cat behaviorist if perhaps she could share some tips on how those of us who are allergic or simply don't want uninvited guests in our house could prevent the felines from coming in.

"If you don't want cats visiting your home, there are a few things you can do to discourage them." She said. "What happens the most often from my experience is that people leave trash that is easily accessible for curious cats to reach. Keep your trash securely covered: Cats are often attracted to garbage because it contains food scraps and other interesting smells. Keeping your trash in a securely covered container can help keep cats away."

"If you don't want cats in your house or yard you could also try removing some of the shelter options: If there are areas of your yard that provide shelter or hiding spots for cats, such as bushes, trees, or sheds, try to remove or trim them down." Kasia shared.

"Lastly, if you really want to keep the purrfect intruders away you can use scent deterrents. Cats have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by certain scents. Some people have had success using citrus or mint-scented sprays or placing citrus peels around their property."

And for those of you who happened to find the fluffy intruders in your house, here are some tips on how to act if you spot one that you do not recognize!

"If you find yourself with an unexpected feline visitor, there are a few things you can do to help the cat and ensure that it is taken care of. First, check for identification: If the cat has a collar and ID tags, contact the owner to let them know where the cat has been found. If the cat is microchipped, it may be a good idea to take it to a vet or animal shelter to be scanned for a chip if you are sure this isn't just your neighbor's cat paying you a visit." Kasia said.

"If the cat seems stressed make sure to provide a safe space as well as complimentary food and water before it calms down. And most importantly, be patient! Cats can be shy and skittish around unfamiliar people and environments. Give the cat time to adjust to its new surroundings and try to avoid overwhelming it with too much attention."