Prowling Far from Home: Spanish Scientists Reveal Just How Far Cats Wander

Spanish scientists have discovered just how far domestic cats wander when they leave the house. While most animals stay close to home, some are capable of travelling more than two kilometres before returning on their own.

The study was conducted by specialists from the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC). They performed the first comprehensive study of domestic cat movements in Spain to understand how they interact with the environment. As part of the work, researchers monitored 64 cats using GPS collars that recorded their location over a period of 25 days. The study included both indoor-outdoor pets and community cats of various ages and genders living in different environments.

On average, the animals stayed within 88 metres of their homes, and in 42% of cases, the cats remained within a 50-metre radius. However, some animals ventured significantly further. Some cats travelled more than 500 metres, while certain individuals exceeded two kilometres. One cat was recorded roaming more than 3 kilometres away from its home.

Such long-distance treks were most commonly made by younger cats and those living in rural or semi-natural areas. These animals were more likely to enter forests and other natural habitats.

In several regions of Spain, encounters between domestic cats and wildcats (Felis silvestris) have already been documented, even near residential areas. According to experts, these contacts can lead to competition for food and even interbreeding between species. The researchers emphasise that this data will help better understand pet behaviour and assess their impact on local ecosystems.