Cats are known for their independent streak, but what if your beloved feline is living a double life? Here are 20 tell-tale signs that your cat might just be sneaking off to a second home.
1. Suspiciously Full Belly
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Has your cat been skipping meals or showing up looking suspiciously plump? It might be dining elsewhere.
2. Glossy Coat
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2220606743.jpg)
If your cat’s fur looks glossier than usual, consider whether someone else is grooming your kitty with premium cat products.
3. Unexplained Gifts
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Finding unfamiliar toys or collars among your cat’s possessions? These could be gifts from another admirer.
4. Disinterest in Treats
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2325156067.jpg)
When your cat turns up its nose at the treats it used to love, it might be getting spoiled with fancier fare elsewhere.
5. Overly Familiar Strangers
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Does your cat seem unusually friendly with strangers or particular neighbours? It might recognize them from its other home.
6. Random Tags
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If your cat comes home with a new collar or tag that you didn’t buy, that’s a pretty clear sign it’s been adopted by another family.
7. Odd Hours
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-needtofly-87266383-9000328-1.jpg)
Is your cat disappearing for hours or overnight, only to return as if nothing happened? These are classic signs of a second home.
8. Less Affectionate
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2330015171-1-1.jpg)
If your cat seems less interested in cuddling with you, it may be getting its emotional needs met elsewhere.
9. Different Behaviours
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Noticing new habits or behaviours? These could be picked up from interactions at another home.
10. Avoiding Home
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A cat that suddenly seems to avoid spending time at home may feel equally comfortable, if not more so, elsewhere.
11. New Smells
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2109949250-1.jpg)
A whiff of unfamiliar perfume or aftershave on your cat can be a clue that it’s been cozying up to someone else.
12. Lack of Interest in Play
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_532676443-1.jpg)
If your cat shows a decreased interest in playing with you, it might be because it’s using up its energy playing elsewhere.
13. Knowledge of Unknown Spaces
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_494953270.jpg)
Seeing your cat navigating neighbour’s yards or houses with too much familiarity? It’s likely been there before.
14. Extra Scratches or Petting Marks
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1869115780.jpg)
If your cat’s fur shows signs of recent petting (like being brushed the wrong way), someone else might be showing them affection.
15. Social Media Sightings
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Ever stumbled upon a picture of your cat on social media where it’s hanging out in unfamiliar territory? Time to investigate.
16. Unusual Litter Box Habits
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A decrease in the use of the litter box could indicate your cat is doing its business elsewhere.
17. Neighbours’ Comments
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When neighbours mention seeing your cat frequently, or even feeding it, the jig might be up.
18. Reluctance to Come Inside
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_644384428.jpg)
If your cat hesitates or outright refuses to come inside, it might not want to leave its other home.
19. Increased Sleepiness
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2204362891-1.jpg)
Appearing more tired than usual could indicate your cat is active elsewhere, exhausting itself at its other residence.
20. Bringing Home Other Animals
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2431888027.jpg)
If your cat starts bringing home other animals, like other cats or even wildlife, it might be more comfortable in its second home.
Betrayed by Whiskers?
![](https://pawshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_2124673229-1.jpg)
Discovering your cat’s double life can be quite the shock, but it’s just another proof of their independent nature. Maybe it’s time to consider setting stricter boundaries—or just getting a GPS tracker!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nils Jacobi.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.