Cambridge Named UK's 'Cheating Cat' Capital

Cambridge has been identified as the UK's 'cheating cat' capital, with the highest number of cats reportedly wandering into neighbouring properties. Research commissioned by cat treats brand Dreamies found that residents in Cambridge experience visits from other people's cats up to three times per week.

Reasons for Feline Wanderings

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According to a poll of 2,000 non-cat owners, the most common theory for these visits is that the cats are simply being curious, cited by 22% of respondents. Other theories include cats being drawn to sunny gardens, mentioned by 14% of people, and seeking peace and quiet away from their own homes, noted by 11%.

The findings also suggest a broad affection for felines across the UK, with 21% of those polled admitting to interacting with someone else's cat. A further 13% have even given a regular visiting cat a specific nickname, and one in ten have invited a wandering cat into their home for comfort.

Owners Suspect 'Cheating' Pets

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A separate poll of 2,000 cat owners indicates that many are aware of their pets' roaming habits. More than a quarter of owners, 27%, suspect their cat is visiting multiple houses for food, naps, or affection. Sixteen percent of owners are certain their cat is unfaithful.

Among owners who suspect their cat's wandering, 44% report that their pet disappears for hours at a time, and in some instances, for days. This behaviour is attributed to cats' natural instincts to meet their needs conveniently, often extending their territory to include neighbouring houses.

Hannah Flint, a cat behaviour expert at Waltham Pet Science Institute, explained that cats may roam over 500 metres, incorporating nearby homes into their territory. She noted that cats use a specific meow, typically reserved for kittens addressing their mothers, to appeal to human nurturing instincts.

Local Example in Histon

The phenomenon is exemplified by Muffin, a one-year-old domestic longhair from Histon, Cambridge. Muffin's owner, Kimberley Skinner, and her husband Chris Barlow, have documented his adventures on a Facebook page called 'Muffin The Village Cat'. Residents frequently share sightings of Muffin visiting local businesses, attending events, and even accompanying dog walkers.