When humans adopt cats as a part of the family, the feline adapts to the way of life that the owner keeps. Extensive studies followed cats and families to discern how cats attempt to fit into a family situation by mirroring the owner’s habits.

Cats that are inside only adapt much more to an environment than cats that are allowed to be inside and outside. When an inside cat’s owner goes to work the feline rests and eventually can tell about when the owner will return. Food, of course, drives the cat through hunger to know when the owner will return and eat their dinner and feed them. Cats adapt to the feeding schedule of humans and often eat at the same time. A cat is smart enough to open a partially opened cabinet or closet door to access their food in the owner’s absence.

Inside only cats pick up the owners sleep schedule as well and rest at night at the same time the owner does. Pet owners that take naps on weekends or days off from work can expect a feline friend to nap at the same time as well.

Many cat owners place the litter box in the bathroom. Cats often have an uncanny sense of when their owner uses the restroom and goes to the litter box at the same time.

Felines that are both inside and outside cats and spend the night outside revert to a feral instinct. These cats will roam at night and not stay in their home environment all night long. This part of the study proves that if you want a feline companion to join your family it is best to keep it inside at all times so it can better adapt as a family member. After all, the companionship of a purring ball of fur is worth its weight in gold for a human.