Question

How do cats navigate their environments, and what are some of the strategies they use to find their way around?

Answer 1

The two navigational strategies (path integration and landmark-based navigation) do not function in isolation—they are used to complement each other in correcting for defects and can also help in initial calibration of the navigation system.

Answer 2

Cats have an excellent sense of direction, and use a variety of strategies to navigate their environment. Cats use landmarks and visual cues to orient themselves and remember where they have been. They also use their sense of smell to detect familiar scents, which can help them find their way back home. Cats also use the sun and stars to orient themselves, and can use the earth's magnetic field to help them find their way.