How Cats Find Their Way Home — The Science Behind the Homing Instinct

On this episode of Cat Talk Radio, Molly DeVoss explores the fascinating science behind cats' homing instincts. Inspired by the discovery that birds can "see" Earth's magnetic field using cryptochrome, Molly dives into whether humans or cats share this ability — and what actually helps cats navigate their world. From cognitive maps and scent landscapes to path integration and acclimation for working cats, this episode uncovers the multi-modal navigation system that makes cats such remarkable orienters. If you've ever wondered how cats know where home is — or why relocation must be handled carefully — this deep dive will change how you see feline intelligence.