Somebody explain this cat behavior (as if cat behavior can be explained).

[Ocelot II]

I have two big gray brothers, Chet and Dave. Chet is easy-going and doesn't fret much about what goes on outside. Dave, on the other hand, is very watchful and runs from window to window to see what's going on out there - maybe another cat, or squirrels, or rabbits, or figments of his imagination. What I don't get is that when Dave runs from one window to another, instead of taking the shortest route straight across the floor, he jumps from a table to a desk to a bookshelf to another small table to a windowsill. He traverses the circumference of the room on surfaces, ignoring a basic geometric principle, C=2πr, when if he'd just run across the floor on the diameter he'd get to the other window faster (the room isn't circular but the furniture layout creates a rough circle). Is it that cats don't understand geometry, or that he wants to stay up higher so he can see the window at all times? Is this a normal cat thing?

[biophile]

1. You might be right about keeping the object in constant sight

I’m not a cat whisperer by any means despite having many in my life, but what you described makes a lot of sense for a predator. It’s a great explanation.

[Zackzzzz]

2. See, you noticed Dave. He...got your attention.

[PSPS]

3. LOL. You funny human, thinking you can fathom the superior feline mind!

Cats like high places for safety, so you're probably on to something there -- wanting to stay elevated. Plus, the object of their attention is more likely to stay within eyesight. Or maybe it's training for acrobatics in the feline olympics.

[RockCreek]

4. Most likely he's trying to keep it in sight.

But how old is he? How are his joints? His weight?
He could be taking the easier route.

I think I remember seeing some of my cats doing the above the ground thing, especially when they are making the birding "trilling" noise and are really into the hunt. I've just never really thought about it before.

[Ocelot II]

5. He's fairly young - only 5 - and he's big but it's all muscle. He would beat me at arm wrestling.

I think the answer is that he's trying to keep his "prey" in sight. Cats understand object permanence but as ambush predators they don't want to lose sight of whatever they're watching.

[RockCreek]

10. I remember admiring a picture of your grey boys in the past

I love grey cats.

[ShazzieB]

12. That makes sense to me!

Cats stalk their prey and wait till just the right moment to pounce. It's hard to stalk something if you can't keep an eye on it. 😺😼

[3catwoman3]

6. Maybe he likes the challenge...

...of the various surfaces?

[Marie Marie]

7. Parkour Cat!!! Respect.

[Nigrum Cattus]

13. that's exactly it

Cats get bored easy
making things a challenge is fun

[eppur_se_muova]

8. "Always hold the high ground". Basic rule in battle. Instinctive to cats, who are born leapers and climbers. nt

[cachukis]

9. High ground.

[LoveMyCali]

11. Obviously

the floor is lava.

[Aussie105]

14. Cats have a wide range of personalities.

From . . . I don't give a shit, let me sleep! . . . all the way to . . . eternal vigilance in guardianship of his Realm.

You got one of each, I'd say.