Passive exploration is the gathering of information from the environment from a stationary position, by visually scanning the area and/or by sniffing. The cat may do this from a standing, sitting or lying position.

Cat passively exploring from vantage point

Change in orientation of head during passive explore

Three cats showing varying head orientations whilst passively exploring the environment outside the window

This video clip illustrates a cat passively exploring its environment from a crouched position.

The following clip offers an additional example.