The grass on my back lawn is a bit shaggy, and I've noticed neighbours cats always take the same line across it, they've actually worn a visible trail. Why is this, are they following each others smell?
Most animals habitually use the same route. Cats are no different. It's probably the shortest route between two points where they have a clear view around them.
There was a program on recently where a set of cats were fitted with trackers, conclusion was every cat has a 'patrol route' that they religiously stick to , interesting i thought
A track began showing in some newly-laid turf once. I thought it was the postman cutting the corner - only after a few weeks did individual paw-sized patches start to show!