Cats are notorious for their strong aversion to closed doors, displaying a range of behaviors from pawing at the door to vocalizing their displeasure. But what is the reason behind this seemingly irrational dislike for closed doors? Experts suggest that both evolution and the actions of pet owners play a significant role in shaping this behavior.
The Curiosity and Fear of Missing Out
Dr. Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, explains that part of the reason cats dislike closed doors is their innate curiosity and fear of missing out. Cats are naturally curious creatures, always wanting to explore and investigate their surroundings. When a door is closed, it represents a barrier to their exploration, triggering a sense of FOMO – the fear of missing out on something interesting or important happening on the other side.
This behavior stems from cats’ survival instincts in the wild, where they need to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to avoid potential threats. In a home environment, this behavior may manifest as cats wanting to control access to spaces and resources, ensuring their safety and security.
Ingrid Johnson, a cat behavior consultant, emphasizes that cats like to maintain control over their environment, including access to spaces and resources. While this behavior may seem odd to humans, it is essential for cats to feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Therefore, a closed door represents a disruption in their sense of control and security, leading to behaviors that may appear irrational or aggressive.
The Three Terrible C’s
Cat behaviorist Jane Ehrlich identifies the “three terrible C’s” that cats dislike when confronted with a closed door: lack of choice, lack of control, and change. Cats value their independence and autonomy, preferring to make their own decisions and have the freedom to move around as they please. A closed door restricts their freedom and limits their choices, causing frustration and stress.
Additionally, cats are creatures of habit and routine, preferring familiarity and predictability in their environment. A closed door represents a sudden change or disruption in their daily routine, triggering anxiety and discomfort. While cats may not necessarily want to be in the room behind the closed door, they still want to know what is happening and have the option to explore if they choose to do so.
Desire for Human Interaction
Despite their reputation for being aloof and independent, cats actually crave attention and interaction from their human companions. A study published in the journal Behavioural Processes in 2017 found that most cats prefer human interaction over other stimuli such as food or toys. Therefore, when a closed door separates them from their owners, cats may display attention-seeking behaviors as a way to reconnect and seek comfort.
Cats form strong bonds with their owners and rely on them for social and emotional support. A closed door not only represents a physical barrier but also a barrier to social connection and companionship. This lack of access to their human companions can cause distress and anxiety in cats, leading to behaviors that may seem demanding or needy.
Addressing Cats’ Anxiety
To reduce their pets’ anxiety and prevent stress-related behaviors, cat owners can take several steps to create a more comfortable and secure environment for their feline friends. Maintaining consistency in the areas of the house that cats can access is essential, as it establishes clear boundaries and expectations for their behavior.
If certain areas of the house are off-limits to cats, owners should enforce these boundaries consistently to prevent confusion and anxiety. Instead of blocking access temporarily, make these areas permanently off-limits to avoid causing unnecessary stress. By respecting cats’ need for control and predictability in their environment, owners can help alleviate their anxiety and promote a sense of security.
It is also important for pet owners to monitor their cats’ behavior and watch for signs of distress or discomfort. Cats may exhibit behaviors such as frantic vocalizing, flattened ears, or hissing when they are genuinely upset or anxious. In such cases, it is essential to seek guidance from a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and address the root cause of the behavior.
In conclusion, cats’ dislike for closed doors can be attributed to their natural curiosity, fear of missing out, and desire for control and security. By understanding and respecting cats’ innate behaviors and needs, pet owners can create a harmonious and stress-free environment for their feline companions. Through consistency, patience, and compassion, cats and their owners can maintain a strong bond built on trust and understanding.