Why Do Cats Dislike Closed Doors?

Cats often display peculiar behaviors around closed doors, such as meowing, poking their paws under, pawing at, or even attacking the door. These actions might prompt cat owners to wonder why their feline companions seem to detest closed doors.

Experts suggest that both evolutionary traits and pet owners' actions contribute to this behavior.

Curiosity and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Cats are inherently curious and exhibit a fear of missing out (FOMO), according to Dr. Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. "It's a little bit of FOMO," Sueda explained to Live Science. "'I don't know what's on the other side, and I want to go see and figure it out.'" This curiosity leads cats to want to monitor everything within their territory, which includes their owner's home. Historically, maintaining control over their surroundings was essential for a cat's survival in the wild.

Control and Comfort

"Ingrid Johnson, a cat behavior consultant, mentioned that cats like to control access to spaces, essential needs, and territory. This behavior is not antagonistic but a natural survival tactic for a species that needs to hunt while also feeling secure. A closed door disrupts this sense of control, tapping into what cat behaviorist Jane Ehrlich refers to as the "three terrible C's": lack of choice, lack of control, and change.

Desire for Attention

Additionally, cats crave attention, which is hindered by closed doors. A 2017 study in the journal Behavioural Processes found that most cats prefer human interaction to other stimuli like food or toys. Furthermore, cats don’t comprehend the temporary nature of closed doors. "They just know that the spot they previously had access to is now suddenly off-limits," Johnson clarified, adding that this can induce stress.

Maintaining Consistency

To alleviate the anxiety associated with closed doors, Johnson recommends consistent access policies. For example, if you want to keep your cat out of the dining room, it should always be off-limits, not just when visitors are present.

While closed doors can trigger attention-seeking behaviors, such as frantic meowing, sometimes these actions indicate genuine distress. Sueda advises that behaviors like frantic vocalizing, flattened ears, and hissing can signal that a cat is truly upset. If concerns arise regarding a cat's behavior, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

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