Curiosity killed the cat, as the old adage goes. So why, then, are cats so curious? Well, a cat’s curiosity helped keep them safe from predators and catch more prey.
Exploring and being aware of one’s territory helps a cat know where all the hiding places are. And nosing around in new objects creates possibilities for tasty treats (or prey). Cats will also be more curious when they’re bored. Curious cats are mischievous cats.
Why Cats Are So Curious
Any cat owners will attest to how their cat gets into everything they’re not supposed to. Leave a grocery bag on the floor for 3 minutes and their nose is already in it. Open a closet door for a few moments and your cat is immediately trying to get in.
While it might seem like their curiosity is a terrible survival trait, that’s actually exactly what it’s meant to do. Catching prey and escaping predators is made easier by a cat’s natural curiosity.
A Cat’s Curiosity Keeps Them Safe
The most advantageous part of curiosity is familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Cats have already explored their environments many times over. They know where everything is placed and where all the nooks and crannies are.
As soon as something new is introduced to their environment, a cat’s mission suddenly becomes to investigate. This is a natural response to become familiar with their environment again. In other words, that newly opened closet door is a potential opportunity in the eyes of a cat.
Evading predators becomes easier if you know your surroundings really well. In theory, cat’s can better escape and hide from the jaws of their pursuers if they know exactly where to go.
A Cat’s Curiosity Helps Them Catch Prey
Investigating new objects in the environment is an opportunity to catch more prey. Hence why that new grocery bag on the floor is so interesting to your cat. For their wild ancestors, that new item is possible new prey.
To explore and be curious often rewarded wild cats with delicious prey. Thus, curiosity got the cat some prey.
Staving Off Boredom
Another reason why your cat might seem so curious is that they’re just bored. Bored cats will find ways to amuse themselves. Exploring uncharted territory is an exciting change from the predictable.
Keeping your cat occupied with toys and playing with them is a great way to keep them out of mischief.
How to Keep a Cat From Being So Curious
A curious cat is sometimes an annoying cat. You might need some relief from your cat being so curious. Here are a few ways to stave off curiosity when you need to:
- Provide plenty of engaging toys and activities – keep your cat occupied with all sorts of fun activities to banish boredom
- Hide all interesting or new items – immediately put away groceries or otherwise new objects or just keep them in places out of view or access by the kitty.
- Close doors or partition off certain area – closing closet doors and rooms where you don’t want the cat to go is an easy fix. You can also hide items you don’t want your cat to get into in those areas.
What Do Curious Cats Do?
All the ways a cat can be curious are endless. Here are a few signs your cat is curious:
- Exploring hard to reach places like behind the fridge or on top of furniture.
- Trying to get into a backpack or bag that was just left on the floor
- Sniffing around your food
- Watching all the goings-on outside
- Begging to go outside
- Making up games, like attacking a non-existent toy under the rug
- Peering around a corner or intently fixated on something or someone
- Reaching under a door to try to get something in there
