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Most animals are curious to one degree or another. Although some animals, like dolphins and apes, are exceptionally curious. Of course you’ve likely witnessed your cat or dog being snoopy at times as well. Besides cats and curiosity go hand in hand. But why are they so nosy?
Well, for one, their senses of smell, hearing, and touch are superior to our own. Not only that, cats also see better than we do in the dark. So, that’s four out of five senses that outperform ours. All of this encourages cats to explore. They smell and scent (through their mouths) the floor, grass, chairs, and everything. And they prefer heights to ground level. Therefore, just expect them to climb. Plus, they can fit into tight spaces. However, other than their better senses, why are cats so curious?
Reasons Cats are Curious
Instinct
Besides their senses, a major reason your cat is so nosy is due to instinct, inherited from their wild ancestors. In fact, wild cats today are just as curious. And curiosity helps wild cats for survival, not only to hunt, but also to watch out for predators.
Consequently, when your cat sits on the counter or a chest of drawers, you witness their inherited hunting reflexes. Cats prefer heights for protection and hunting.
Intelligence
In a previous post, I mentioned that a cat’s brain is 90% genetically similar to our brains. And according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, curiosity and intelligence are closely connected among higher animal species. Further, in order for a cat to be able to open a door, they have to have intelligence, which demonstrates problem solving and curiosity.
Age
Young cats, aka kittens, usually have more curiosity and energy than adult cats, since everything is brand new. Cats don’t necessarily lose their curiosity. It’s just that they could grow to be more wary as they age.
Attention
Just like with children, cats can get into things to get your attention. It may not start that way intentionally. However, it could develop into a fun activity for your cat.
Can Curiosity Kill a Cat
The old proverb originally said, “care or worry will kill a cat.” Although, both nature and science teach us that curiosity is good for humans. Therefore, it’s logical that it’s also beneficial for all animals, including cats. Be that as it may, your cat’s curiosity could still get them into trouble if steps haven’t been taken.
For instance, household cleaners, bleach, and disinfectants are obvious dangers your cat’s curiosity could get them into. However, the trash could contain small bones that are tempting to a small predator. And they can fracture and perforate the digestive tract or get caught in your cat’s stomach. Don’t forget chocolate is toxic to cats as are many plants. Medications, prescription or OTC, creams, lotions, sunscreen, and etc are all bad for your cat. Whatever chemicals you keep in your garage are harmful as well. Moreover, if you let your cat go outside, there are feral cats, dogs, and other predators to think of.
To keep your fur baby safe, make sure your cat can’t get into any cabinets that contain poisonous chemicals or medications. And keep a lid on the trash or empty it frequently. Further, if you let your cat out, don’t let them out unsupervised, in the event they’re like my cat. She’s kinda slow when it comes to climbing due to her weight and unused muscles. She can climb, just not as fast as the other two resident cats.
Cats and Curiosity
Since this past May, Itty has been getting me up at different hours of the night by scritching and scratching my side of the bed with her claws. (It’s no longer for food.) Because I’m no longer working outside of the house, I entertain her wishes. At first it was just once a night. Then it moved up to twice a night. Now I’m up at all hours. She has me follow her around, checking out the perimeter of the house, like a night guardsman or something. I guess she’s making sure everything is ok. But sometimes I think she’s hunting.
And then she’ll have me take her outside when it’s dark. That’s definitely to hunt. Her curiosity is certainly hitting full peak. She’s started going over to the chicken side, so I have to chaperone her. I don’t want her getting loose to the front, and then getting killed by a dog. She goes through everything, and I mean everything of those chickens’. If they had a lingerie drawer, she would be going through that. Highly nose cat.
Do you have a curious cat? How do you allow them to safely engage their curiosity? Thanks for reading my blog! Please like and share, and if you don’t do so already, you can follow me now.
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