You may have a nice and comfortable bed for your cat, but you still can't stop your cat from loving small spaces like small boxes and pouches. From time to time, your cat will run to many small places you may not have thought of. Is it because the cat bed we prepare for cats is not comfortable enough? Why do cats love to stay in small spaces and how to treat this situation?
Why do cats love to stay in small spaces?
Anyone who owns cats has seen cats huddled in courier boxes or crammed into ultra-tiny spaces. If you're getting a cat for the first time, you might also be surprised how much your cat loves a box. So why do cats love to stay in small spaces?
Safety
Cats are solitary animals. Whether they hunt or play, they are not used to cooperating with other cats, which means that if they are attacked, they may not get other cats' help. They have to live and get used to hiding. So one of the main reasons cats like to curl up in small spaces is that it gives them a sense of security, which protects them from potential enemies. This is similar to human behavior, even in warm weather, people like to cover up to the chin, just because it gives us a sense of security. The sense of security that comes with having something close to the body is often related to the feeling of being in the womb as a fetus.
Warmth
Cats are animals that are not very good at regulating their body temperature, so they change their location depending on the outside temperature. When cats feel cold, they like to curl up in a small place to sleep or get into some boxes. The narrow space allows cats to squeeze themselves together, which can play a certain role in keeping out the cold. So you'll often find a cat curled up in a room where it can get some sun, or behind a piece of furniture near a heater.
Hunting
Wild cats also use small places as a way to hide when hunting, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Although domestic cats do not need to hunt for food, they still have this hunting instinct. You may find your cat trying to prey on mice, birds, and even butterflies. Sometimes, they practice their hunting instincts on moving objects, such as leaves blowing in the wind.
Curiosity
Cats are very curious animals, and cats do many things because of their curiosity. Cats have a habit of looking for hidden prey in small holes and wood in the wild, so they will also be interested in various boxes at home. Especially those unfamiliar boxes that have been brought home by their owners are more interesting to cats. No matter if there is anything in the box or not, the cat will go in and take a look. If there is not, it will take a good rest in it for a while. If there is, it will fight with the contents in the box.
Do we need to free cats from small spaces?
From the reasons why cats like to squeeze into small spaces analyzed above, it is basically due to the nature and instinct of cats. So we generally don't need to worry too much about it, the cat will come out by itself after resting or playing enough. At this time, we force the cat to come out and even have a bad effect on the cat.
But in addition to the above reasons, when cats are sick or injured, they usually choose to sleep in a small place to heal. This both makes them feel safe and keeps their weakened state from being seen by other animals. At this time, they like to face outward and try to hide their weak bodies in small places. In this case, we need to take the cat to the veterinarian in time
How to treat this situation?
We have already learned that cats running into small spaces to rest and play are not dangerous to cats in most cases, and cats like them very much. So not only do we not need to stop them, it is even necessary to create conditions for them. But there is no denying that, in a few cases, it does have some potential risks to cats. Is there any way to get the best of both worlds?
Create space for your cat at home
Cats will find narrow places by themselves, but to avoid the corners that are dangerous to your cat, why do we not provide comfortable and narrow spaces for cats by ourselves, such as cat tunnels and cat beds. Give cats something of their own so they feel comfortable, warm, and have a sense of security they crave. In addition, a cat climbing frame is also a good choice. It can meet the needs of cats to climb different levels and allow cats to trim their nails by themselves. As a form of entertainment, it can also satisfy a cat's playful nature.
Eliminate dangerous narrow spaces in your home
Cats love narrow spaces, but they can't tell which spaces are dangerous and which aren't. Therefore, we need to find and eliminate dangerous narrow spaces in the home in time, such as gaps between furniture, the sewers, and unstable cartons. In addition, washing machines, drawers, wardrobes, etc. should always be closed. Before closing drawers, and wardrobes, before starting the washing machine, we must make sure the cat is not inside to avoid harming the cat.
Pay attention to cats that hide for a long time
Some cats will hide in the dark for a long time because of physical discomfort. If the cat hides for a long time and refuses to eat or come out when it is called, it should be taken to the veterinary hospital immediately! Also, if your cat hides in a small space for a long time, or is constantly meowing in a small space, there is no doubt that it is trapped. At this time, you need to rescue your cat in time.
