Why Are Cats So Upset by Closed Doors?

These signs of agitation can be rapid tail movements, insistent meowing, legs, etc. Some cats will not hesitate to scrape the closed door or jump to try to catch the handle.

If someone opens them, they will take a look in this desired space. However, they do not remain there, however. To believe that they just wanted to make sure that the door remains open in case. It is not far from reality.

Cats always want to know what's going on behind the closed doors

Curious in nature, cats have FOMO syndrome. It is the “Fear of Missing Out” or the fear of lacking important events. Among cats, the FOMO translates into: “I don't know what's on the other side, but I want to go see and understand,” says Dr. Karen Sweden, certified veterinary behaviorist.

Cats like to monitor their territory well, including what is happening behind the closed doors of their house. It is a natural instinct that allows them to stay alive in nature.

“Cats like to control access to spaces, basic vital needs and territory,” explains Ingrid Johnson, feline behavior consultant. Our hair balls must feel safe in their environment for their well-being.

A closed door represents the “three C” for cats

A closed door is a major obstacle for cats, at least for many of them. As the behaviorist Jane Ehrlich explains, a closed door represents the “three terrible C”.

The cat cannot choose itself to go to the closed room. He does not control his opening. He also hates that this door is closed when it is sometimes open.

“Even if cats do not necessarily want to be involved in what is happening behind the door, they want to know what's going on,” adds Jane Ehrlich. They hate closed doors even more that block access to a room where they could go there as they like.

“They just know that the place they had before – where they feel safe, or where they like to sleep, take a nap, eat or other – is now suddenly deleted,” says Ingrid Johnson. That causes them to stress.

Some felines do not want to be away from human interactions

In addition, we must not forget that cats need to have moments of complicity with their family. Even if they are independent animals, they appreciate human interaction.

A study published in 2017 in the journal Behavioral Processes even reveals that certain cats prefer human interaction to other stimuli such as food and toys.

So how do you reduce your cat's anxiety without keeping all the doors of the house open? The most important thing is consistency in decisions.

For example, if you don't want your cat going to the rooms, you have to block access permanently.

Of course, it is better to consult a veterinarian to eliminate any health problem if the cat seems to be in distress in front of the closed doors.

Source: Live Science