If you’ve ever seen a cat in front of a closed door, you’ve probably noticed their frustration. Whether it’s poking a paw under the door, pawing at it, or letting out agitated meows, cats clearly don’t like being shut out. But why is this?
Experts say it’s a mix of evolutionary traits and behaviors influenced by pet owners. Dr. Karen Sueda, a veterinary behaviorist, explains that part of the reason is that cats are curious and have a fear of missing out (FOMO). “It’s a bit of FOMO,” Sueda told Live Science. “They don’t know what’s on the other side, and they want to find out.”
Cats are naturally curious and like to monitor everything happening in their environment, including their owner’s home. This instinct helps them stay safe in the wild but can lead to behaviors we might find strange, like attacking a door. Cat behavior consultant Ingrid Johnson notes that cats like to control access to spaces and resources, which is essential for their sense of security.
Closed doors hit on the “three terrible C’s” that cats dislike: lack of choice, loss of control, and change. While they might not necessarily want to be involved in what’s happening behind the door, they still want to know what’s going on.
Cats also crave attention from their owners, which a closed door cuts off. A 2017 study published in *Behavioural Processes* found that most cats prefer human interaction over other stimuli like food or toys. Additionally, cats don’t understand that a closed door is temporary, which can add to their stress. Johnson advises cat owners to maintain consistency in the areas of the house their cats can access to reduce anxiety.
While cats often exhibit attention-seeking behavior around closed doors, sometimes their reactions might indicate genuine distress. If your cat is frantically vocalizing, flattening its ears, or hissing, it could be truly upset. In such cases, consulting a veterinarian is recommended to rule out any health issues.