Wait! Cats AREN’T Curious? Here’s the Truth

You know that term, “curiosity killed the cat?” Maybe we kitties have taken it to heart, because a recent study from the University of Sussex, UK shows that we may be less curious than originally assumed!

Cats Show Less Curiosity Than Dogs and Children

Dogs, children, and most other creatures are fascinated by the element of surprise. Think of toddlers playing peek-a-boo, or a dog getting excited over the whereabouts of a toy. This kind of stimulus just doesn’t appeal to cats, as these researchers discovered.

How the Study Was Done

The researchers used 18 cats from 14 different households. Each one was given a toy to play with. Then someone put the toy in one of two boxes. The boxes were hidden away, and sometimes the toy was switched into a different box. Sometimes it wasn’t.

When the boxes were brought back to the cats, they were more likely to play with the toy if it was in the original box than in the different box. On top of that, they were more engaged if the person with the box was someone familiar to them instead of a stranger.

So the unknown was decidedly less appealing to the cats in the study.

But wait — there’s a reason for that! And if you’re an experienced cat owner, I bet you know it already.

Cats Prefer Routine and Safety

Cats find pleasure in knowing what’s coming next. We like having order in our life. It makes us feel safe. And when we know what to expect, we can relax, play, and have fun. When faced with something surprising, it throws us off.

So no, your cat would probably not like a game of peek-a-boo!

What This Means for You and Your Cat

Whether it’s playtime or everyday life, your cat will be happier if you give them predictable routines. Schedule play sessions instead of coming up with them randomly. Use their favorite toys. Follow the same steps every time you feed them, and at bedtime. Be their rock.

You know what happens when you do all this? It gives your cat the freedom to explore, find new ways to amuse themselves, and maybe even get in a little bit of trouble.

The truth is cat’s aren’t uncurious. They just need security and a bit of predictability to be their authentic selves. More so than most other animals. And I bet some of you humans can relate.

If you’d like to see more about the study, you’ll find the research published in the journal PLOS One. For an easier read, there’s an overview on the University of Sussex website.

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