Cats hate closed doors, that’s a fact. If you own a cat, you have surely lived the scenario of not knowing whether to open or close the door. For example, you are in your bedroom trying to take some rest. All of a sudden, you hear frantic scratching and meowing. If you have opened the door, let the cats in, and then closed it, you understand that a closed door is what cats hate the most.
But why do cats want to get out if they are inside and get in if they are outside a room? Is that even normal?
Well, there are several reasons why cats hate closed doors, they are the following:
1. They Are Curious:
There is a famous cat saying that says: “ curiosity killed the cat”. In fact, this saying holds a lot of truth in it. Cats simply want to know what is going on. They are curious to know what is happening on the other side of the door. Thus, scratching and meowing started.
2. They Are Social:
Cats, also, like to get the attention of their owners. They probably don’t like their humans to be behind closed doors because of the FOMO ( the fear of missing out). Moreover, cats love to involve in whatever is going on. They want to be a part of all the activities that the family practice. After all, being left out is what everyone hates.
3. They Are Territorial:
Cats are territorial creatures. They believe that the entire house is theirs, not yours. By closing the door, cats become unable to access the different parts of their house, which is something annoying for them.
4. Cats Hate Closed Doors Because They Feel Trapped:
Cats hate being confined in one room the whole day. They feel uncomfortable and they want to be free. Cats sitting in a room may not even think of leaving. However, if they find themselves in a closed room, they feel stressed. Then they start to meow. If you open the door, they will immediately be relieved.
5. A Learned Behaviour:
You may unintentionally teach your cats that if they meow, you will open the door for them. If your cats are locked in a given room, they cry and you let them out. This act reinforces that behavior. Even if it occurs intermittently over the pets’ lives, it is enough for them to continue that behavior.
6. They Suffer From Separation Anxiety:
Another reason why cats hate closed doors is the possibility of feeling anxious when they are alone. Moreover, they feel uncomfortable behind closed doors because they have never been trained to accept confinement from the scratch.
7. Greeting:
This weird behavior may mean that your cats are saying hello! It is a loving behavior instead of an annoying one. If they do so, they like you and feel happy and comfortable with you.
8. Cats Hate Closed Doors Because of Boredom:
Sometimes, your cats beg to have the door opened, then they just walk away. Your cats’ sociability drives them to look for you whenever you are, but then sit alone and never be close to you. You may allow them to sit with you, but they just walk away right after you open the door and welcome them in. They may appear stored to you. However, your cats are trying to lead you to a different area where you can play together. Just follow your cats and you will understand why they are acting like that.
How Do Your Cats Ask You to Open the Door?
- Meowing: Once the door is closed, cats become alarmed. They go sit in front of the closed room and start meowing until somebody opens the door for them
- Fidgeting: If the meowing doesn’t work, they become uncomfortable and restless. They will go back and forth to the closed room trying to plan their next step.
- Pawing: If the above methods prove to be unsuccessful, your cats start pawing until somebody notices their existence and open the door for them.
- Asking for Help: Cats will come to you or any other member of the family to seek your help. They meow and brush up against you, and then go up to the closed door to make you come and open the door for them.
- Scratching: If all their strategies go unanswered, cats will use their weapon- their claws. The last attempt is scratching.
How to Make Your Cats Feel Comfortable with a Closed Door?
The great news is that there is always a way to train your pets to do what you want them to do. Similarly, you can teach your cats to see an empty room as a place of fun, not punishment. you can do this by filling that empty room with their toys, their litter box, food, and water. Furthermore, you can sit with your cats in that room, playing and feeding them. It is better to start teaching your newly adopted cats to accept confinement slowly and systematically.
Should You Be Worry About The Fact that Cats Hate Closed Doors?
Generally. Hating closed doors is normal cat behavior. It does not cause your feline friends harm. However, if you notice any physical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or panting, then your little kitties are stressed.
If this is the case, it is better to leave all the doors open, and immediately take your cats to a vet or a veterinary behaviorist to find out what is going on with your cats.
Last words
Cats are lovely and friendly creatures. If you want to build a close relationship with them, you need to understand their behaviors and find out the underlying causes that push them to act the way they do. Training them is the key factor in shaping their behaviors. You need to reinforce behaviors you like. Remember, if your cats have a serious condition and they feel anxious and stressed when they are alone inside a closed room, don’t ever think that they will be okay. Instead, go to your vet and try to get some pieces of advice on how to deal with your cats.
