Why Are Cats So Curious?

You’ve likely heard the expression “Curiosity killed the cat” before, but you also likely find yourself wondering what the expression actually means, and why cats are so often linked to curiosity and inquisitiveness. 

Cats have been lifelong human companions for many generations, and in the time that we have been living with them, we have come to understand a number of their most frequent behaviors and why they behave in certain ways. 

But one thing that still mystifies many cat owners is why exactly cats prove to be so curious. What makes them act that way?

Do you have a particularly curious cat, maybe one that often gets up to mischief? Ever wondered what makes them behave that way?

​Then you should read on below because we are going to find some answers!

​Why Are Cats So Curious?

​Luckily, the simple explanation for why cats are so curious is that it is simply in their nature and their instincts to be curious and to investigate the environment around them.

The instinct that drives a cat’s curiosity is simply the survival instinct.

Your cat is exploring things in its environment to ensure that they are safe, and so that it can ascertain the dangers, in the interest of its own survival. 

This is also often why cats end up causing trouble with their curiosity, as it often causes them to push boundaries, which can occasionally cause trouble. 

Whenever you introduce even slight changes to a cat’s environment, its curiosity will naturally take over as it sets out to determine the risks of the new element that has entered its territory.

Make sure to allow a cat to explore its curiosity in its own time, as cats can often become rather on edge when presented with new information. 

A cat may also let its curiosity take over as a result of its prey drive.

​Whenever a cat, in the wild, hunts for prey, it will make sure to carefully scope out the area before it stickers, so that it can be sure that it will get an accurate kill. It also helps them to maximize their stealth to be ready to strike at any moment. 

​Are Cats Naturally Curious?

​Definitely, aside from the prey drive, and the survival instincts of the average cat, the physiology of a cat also suggests a lot about how curious it is. 

For starters, a cat's ears are highly sensitive, and can move around at will to help a cat to monitor its surroundings and get a greater grasp of its bearings.

This also helps them to notice potential dangers that may be sneaking up behind them. 

As well as their sense of sound, a cat’s sense of smell is incredibly keen, and smell is often how a cat will build up information regarding the things in its environment.

Whenever a new object is brought into a cat’s environment, you may notice it sniffing around the new object to try to understand it.

This is also why it is recommended to allow a cat to sniff your hand before you pet it, so that it can determine that you are not a threat. 

One of a cat’s most unique features is its whiskers, and these are very vital for helping a cat to understand the world around it.

Whiskers automatically detect vibrations in the world around a cat which helps it to always be aware of its surroundings, even while its eyes are closed.

​Whiskers help to give cats situational awareness at all times, which aids them in their curiosity, as it helps them to not be surprised, or struck by sneaky predators! 

Cats are also very flexible, and can react very quickly, thanks to their spring-like legs, and their quick speed. This means that, if they do encounter danger, they can escape very quickly. 

​Does Curiosity Kill The Cat?

​Definitely not. In fact, curiosity is largely what helps a cat to stay alive.

​Cat’s use their curiosity to scope the area around them so that they can always have a sense of their surroundings to stay safe, and be wary of predators or dangers entering that space.

If you ever introduce a new stimuli into a cat’s space, make sure to allow it to explore it, smell it, hear it, and feel it, as it will allow them to accept it and determine it as safe, which will help your cat to feel much more comfortable in your presence. 

​Conclusion

​Cats are curious simply because it is in their nature to be.

Cats naturally have a survival instinct that drives them to want to understand the world around them and to get a complete picture of their environment.

Whenever you introduce something or someone new to your home, your cat will naturally be curious, in order to determine the safety of the new stimulus. 

Rest assured that if your cat is very curious, it is because it is trying to understand the environment around it, and because it wants to feel comfortable in your home, and in your presence.

​And if your cat does find itself in danger as its curiosity takes hold, rest assured that it will be able to use its natural agility to escape.

​Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Cats So Nosey?
Cats are naturally very nosey simply as an extension of their natural curiosity.

​Whenever a cat experiences something new in a space that is familiar, it will often go very close to investigate it, and may often sniff it, as smell is one of a cat’s keenest senses.

Do Cats Actually Want Attention?

Although cats are very solitary and independent, they do also need a lot of love and affection lathered upon them.

If you have a very independent cat, make sure to still give it plenty of love and affection, as it will appreciate it!

How Do You Tell If A Cat Has Bonded With You? 

Building a bond with a cat is very special and takes some work.

You’ll know if there is a bond if your cat rubs their face on you, lays down on your lap or pads on you, or if they touch you with their paws!