Cats hate closed doors because they get FOMO, experts say

If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you know the drill: close a door, and within seconds, you’re treated to a symphony of pitiful meows, persistent pawing, and, in extreme cases, a full-on feline assault. But why do our beloved furballs seem to harbour such a deep-seated disdain for closed doors?

According to experts, it’s not just about being shut out; it’s about a primal urge deeply embedded in the cat psyche — a fear of missing out, or as we like to call it, feline FOMO.

The curious cat conundrum

Cats are naturally curious creatures. Evolution has wired them to be ever-watchful, constantly surveying their territory for potential threats or opportunities. This instinct, essential for survival in the wild, translates into some rather quirky behaviours in the domestic setting.
Dr Karen Sueda, an expert veterinary behaviourist, explained that cats’ curiosity is more than just a casual interest. “It is a little bit of FOMO,” Sueda told LiveScience. “The FOMO of like, ‘I don’t know what’s on the other side, and I want to go see and figure it out.’”

Simply put, when a door closes, a cat’s curiosity kicks into overdrive. What if something exciting — like a rogue laser pointer or, heaven forbid, a tuna can being opened — happens on the other side? The thought is simply unbearable!

The three terrible C’s

Cat behaviourist Jane Ehrlich summed it up with what she calls the “three terrible C’s” that cats can’t stand: lack of Choice, loss of Control, and Change. When a door closes, a cat loses its ability to choose its path, control its environment, and deal with an unexpected change all at once. That’s a trifecta of stress for your feline friend.

Ingrid Johnson, a cat behaviour consultant, added that this need for control stems from a survival strategy. “Cats like to control access to spaces and vital basic needs and territory,” she said. “It doesn’t make them mean. It just makes them a species that is both predator and prey, needing to hunt to survive but also to feel safe and secure in their environment.”
But it’s not all about survival instincts either. Cats also have a soft spot for human attention. A 2017 study found that many cats prefer human interaction over food or toys. When you close a door, you’re effectively cutting off their supply of affection. And in the eyes of a cat, that’s just unacceptable.

So, what can you do?

First, consistency is key. If you don’t want your cat in a particular room, make it off-limits all the time, not just when guests are over. Sudden changes in access can lead to stress, and a stressed cat is an unhappy cat.

Second, pay attention to your cat’s signals. If your kitty is more than just mildly annoyed — exhibiting frantic vocalising, flattened ears, or hissing — it might be time to reconsider your door policy or consult a vet.