Cats are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors that have fascinated scientists, researchers, and pet owners for centuries. One of their quirks that has gained attention is their affinity for sitting on squares or anything square-like, including simple squares made on the floor with tape. From YouTube videos to articles in Smithsonian magazine, this habit has been observed and analyzed over time. But why do cats sit on squares? In this article, we explore nine likely reasons behind this behavior.
1. Cats Love Square Items
It’s no secret that cats are drawn to square objects of all kinds. From drawers, boxes, storage bins, and wicker baskets, they will try to squeeze into any square space they can find. On top of that, they seem to love finding square shapes on the floor and sitting or lying down on them. It’s unclear why cats have a fascination with squares, but it’s a behavior that’s widely observed and documented on social media platforms like YouTube.
2. Cats Feel Secure in Small Spaces
While a square made of tape on the floor might not be an excellent hiding spot or a safe area to stay, cats still gravitate towards them. One of the primary reasons behind this behavior is to feel safe and secure. Cats will squeeze themselves into small, square objects because it provides them with a sense of protection from the outside world, and they feel secure once they’re inside.
3. Cats Want to Feel Like They Did with Their Mother as Kittens
As kittens, cats spend a lot of time snuggling with their mother to stay warm and safe, and to get food. Some people believe that when cats squeeze into a box or sit in a square, they’re trying to regain that warm, cozy, safe feeling they had with their mother.
4. Squares Provide a Modicum of Psychosomatic Comfort
Sometimes, cats sit on a square made with tape on the floor because of psychosomatic issues. The theory is that since it’s square, the “box” drawn on the floor with tape provides some protection and security, which it obviously does not. However, if your cat feels secure and sitting in a square makes them happy, there’s no harm in it.
5. Cats Like the Texture or Feel of the Square
Cats have a keen sense of touch and enjoy objects with interesting textures. Not only do they appreciate the feel of textured objects, but many square shapes can also be climbed into like a box, which feels good to a cat and offers a compelling reason to sit on a square.
6. The Square Is Yours
Cats like to be with their owners and will do whatever they can to get some “me time” with them. If that means sitting on your square laptop, desk, or document, it’s a great way to get your attention. Your cat will sit on these squares because they belong to you, and they know that doing so will immediately get your attention.
7. Some Squares Provide Warmth and Insulation
Cats love warmth just like humans and gravitate towards heat sources like space heaters or hot water pipes. If that spot happens to be a square, it’s even better because they get warmth and security at the same time. A square of cardboard on a cold floor could also provide insulation from the floor and make for a cozy spot to sit or sleep.
8. Your Cat is Marking the Square with its Scent
Cats mark things with their scent as a way of communicating with other cats. If that thing belongs to you, even better, because your cat’s scent says, “keep off; this is my owner’s!” Your cat will feel attracted to small rug or other square objects that belong to you to mark and keep other cats away.
9. Your Cat Can’t See That the Square Isn’t “Real”
Cats have excellent vision when it comes to things running or flying fast around them. However, their close-up sight is not quite as sharp. For that reason, cats may see a square made from tape and believe that it’s the sides of a box that will give them protection. That’s why they can find and sit on square shapes with such accuracy.
Do Cats Understand What Shapes Are?
Scientists believe that cats recognize and see more colors than humans. However, they may not know the difference between a square and other shapes. Cats see the sides of a shape, which explains their accuracy in finding and sitting on square shapes.
Do All Cats Like Sitting on Squares?
Not all cats like sitting on squares- it depends on their habits and likes. While some cats love to sit on squares, others might quickly look and move on to something more interesting.
In conclusion, understanding why cats sit on squares remains a mystery. However, based on the nine likely reasons discussed above, it’s clear that cats have a strong affinity for square-shaped objects, which offer them comfort, warmth, security, and even a way to mark their territory. Whatever the reason might be, this behavior only adds to the charm and quirkiness of cats, making them even more fascinating to observe and enjoy.
