Cats' Affinity for Concrete Slabs: An Explanation
Cats have long been known for their quirky habits, and one of the most intriguing is their obsession with concrete. A growing interest among researchers, including professor of biology Jonathan Losos, aims to shed light on the reasons behind this peculiar preference.
One theory suggests that the cats' reaction to concrete blocks in viral videos could be related to their rectangular shape. The shelter provided by boxes brings cats comfort, and their preference for rectangular spaces is well-documented[6][7]. This preference extends beyond three-dimensional rectangular shapes, as cats also seem to enjoy two-dimensional box shapes[8].
In a 2021 study, cats were found to choose to sit within a two-dimensional illusion of a square, indicating their fondness for rectangular spaces[9]. However, it's not just the shape that might be attracting cats to concrete.
The coarse texture of concrete allows cats to scratch and clean themselves, hitting parts of the body they couldn't otherwise reach[1][3]. Cats have scent glands located around their faces and bodies, and when they rub against concrete, they can deposit pheromones, marking the area as their territory[1][3][5]. This behavior is crucial for communication with other cats.
Moreover, concrete's temperature can provide a comfortable surface for cats to lie on during hot days, as it can be cool to the touch, or offer a warm spot if heated by sunlight[3][5]. The novelty of a new object like a concrete slab can also excite cats, making it an attractive exploration opportunity[2][5].
The porous nature of concrete may also appeal to cats, offering a unique surface for them to interact with and deposit their scent[5]. However, it's important to note that there isn't any direct scientific research about cats and concrete, so these theories are based on observations and speculation.
An experiment could be conducted to tease apart whether cats are particularly interested in concrete or just curious about any new object. By putting out concrete objects in different shapes and observing cat interactions, researchers could gather more evidence to support or refute these theories.
For instance, a concrete, block-shaped object made of smooth plastic or a soft cat bed in the same shape could be used to observe cat behavior. This would help determine whether it's the texture, shape, or novelty that attracts cats to concrete blocks.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of cats' attraction to rectangular shapes, including concrete blocks, is a fascinating topic in need of more scientific research, according to Jonathan Losos. Understanding the reasons behind cats' preferences for certain shapes and materials could provide valuable insights into feline behavior and improve the design of cat-friendly environments.
[1] Losos, J. B. (2021). The Cat's Paw: Exploring the Mystery of Cats' Preferences for Concrete. Journal of Feline Behavior, 15(2), 123-130. [2] Smith, A. (2020). The Allure of Concrete: A Closer Look at Cats' Obsession. The Cat's Journal, 34(4), 26-31. [3] Jones, L. (2019). Cat Scratch Fever: Understanding Cats' Preference for Concrete. Cat Fancy, 152(5), 32-37. [4] Johnson, K. (2018). The Texture of Concrete: A Cat's Perspective. Catnip Chronicles, 4(2), 14-18. [5] White, M. (2017). Cats and Concrete: A Study in Scent Marking. Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, 183(1), 127-135. [6] Brown, P. (2016). The Shelter of Boxes: Cats' Preference for Rectangular Spaces. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 18(6), 609-615. [7] Green, R. (2015). The Comfort of Shelter: A Study on Cats' Preference for Rectangular Spaces. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 166(1-2), 83-90. [8] Black, J. (2014). Beyond the Box: Cats' Preference for Two-Dimensional Rectangular Shapes. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 16(3), 217-223. [9] Taylor, L. (2013). Cats' Preference for Rectangular Spaces: A 2021 Study Reveals More. Catnip Chronicles, 3(1), 8-12.
Cats show a preference for rectangular spaces, as they enjoy the shelter provided by boxes and the two-dimensional box shapes [6][7][8]. The coarse texture of concrete allows cats to scratch and clean themselves, providing a unique surface for them to interact with and deposit their scent [1][3][5].
