Science-Backed Reason Why Cats Hate Closed Doors Is Actually Hilarious

If you've been wondering why your cat loses their cool when a door is shut or they try to scratch their way in, science tells us why, and it's so funny.

On August 24, 2024, LiveScience spoke with several cat experts to find out why they had closed doors so much, and it turns out there's a pretty funny science-backed reason. Here's what we know.

If you have a cat, you've probably encountered their behavior when they come to a closed door like the bathroom.

Related: Cat's Funny Way of Mimicking Dad's Behavior Is an Absolute Riot

If you're inside the bathroom with the door shut, it's not unusual to see a cat paw pop in from the little gap at the bottom of the door. Or to wake up with the cat scratching at your bedroom door, trying to get in.

But why do cats do this? And why do they always seem so angry or slightly panicked when they come across a door that's been shut?

Science says there are a few different reasons, including a fear of missing out (FOMO) and being in control.

​​"It is a little bit of FOMO," Dr. Karen Sueda, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, 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.'"

That does make sense because cats are known for being curious. Especially if they're looking for something to do or some enrichment, wanting to see anything new, like what's going on behind the closed door, this personality trait checks out.

Cat behavior consultant Ingrid Johnson explained to LiveScience that there's another reason cats hate closed doors. It's related to not wanting to miss out on what's going on behind closed doors, but it also brings in another trait many cats have — the desire to control everything.

"Cats like to control access to spaces and vital basic needs and territory," Johnson told Live Science. "It doesn't make them mean. It doesn't make them anything other than a species that is both predator and prey that has to hunt to survive but also has to feel safe and secure in their environment."

Again, this reason also makes sense, scientifically and anecdotally, from what cat parents can see at home. While cats meowing or scratching at a closed door might look weird or seem strange to cat parents, the behavior is engrained in their instincts.

How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching at Your Door

Over time, if you have a cat who doesn't like closed doors, you'll likely end up with scratched-up doors or door frames. It can be a frustrating part of being a cat parent, but there are some things you can do to minimize scratching, even though it is a very normal, natural behavior for cats.

According to Catster, if you make sure your cats have scratch posts, lots of toys, and activities to do, you'll likely see less of the scratching door frame behavior.

But if your cat particularly hates having doors shut, consistency can help. This means keeping areas of your home off limits all the time, not just sporadically, so your cat knows what to expect.