Do Cats Feel Compelled to Sit in Circles Drawn on the Floor?

The idea that drawing a circle on the floor will compel a cat to sit inside it is a widely shared anecdote and meme. While scientific proof is lacking, many cat owners report that their felines exhibit interest or a tendency to sit within these shapes, whether drawn with chalk, tape, or even empty spaces. This behavior often stems from a cat's instinct to seek out enclosed spaces for security and comfort.

Enclosed Spaces and Feline Behavior

Cats are naturally drawn to enclosed spaces because these areas provide a sense of security. This is genetically ingrained as a survival instinct; cats protect their soft body parts, such as the underbelly and rib cage, by contracting their legs within confined areas.

Cats’ Instinctive Behavior

Despite the common belief that cats will sit in circles out of an inherent compulsion, some owners may not observe such behavior. This non-reaction can be attributed to various factors. For instance, one owner, who owns two cats, reported that one cat would climb inside a loop formed by a belt on a bed, while the other would avoid it due to a traumatic past experience involving similar objects.

Contrary Nature of Cats

Cats are known for their contrary nature, often sitting on objects that their owners find undesirable, such as keyboards in-use or freshly ironed clothing. However, if something happens to be on the floor, chances are high that a cat will sit on it.

Trying the Experiment

While some cats may sit in a circle out of instinct, others may avoid it due to previous negative experiences or personal inclinations. One cat owner, after trying this experiment, noted that neither of their two cats sat in the circle. This is not uncommon, as not all cats exhibit the same behavior.

Cat Behavior and Surprising Observations

The cat behavior community on social media often shares anecdotes about their pet's curious and sometimes confusing actions. One such shared experience involved a cat not sitting in the circle but instead choosing to ignore a cucumber, another commonly observed behavior.

Conclusion

While the idea that cats are compelled to sit in circles is prevalent, it's essential to recognize that not all felines will follow this behavior pattern. Experiments with your own cat can provide insight into their individual preferences and instincts. Whether they choose to sit in a circle or not can be influenced by a range of factors, from past experiences to personal preference.