Cats, Caving, and Cocooning
Have you ever noticed your feline friend seems to enjoy sitting under your legs when you have a blanket over them? Have you also noticed how they like to squeeze into small places or piles of clothing where their bodies just barely fit? Both of these are common behaviours referred to as caving and cocooning. Let’s take a deeper look at why our kitties get so much enjoyment out of these things.
The Call of the Cave
It’s no secret that cats like to spend time alone. As animals that sleep for the majority of the day, a secluded hiding spot provides the perfect place to rest. As a result, they’re naturally attuned to seek out and explore places that might make a good hiding spot.
Cats do this in the wild to provide safety and security, and finding these little cave-like spots around the home can emulate the calming feelings they might experience in a den. The smaller the space the better, as they also like to have their back to a wall. This way they can always see potential threats or meals in front of them.
Now fast forward through thousands of years of domestication and sometimes that instinct takes the form of them roaming around underneath your blankets while you watch TV. If you’re lucky, you don’t get swatted as they chase their tail in there.
This same instinct can be seen in a lot of cats when a human is making a bed. When the comforter, is shaken up into the air, and then allowed to fall back down onto the mattress, many cats will run underneath it so they can roam around in the darkness with the blanket pressing right on top of them. Almost like a large cocoon.
Cats and Cocoons
Similarly to caving, cocooning is the act of a cat wrapping or covering themselves in blankets, towels, clothing, tissue paper, or wrapping paper at Christmas. Cocooning could also include really tight boxes, cloth bags, or any sort of tight space a kitty can squeeze into.
This behaviour taps into that same desire for warmth and security that we see in caving. They are wrapped up tightly, so it feels like they have they are protected on their sides and from behind. It might even give them the feeling of camouflage.
In the wild, as an animal that exists in the middle of the food chain, it makes sense why a cat would value the feeling of safety. It allows them to drop their guard, feel calm, and even catch up on some sleep.
Evolutionary Roots
To understand the origins of caving and cocooning behaviour, look to the evolutionary history of cats. In the wild, they live both as predators and prey, constantly navigating a complex landscape of threats and opportunities. Seeking hidden shelters and camouflaging themselves in their surroundings are survival strategies passed down through generations, giving them the ability to evade danger and conserve energy when needed. Caving and cocooning are just a part of those strategies.
Nurturing the Instinct
As cat owners, we play a crucial role in nurturing our feline companions' natural instincts. By providing them with a variety of cozy hiding spots and comforting blankets, we create an environment that honours their need for security and autonomy. Whether it's a dedicated cat cave, a plush blanket fort, or a strategically placed cardboard box, investing in these simple comforts will go a long way to strengthen your bond with your cat.
Final Thoughts
Caving and cocooning are just parts of what makes cats so great. They are such unique, funny creatures who rely on us to not just keep them safe but enrich their lives. Therefore, if your cat has a strong instinct for finding little hiding spots, or it’s constantly trying to get underneath your blankets, don’t find fault with it. Find a way to build other little places for them to enjoy. If you have space, look at where there might be some opportunities to build a few cat caves or cocoons!