Why Do Cats Cram Themselves Into Small Spaces?

If you are a cat parent or have ever cared for one, you may have noticed this peculiar behavior. It may seem a bit uncomfortable, odd, and even silly, but there are many reasons your furry feline companion seeks out tight spots! Even their larger wild relatives have been seen exhibiting this rather strange behavior.

Here are some of the reasons they might be doing this:

1. Not only are cats predatory animals, but they are also prey animals. They have a natural instinct to "hide" and seek out places that they deem safe from their predators(even indoor cats that have never known the dangers of living outside retain this innate sense of protection as a survival mechanism). It is a way for them to feel safe, secure, and "hidden" from any danger whether it is actual or perceived.
2. In the wild, cats are hunters(predators). Their survival depends on their ability to find and obtain food. While some may find this appalling, it is an instinct that has been passed along for generations and has allowed them to survive. Even indoor-only cats that have never had to fend for themselves will go through the motions without fully understanding or needing to use it(those that have come to rely on us would have no idea how to survive on their own and retain this behavior without realizing its true purpose as they have never been taught otherwise). These small hiding spots allow them to keep themselves hidden from their own prey(or even other humans/family) that may be trying to find them for whatever reason. By remaining hidden until they are ready to pounce and/or attack, they are exercising a natural behavior that has proven to be more than just a way to survive.