Multiple factors make cats inherently suited for "cursed" content compared to other animals, but Dr. Mikel Delgado, Rover's resident cat expert on The Pet People Panel, says that survival instincts are responsible for a lot of their quirks.
This, paired with an inherently playful personality, might add up to one curious and naughty feline.
Cats are mesopredators, and according to Dr. Delgado, this means that they are both predators and prey in the animal kingdom.
"Cats must always be aware of what is going on in their surroundings. They can't afford to miss an opportunity to eat, but they must also be cautious of any dangers," she says. Constant observation, investigation, and learning (curiosity!) are tools felines use for survival.
So, cats have developed features that add up to being superior hunters and sneaky prey. From the tip of their independently moving ears to the carpal whiskers on their hind legs—felines are always in tune and exploring their environment.
For example, the inner ear of a cat is so amazing that it's said they can sense a storm rolling in by the drop in air pressure! Their little noses have 40 times more olfactory receptors than ours, and their eyes have six to eight times the amount of rods than humans; in a world so vibrant and alive, it’s no wonder cats are naturally curious about it all.
Cats frequently get themselves stuck up in trees, jammed in trash cans, or peppered with hedgehog quills, but it's all in the name of curiosity.
Some may argue that these situations signal poor judgment or a less-than-smart decision. However, it’s just the opposite.
Curiosity and intelligence are directly linked, so since cats are so curious, they are always learning.
Dr. Delgado says it's during kittenhood that curiosity is most likely to form strong, lifelong associations.
"Kittens tend to be more curious because they are learning about things in their environment that they have never encountered before," she explains. "To determine if something is safe, a kitten might want to watch it, slowly approach it, and maybe touch, smell, or taste it."
