Cats are known for their curious and playful nature, often finding the most unexpected things to play with. Jigsaw puzzles, with their scattered pieces and the activity involved in assembling them, can be particularly intriguing for our feline friends. Let’s delve into the specifics of why cats are often found batting at puzzle pieces or sitting in the middle of a puzzle-in-progress.
The Lure of Movement
Visual Stimulation
Cats are attracted to movement. The act of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle involves a lot of hand movements which can capture a cat’s attention. As puzzle pieces slide across the table, a cat’s predatory instincts kick in, and they often can’t resist the urge to pounce.
Hunting Instinct
The small, moveable pieces of a jigsaw puzzle mimic the size and movements of prey, such as insects or small rodents. This triggers a cat’s natural hunting instincts, leading them to bat at and chase the pieces.
Territory and Comfort
Claiming Space
Cats are territorial animals, and a puzzle spread out over a large area can be seen as an invasion of their space. By sitting on the puzzle or interacting with it, cats may be attempting to reclaim their territory.
Warmth and Texture
Puzzle pieces and the board itself often have a pleasing texture and can retain warmth, making them comfortable places for cats to sit.
Interactive Play
Bonding Time
When you engage in assembling a cat jigsaw puzzle, your cat may see this as an opportunity to interact with you. It’s a bonding activity, albeit one where the cat may be more of a hindrance than a help!
Puzzle Boxes
Cats love boxes, and often a puzzle comes in a box that is just too tempting to ignore. The box itself becomes a toy, with its enticing corners and crinkly sounds.
The Joy of Disruption
Attention-Seeking
Sometimes cats disrupt a puzzle simply because it’s a surefire way to get your attention. Cats are smart enough to know that if they want a reaction from you, sitting on your puzzle will do the trick.
Playful Disruption
In the end, some cats may just enjoy the act of disruption itself. Scattering puzzle pieces gives them a sense of control and power in their environment, which is always a win for a cat.
Conclusion
Cats are complex creatures with simple joys, and a jigsaw puzzle happens to tick many of the boxes for a cat’s entertainment. It’s the combination of movement, territory, interactive play, and potential for disruption that makes jigsaw puzzles so appealing to them. While this can be frustrating for puzzle enthusiasts, it’s important to remember that your cat’s puzzling antics are part of their charm. After all, what’s a few more minutes spent finding and reassembling puzzle pieces when you have the company of your playful pet?