Instruction: why a cat sleeps in strange places.

1. Introduction

Cats often select sleeping locations that appear odd to human observers. This behavior reflects evolutionary adaptations and sensory priorities. An expert analysis begins with three core considerations:

Safety through concealment - Elevated or hidden spots reduce exposure to predators and allow rapid escape.
Thermal regulation - Warm surfaces, drafts, or sunlit patches help maintain optimal body temperature without expending energy.
Sensory comfort - Textures, vibrations, and ambient sounds can soothe a cat’s heightened tactile and auditory senses.

Understanding these drivers provides a foundation for interpreting the seemingly erratic choices cats make when they settle down.

2. Reasons for Unusual Sleeping Spots

2.1 Safety and Security

Cats select atypical sleeping locations primarily to enhance personal safety and maintain a secure environment. By positioning themselves in elevated or concealed spots, they gain a clear line of sight to surrounding activity while remaining hidden from potential predators. This behavior reduces exposure to sudden threats and allows rapid response if danger arises.

The choice of obscure sites also safeguards against environmental hazards. Soft, insulated surfaces such as laundry piles or cardboard boxes protect against cold floors, while tight spaces prevent accidental injury from household traffic. By avoiding open areas, cats minimize the risk of being stepped on or knocked over.

Security benefits extend to territorial control. Occupying a narrow passage or a high shelf establishes a physical barrier that delineates the cat’s domain. This barrier deters intrusion by other animals and reinforces the cat’s perception of ownership over the household space.

Key safety and security factors influencing unconventional sleeping spots:

Height: provides surveillance and escape routes.
Enclosure: limits visibility to predators and reduces stress.
Temperature regulation: insulated materials maintain body heat.
Isolation from foot traffic: prevents accidental harm.
Territorial marking: reinforces personal boundaries within the home.

2.1.1 Elevated Positions

Cats routinely select high locations for rest because such spots satisfy several survival-driven criteria. Elevated perches grant an unobstructed view of the surrounding area, allowing the animal to detect movement of potential prey or threats well before they approach. This early‑warning capability reduces the likelihood of surprise attacks and aligns with the species’ instinctual need for vigilance.

From a physiological perspective, raised surfaces often provide more stable temperature conditions. Heat rises, so a platform near a ceiling or a window sill can retain warmth during cooler periods, while the distance from the floor protects the cat from drafts and ground‑level parasites. The combination of thermal comfort and reduced exposure to contaminants contributes to more efficient energy conservation during sleep.

Safety considerations also influence the preference for height. A cat perched above ground level is less accessible to larger domestic animals and reduces the risk of accidental injury from household traffic. The elevated position creates a physical barrier that deters intrusion, reinforcing the animal’s sense of security while it rests.

For owners seeking to accommodate this behavior, the following measures are effective:

Install sturdy cat trees or shelves at varying heights.
Secure window ledges with non‑slip material to prevent falls.
Place soft bedding on high surfaces to enhance comfort.
Ensure each perch is anchored to prevent wobbling.

Providing multiple elevated options satisfies the cat’s innate drive to monitor its environment, regulate body temperature, and maintain a safe sleeping zone.

2.1.2 Enclosed Spaces

Enclosed spaces are a primary factor in a cat’s choice of unconventional sleeping sites. A confined area reduces visual exposure, which lowers perceived threat levels and supports a cat’s instinctual need for concealment. The limited opening also conserves body heat, allowing the animal to maintain a stable temperature with minimal energy expenditure.

Key advantages of tight compartments include:

Protection from sudden movements or noises outside the enclosure.
Maintenance of a consistent micro‑climate, especially in cooler rooms or drafty environments.
Ability to rest with minimal muscular tension because the surrounding walls support the body’s posture.

These benefits explain why a cat may settle in a drawer, a cardboard box, or a narrow gap between furniture, even when more obvious resting places are available. The behavior aligns with evolutionary adaptations that favor safety and efficiency over comfort in open spaces.

2.2 Warmth and Comfort

Cats seek out locations that retain heat and provide a sense of enclosure. Their body temperature is higher than that of many other domestic animals, so they instinctively gravitate toward surfaces that radiate warmth, such as a sunny windowsill, a radiator, or a freshly laundered towel. The heat stored in these spots reduces metabolic effort required to maintain core temperature, allowing the cat to conserve energy for hunting, grooming, and play.

Comfort derives from both temperature and physical support. Soft fabrics, folded blankets, or the hollow of a cardboard box conform to a cat’s flexible spine, distributing weight evenly and relieving pressure on joints. This tactile feedback signals safety, encouraging prolonged rest.

Key factors that make an unconventional sleeping site attractive:

Ambient temperature: Areas exposed to direct sunlight or near heat sources maintain a stable, elevated temperature.
Material softness: Plush textures or layered fabrics adapt to the cat’s body shape, reducing discomfort.
Enclosure: Limited openings create a sense of protection, limiting visual stimuli and potential threats.
Elevated position: Raised spots provide a broader field of view while keeping the cat away from drafts and ground-level vibrations.

By prioritizing warmth and ergonomic support, cats select seemingly odd locations that satisfy physiological needs and enhance overall well‑being.

2.2.1 Sunbeams and Heat Sources

Cats are drawn to locations that provide consistent warmth, and sunbeams represent a readily available heat source. When sunlight penetrates a room, it creates a micro‑environment where temperature rises a few degrees above the ambient level. This modest increase reduces the metabolic energy the animal must expend to maintain body heat, making the spot energetically efficient for rest.

Heat‑emitting objects-radiators, heating pads, electronic devices-function similarly. They emit infrared radiation that penetrates fur, delivering direct warmth to the skin. The resulting comfort encourages cats to settle in proximity, even if the area appears unconventional to human observers.

Key characteristics that make sunlit or heated areas attractive:

Surface temperature 2‑5 °C above room average
Minimal airflow, preventing rapid heat loss
Soft substrate that conforms to the cat’s body shape
Visibility of the surrounding space, allowing quick response to potential threats

The combination of these factors explains why felines often choose seemingly odd spots: the primary driver is thermoregulation, not aesthetics. By selecting areas where radiant heat is concentrated, cats optimize rest duration while conserving energy.

2.2.2 Soft Surfaces

Cats evaluate potential resting sites using tactile feedback, temperature regulation, and perceived safety. Soft surfaces satisfy these criteria by providing gentle compression, consistent warmth, and a substrate that conforms to the animal’s body shape. Research demonstrates that pliable materials reduce pressure on joints and stimulate mechanoreceptors, which promotes relaxation and conserves energy.

Typical soft substrates include:

Fleece blankets draped over furniture
Plush cushions positioned on windowsills
Piles of freshly laundered towels or clothing
High‑pile carpets or rugs
Memory‑foam pet beds

Each material offers distinct advantages. Fleece and cotton retain ambient heat, allowing cats to maintain core temperature without expending metabolic energy. Plush cushions and memory foam distribute body weight evenly, minimizing stress on the spine and hips. Laundry piles carry the owner’s scent, reinforcing a sense of security while also presenting a soft, malleable layer that adapts to the cat’s posture.

Physiological studies reveal that contact with compliant surfaces triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to stress reduction. Simultaneously, the insulating properties of soft fabrics limit heat loss, supporting thermoregulation during cooler periods. The combination of tactile comfort and thermal stability explains why felines frequently select seemingly unconventional locations-such as a stack of folded shirts or the edge of a soft rug-over harder, more exposed surfaces.

Understanding the preference for soft substrates informs practical recommendations for owners seeking to provide appropriate sleeping options. Placing a low‑profile, high‑density cushion in a quiet corner or offering a washable blanket on a favorite perch can satisfy the cat’s innate drive for a plush resting environment while reducing the likelihood of the animal occupying hazardous or undesirable spots.

2.3 Territorial Marking

Cats often select unconventional sleeping spots to reinforce their territorial boundaries. By occupying a location, a cat deposits scent glands from its cheeks, paws, and tail base, creating a chemical signature that signals ownership to other felines. This scent marking deters intruders and reduces the likelihood of confrontations, allowing the cat to maintain control over a broader area without constant patrol.

In addition to passive scent deposition, cats may deliberately position themselves on objects that serve as communal markers-such as windowsills, radiators, or the tops of furniture. These sites are frequently visited by other household members, and a cat’s presence adds its own odor to the shared environment. The resulting layered scent profile communicates dominance and discourages competing cats from appropriating the space.

Key mechanisms through which territorial marking influences sleeping site selection include:

Scent reinforcement - resting on a surface spreads the cat’s pheromones, strengthening the perceived ownership of that area.
Visual claim - a cat’s silhouette on a prominent spot acts as a visual reminder to others that the location is occupied.
Strategic placement - choosing high or isolated spots maximizes the spread of scent while minimizing exposure to rival cats.

Understanding these behaviors clarifies why a cat may appear to choose “odd” locations: each choice serves a purpose in establishing and maintaining personal space within a shared environment.

2.3.1 Spreading Scent

Cats often choose unconventional sleeping spots to maximize the distribution of their personal scent. When a cat settles on a surface, pressure activates scent glands located in the paws, cheeks, and tail base, releasing volatile compounds onto the material. These chemicals linger, signaling the animal’s presence to conspecifics and reinforcing territorial boundaries without the need for overt marking behaviors.

The process serves several practical purposes:

Territory reinforcement: Deposited scent creates a chemical map that other cats interpret as a claim to the area.
Safety signaling: Familiar odor on a perch alerts the cat that the location has been previously vetted, reducing perceived risk.
Social communication: Subtle variations in scent composition convey information about the individual’s reproductive status, health, and hierarchy.

By sleeping in hidden or elevated locations-under furniture, inside boxes, or atop high shelves-cats extend the reach of their scent markers into otherwise inaccessible zones. The act of curling up and remaining still for extended periods ensures maximal contact between glandular secretions and the substrate, enhancing the durability of the chemical trail.

Research indicates that scent deposition during sleep is more effective than active rubbing because the cat’s body weight maintains continuous pressure, allowing a steady release of pheromones. Consequently, the selection of odd sleeping sites is not random; it is a strategic behavior that optimizes scent propagation, reinforcing both personal security and territorial dominance.

2.4 Attention Seeking

Cats often select unconventional sleeping spots to attract human interaction. When a feline chooses a visible, high‑traffic location-such as a bookshelf, a laptop keyboard, or a pillow on a shared couch-it signals a desire for attention. The behavior serves several functions:

Proximity to owners: Positioning near people increases the likelihood of petting, talking, or play.
Visibility: Unusual locations are hard to miss; a cat perched on a monitor draws immediate focus.
Control of environment: By occupying a spot the human frequently uses, the cat secures repeated contact.

Research on feline social behavior shows that attention‑seeking sleep sites correlate with higher levels of owner engagement. Cats with limited playtime or reduced daytime interaction are more prone to adopt this strategy. The pattern also appears in multi‑cat households, where individuals compete for limited human resources and use conspicuous rest places to assert dominance over affection.

Understanding this motive helps owners respond appropriately. Providing dedicated, comfortable resting areas within sight lines-such as a cat tree near a favorite chair-satisfies the cat’s need for visibility while preserving preferred household surfaces. Regular interactive sessions reduce the impulse to commandeer strange locations solely for attention.

2.4.1 Visible Locations

Cats often choose sleeping spots that remain within their line of sight. Visible locations allow the animal to monitor movement, assess potential threats, and maintain a sense of control over the environment.

Window ledges that overlook the street or garden
Top of a bookshelf or cabinet, offering elevation and a clear view of the room
Open chair backrests, providing a flat surface at a moderate height
Laundry basket lids left inverted, creating a shallow basin with easy peripheral visibility
Stairs or landing platforms, granting a broad perspective of traffic flow

These sites combine safety with accessibility. Elevation reduces the likelihood of surprise encounters with other animals or humans. Proximity to light sources, such as sunlight through a window, supplies warmth while preserving visual access. The choice of a conspicuous perch also signals confidence to other household members, reinforcing the cat’s territorial claim.

In summary, the preference for overt sleeping areas reflects an adaptive strategy: maintaining vigilance, optimizing thermal comfort, and communicating status without compromising rest.

2.5 Boredom and Novelty

Cats that appear to choose unconventional sleeping sites often do so because their environment fails to provide sufficient stimulation. When routine activities cease to engage a feline’s predatory instincts, the animal experiences a state of monotony that triggers a search for novel sensory input. The act of settling in an unfamiliar location supplies fresh textures, scents, and visual perspectives, temporarily satisfying the brain’s demand for variety.

Repetitive play patterns diminish the release of dopamine, prompting the cat to explore alternative substrates such as cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, or ceiling fans.
Novel environments introduce low‑frequency vibrations and temperature gradients that mimic prey‑capture scenarios, reinforcing the behavior through positive feedback.
Access to elevated or confined spaces offers a sense of control absent from familiar resting areas, reducing the perception of boredom.

Understanding this mechanism enables owners to mitigate restless sleeping habits. Providing rotating toys, intermittent puzzle feeders, and periodic changes to the layout of approved resting zones introduces controlled novelty, decreasing the likelihood that the cat will relocate to inappropriate or hazardous spots.

2.5.1 Exploring New Spots

Cats constantly seek novel resting sites as part of their innate exploratory drive. When a feline surveys its environment, it evaluates potential locations against criteria such as concealment, temperature regulation, and scent enrichment. New spots satisfy the need for varied sensory input, preventing habituation that could diminish alertness.

Key factors influencing the selection of unfamiliar sleeping areas include:

Safety assessment - elevated or hidden positions allow rapid escape from perceived threats.
Thermal advantage - sun‑warmed surfaces or cool tiles provide optimal body temperature without expending energy.
Scent distribution - resting on fresh substrates spreads the cat’s pheromones, reinforcing territorial claims.
Environmental novelty - changing surroundings stimulates curiosity, maintaining mental acuity.

Research shows that felines alternate between familiar and novel sites to balance security with stimulation. Over time, a cat may revisit a previously ignored location once its sensory profile changes, such as after a shift in ambient temperature or after the area acquires the animal’s scent. This pattern explains the frequent appearance of cats in unexpected places like laundry baskets, open cabinets, or atop electronic devices.

3. Common Strange Sleeping Places

3.1 Sinks and Bathtubs

Cats frequently select kitchen sinks and bathroom tubs as sleeping sites because these fixtures combine several environmental cues that satisfy feline comfort instincts. The metal and porcelain surfaces retain heat after use, offering a warm microclimate without the need for external heating. The recessed shape creates a confined space that mimics natural denning conditions, reducing exposure to predators and limiting visual stimuli.

Temperature stability: Residual warmth from recent water use maintains a consistent temperature, preventing the rapid cooling that occurs on floor surfaces.
Security of enclosure: The raised edges form a natural barrier, allowing the cat to observe surroundings while feeling protected.
Surface texture: Smooth, cool material provides a tactile contrast to softer bedding, appealing to cats that seek varied sensory experiences.
Odor modulation: Residual humidity and mild cleaning agents can mask scent markers, granting the animal a sense of privacy.

These factors converge to make sinks and bathtubs attractive alternatives to conventional sleeping areas, illustrating how cats exploit everyday household structures to achieve optimal resting conditions.

3.2 Laundry Baskets and Piles

Cats frequently select laundry baskets and piles as resting sites because these environments satisfy several innate requirements. The closed shape of a basket creates a confined space that limits visual exposure, which reduces perceived threat and mimics the denning behavior of wild ancestors. The accumulated fabric retains heat from recent washing cycles, offering a warm microclimate without the cat needing to generate additional body heat. Residual human scent on clothing provides a familiar olfactory cue, reinforcing a sense of safety. The soft, pliable texture conforms to the animal’s body, supporting joints and reducing pressure points during prolonged sleep.

Key factors influencing the choice of laundry containers:

Thermal retention: damp or freshly dried textiles maintain elevated temperatures for hours.
Acoustic insulation: thick fabrics dampen ambient noise, lowering stimulus intensity.
Elevated positioning: baskets often sit on furniture, granting the cat a modest height advantage for surveillance.
Material pliability: flexible fibers adapt to the cat’s contours, promoting muscular relaxation.
Human-associated odors: scent markers from owners create a comforting associative environment.

Understanding these motivations clarifies why felines habitually occupy seemingly unconventional locations. The convergence of warmth, security, and sensory familiarity makes laundry baskets and piles optimal sleeping substrates, explaining their prevalence in feline behavior studies.

3.3 Cardboard Boxes

Cats consistently select cardboard containers as preferred sleeping sites because the material satisfies several physiological and psychological needs. The corrugated structure offers superior thermal insulation; air pockets retain warmth while preventing overheating, creating a micro‑environment that aligns with a feline’s preference for stable body temperature.

The scent‑absorbing quality of cardboard preserves familiar odors from the cat’s own secretions and from household members, reinforcing a sense of territorial security. This olfactory continuity reduces stress and encourages prolonged rest.

Physical confinement provided by the box’s walls mimics the natural denning behavior observed in wild ancestors. The limited openings restrict peripheral vision, decreasing perceived threats and promoting a feeling of protection.

The texture of the inner surface supplies gentle friction, supporting comfortable positioning without slipping, which is especially beneficial for older or arthritic cats that require stable support.

A brief list of functional advantages:

Thermal regulation: insulating air layers maintain consistent warmth.
Odor retention: preserves familiar scents for reassurance.
Enclosure effect: limits visual exposure, enhancing perceived safety.
Surface grip: soft yet stable surface reduces pressure points.

Empirical observations confirm that cats will abandon more spacious or less structured locations in favor of a simple cardboard enclosure when these criteria are met. The combination of temperature control, scent familiarity, protective geometry, and tactile comfort explains the frequent selection of cardboard boxes for rest, even in otherwise unconventional settings.

3.4 Bookshelves and Cabinets

Cats often select bookshelves and cabinets for sleep because these structures combine several environmental cues that satisfy feline instincts. The enclosed space offers a confined volume that limits airflow, preserving body heat and creating a micro‑climate that remains warmer than open floor areas. Elevated placement aligns with a predator’s need to monitor surroundings while remaining out of reach of potential threats.

Key factors influencing the choice of shelving and cabinetry include:

Thermal retention - wood and metal surfaces absorb and radiate heat, maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Safety perception - narrow, enclosed compartments mimic natural burrows, reducing exposure to sudden movements.
Scent accumulation - repeated use deposits the cat’s pheromones, reinforcing the area as a familiar, low‑stress zone.
Visual advantage - height grants a clear line of sight to room activity, supporting vigilance without expending energy.
Noise dampening - solid construction muffles ambient sounds, contributing to uninterrupted rest.

From a physiological perspective, cats conserve energy by seeking spots that minimize heat loss. Bookshelves and cabinets often sit near radiators, windowsills, or sun‑lit walls, further enhancing warmth. Additionally, the textured surfaces of wooden shelves provide a tactile stimulus that can soothe the animal’s paws.

Owners can encourage safe use of these areas by ensuring the furniture is stable, free of hazardous objects, and periodically inspected for wear. Providing a soft, washable pad within the compartment can improve comfort while preserving the structure’s integrity. By understanding the interplay of temperature, security, scent, and visibility, caregivers can anticipate feline behavior and design environments that accommodate these preferences without compromising household organization.

3.5 Human Laps or Chests

Cats frequently select a person’s lap or chest as a sleeping spot because these areas fulfill several physiological and psychological needs. The warmth emitted by a human torso creates a stable micro‑environment that conserves the cat’s body heat, reducing metabolic expenditure. The gentle, rhythmic pressure of a lap mimics the comforting confinement experienced during early development, triggering a release of oxytocin that promotes relaxation. Additionally, the elevated position of a lap offers a clear line of sight to surrounding activity, allowing the cat to remain alert while resting.

Key factors influencing the preference for laps or chests include:

Heat retention: Human body temperature (approximately 37 °C) provides consistent warmth compared to ambient surfaces.
Safety perception: The enclosed contact area reproduces the feeling of being cradled, decreasing stress hormones.
Social bonding: Physical proximity reinforces the cat‑human attachment, enhancing mutual trust.
Elevated surveillance: Height above the floor grants a strategic viewpoint for monitoring potential threats or prey.

Understanding these motivations clarifies why felines often abandon conventional resting places in favor of the intimate, thermally favorable zone offered by a human’s lap or chest.

4. When to Be Concerned

4.1 Sudden Changes in Behavior

Sudden alterations in a cat’s routine often manifest as a preference for atypical sleeping sites. When a normally predictable feline begins to seek out hidden corners, high shelves, or unusually cold surfaces, the shift usually signals an underlying issue that requires immediate attention.

Acute pain: injuries, dental problems, or arthritis can make familiar spots uncomfortable, prompting the cat to relocate to a place that reduces pressure on the affected area.
Neurological disturbances: seizures, vestibular disorders, or brain inflammation may impair spatial awareness, leading the animal to choose locations that feel safer despite their oddity.
Environmental stress: loud noises, new occupants, or changes in household layout create anxiety; the cat responds by finding secluded areas that offer a sense of security.
Altered feeding schedule: irregular meal times can disrupt circadian rhythms, causing the cat to rest at unconventional hours and in unfamiliar places.
Hormonal fluctuations: conditions such as hyperthyroidism or reproductive cycles affect energy levels and nesting behavior, often resulting in erratic sleeping patterns.

Each of these factors can be identified through observation and veterinary assessment. A thorough physical exam, neurological testing, and review of recent environmental changes provide the data needed to determine the precise cause. Addressing the root problem-whether through pain management, medication, environmental enrichment, or schedule stabilization-restores the cat’s normal sleeping habits and improves overall welfare.

4.2 Hiding Due to Illness

Cats often select unconventional sleeping locations when they feel vulnerable. Illness frequently triggers this behavior, prompting the animal to seek isolated, insulated spots. The instinct to hide protects a weakened body from predators and reduces stress, which can aid recovery.

When a cat is unwell, the following patterns commonly appear:

Preference for enclosed spaces such as closets, under furniture, or inside boxes.
Selection of elevated or unusually cold/hot surfaces that differ from normal resting places.
Reduced movement between rooms, indicating a desire to remain concealed.
Increased silence and avoidance of human interaction during rest periods.

Physiological factors drive these choices. Fever raises body temperature, leading a cat to seek cooler areas to regulate heat. Pain or joint inflammation may cause the animal to lie on hard surfaces that relieve pressure on sensitive areas. Respiratory infections can make bright, airy locations uncomfortable, so the cat retreats to dim, still environments.

Observing these signs helps owners identify health issues early. Prompt veterinary assessment, combined with a calm, accessible resting area, supports the cat’s recovery while respecting its instinctual need for concealment.

5. Encouraging Appropriate Sleeping Habits

5.1 Providing Comfortable Beds

Cats choose unconventional spots when their basic sleeping environment does not meet physiological needs. A well‑designed bed eliminates the incentive to seek out cold floors, drafty windowsills, or cramped boxes. By replicating the thermal insulation and security found in preferred hidden locations, owners can redirect feline rest to a dedicated surface.

Key attributes of an effective cat bed include:

High‑loft insulation that retains body heat while allowing airflow.
Soft, low‑shedding fabric that reduces skin irritation.
Raised edges or a hooded shape that mimics the enclosed feeling of a closet or bag.
Stable, non‑slipping base to prevent movement on smooth floors.
Easy‑to‑clean removable cover for hygiene and odor control.

Placement of the bed influences acceptance. Position the unit near a warm appliance, a sunny window, or a quiet corner where the cat already exhibits resting behavior. Ensure the area remains free of loud noises and sudden traffic.

Regular assessment of the bed’s condition is essential. Replace worn padding, wash covers weekly, and observe any changes in the cat’s preference. Maintaining these standards sustains comfort and reduces the likelihood of the animal seeking alternative, potentially unsafe, sleeping sites.

5.2 Creating Safe Spaces

As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that cats select atypical sleeping locations primarily to satisfy innate safety requirements. When owners provide designated safe spaces, the likelihood of cats seeking out hazardous or inconvenient spots diminishes.

Key elements for constructing secure resting areas include:

Elevated platforms - height offers a clear view of surroundings and reduces perceived threat from ground predators.
Enclosed structures - boxes, tunnels, or covered beds mimic natural dens, limiting exposure to sudden movements.
Soft, temperature‑stable bedding - consistent warmth and cushioning prevent discomfort that drives cats to improvise.
Quiet placement - positioning away from high‑traffic zones eliminates auditory and visual disturbances.
Familiar scents - incorporating the cat’s own scent or a mild pheromone diffuser enhances the perception of ownership.

Implementation steps:

Identify quiet corners or shelves within the home environment.
Install a sturdy, stable surface at a modest height; ensure it can support the cat’s weight without wobbling.
Add a removable, washable cover that retains the cat’s scent after each use.
Introduce a small, enclosed hideaway adjacent to the platform, allowing the cat to retreat if startled.
Monitor the cat’s usage for several days; adjust placement or materials if avoidance persists.

Providing these conditions satisfies the cat’s instinctual drive for security, thereby reducing the need to occupy unsuitable or dangerous locations for rest.