Quck answer
Cats have a natural instinct to seek out cozy and secure spaces, which is why they often choose to sit in small squares or boxes. This behavior, known as “If I Fits I Sits,” is driven by a desire for safety and comfort. Additionally, cats have a strong sense of spatial awareness and are attracted to shapes that provide clear boundaries. Research shows that cats feel more relaxed and less stressed when they have access to enclosed spaces. So, the next time you see your feline friend sitting in a small square, know that they are simply following their natural instincts.
Pets
As any cat lover can attest, cats are often attracted to boxes. However, the reason behind this behavior remains a mystery. Regardless of size, cats will sit inside any empty box they find. “If I fits,” the cat thinks in its little cat brain, “I sits.” This phenomenon is a common occurrence for anyone who lives with cats. Interestingly, it’s not just boxes that trigger this behavior; any square shape seems to attract cats. In 2017, the Twitter hashtag #CatSquare brought attention to this feline quirk. Simply taping an empty square on the floor was enough to lure a cat to sit or lie down inside it.
Building on the popularity of #CatSquare, animal psychology researcher Gabriella Smith at Hunter College, City University of New York conducted an experiment to explore cat cognition. Her research, titled “If I Fits, I Sits: A Citizen Science Investigation Into Illusory Contour Susceptibility in Domestic Cats,” was published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in April 2021.
Does the Square Have to Be Real?
Smith discovered that cats will sit inside a 2D square made of tape, not just inside a 3D box. This led her to question whether the square had to be a physical object. According to Smith, “Cats are the perfect candidate because we already know they will sit in a 2D square.” Unlike dogs, cats don’t require training for this behavior. Moreover, they don’t need to be in a lab to exhibit it. Cat owners can easily tape shapes to the floor and record their cats’ reactions.
Smith’s experiment was the first to use citizen scientists to gauge cat cognition. The COVID-19 pandemic was the perfect time to launch her study. With much of the world on lockdown, cat owners were looking for activities they could do at home. Additionally, Smith notes that “Cats perform best at home. In the lab, they wouldn’t behave naturally.”
Tara McCready’s cat, Ash, participated in the citizen science study and was seen sitting inside a Kanizsa square.
Gabriella Smith
The Experiment
Smith’s experiment was designed for cat owners to gather data over six days. Participants were given templates to print out, including a square to tape on the floor and a set of “Pac-Mans” that could create an illusory square. Officially known as a “Kanisza square,” it tricks the brain into seeing a complete image when there are only pieces of an image. In this case, the negative space creates an image of a square. If the Pac-Mans were faced toward each other, there would be an illusion of a square on the floor. But if their mouths were facing away from each other, the brain wouldn’t perceive any significant shape. Smith wanted to know if cats would see the same thing.
Gabriella Smith conducted an experiment to find out if cats would sit inside a square that only appeared to be there. She went into the experiment with an open mind and had no preconceived ideas about what the cats might choose to do. She gathered data over the summer of 2020 by having 500 participants send in five-minute videos of their cats on the floor with different shapes. If the cat positioned itself within any of the shapes for at least 30 seconds, it counted as a data point. Nine cats chose at least one of the shapes by sitting inside it for at least three seconds. The Kanisza square illusion was chosen as often as the complete square taped on the floor, and both of these were chosen more often than the non-shape made by the Pac-Mans facing away from each other. This research offers new insight into animal cognition and psychology and is a springboard for more potential research. Smith has since been involved in another half-dozen citizen science studies with dogs. She notes that you don’t have to have the cleverest animal in the world to participate in projects like this. You just need to follow instructions and let your pet do its thing. The experiment can be tried at home using the templates and instructions that Smith shared with readers.
FAQ
1. What is the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ phenomenon?
The ‘If I Fits I Sits’ phenomenon is when cats sit in squares or other geometric shapes. The term became popular after a series of viral photos and videos showed cats squeezing themselves into boxes, baskets, and even on top of tape outlines drawn on the floor.
2. Why do cats like sitting in squares?
There are a few theories as to why cats are drawn to squares. One is that the shape provides a sense of security and comfort. Cats are known to prefer enclosed spaces and the sides of the square may make them feel protected. Another theory is that the square may serve as a visual cue for the cat, allowing them to judge distance and size.
3. Do all cats exhibit this behavior?
No, not all cats exhibit the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ behavior. Some cats may prefer other types of spots, such as high perches or soft blankets. It may also depend on the individual cat’s personality and preferences.
4. Can this behavior be trained or encouraged?
While the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ behavior may not be able to be directly trained, providing cats with boxes or other enclosed spaces can encourage the behavior. It is important to note that cats should always have the choice to leave the space and should not be forced to stay in it.
5. What are the benefits of providing cats with enclosed spaces?
Providing cats with enclosed spaces can help them feel more secure and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also provide them with a sense of ownership and territory. Additionally, having a designated space for the cat to retreat to can help prevent behavior issues, such as scratching and spraying.
6. Are there any risks associated with the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ behavior?
Generally, there are no risks associated with the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ behavior. However, it is important to ensure that the space is safe for the cat. Boxes should not be too small or cramped, and any hazardous objects or materials should be removed from the area.
7. Can this behavior be a sign of a health problem?
In most cases, the ‘If I Fits I Sits’ behavior is not a sign of a health problem. However, if the behavior is sudden or accompanied by other changes in behavior or appetite, it may be worth consulting a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
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