The Real Reason Cat Seller Holes Are Popular With Cats, As Noted at Interpets

The other day, we exhibited for the first time at Interpet Osaka, and something memorable happened there.

A customer's cat fit perfectly into a hole in the cat cellar displayed in our booth—and relaxed there for nearly 4 hours! (They were very well-behaved cats!)

While I thought that spaces with holes must be calming, upon reflection, there seemed to be a few more reasons.

The Interpet venue is "too stimulating" for cats

There are many dogs at the Interpet venue. It's not just crowded, but barking echoes from all over.

According to a book researching the lives of cats (Nekokentei Official Guidebook Intermediate/Advanced Edition, pp. 36-37), cats are originally animals that are easily stressed by changes in environment and noise, and "becoming sensitive to small sounds" is considered one of the signs of stress.

Therefore, that venue must have been a very stimulating space for cats.

 

The perspective that the inside of the hole was "quiet"

That's when I noticed the sound.

If a human tries putting their ear to wood or cardboard, they will notice that the outside sound is considerably softened. While not completely soundproofed, the material absorbs sound, making the inside environment quite calm.

The inside of the cat cellar's hole might have been a "quiet space" somewhat separated from the hustle and bustle of the venue.

 

"Clear visibility" is also important

Also, cats don't just like dark, enclosed places.

The cat cellar's hole has an open entrance, providing clear visibility. Since it's not completely covered, they can relax while checking their surroundings.

The same book (pp. 46-47) lists "a low hiding place—a place where startled cats can temporarily hide when guests arrive, a bed surrounded by walls" as one of the necessary living environments for cats. Being able to see outside while feeling protected. This balance, I believe, leads to a cat's sense of security.

 

The reason for the "fit" like wine in a cellar

Just as bottles line a wine cellar, cats fit snugly into the cat cellar's holes—I believe this scene arises from a combination of these reasons.

"Quiet," "able to see outside," and "protected in a space that fits their size."

Perhaps it was precisely because of the special environment of Interpet that they spent four long hours in that hole. But these are things that function similarly in everyday life.

It was an experience at the venue that reaffirmed how important it is to create a safe space for cats in the home.