Cats Love Veterinarian Sinks

Cats love veterinarian sinks because it is probably the best place, the only place, in a veterinary clinic's consultation room to hide. That is not to say that veterinarians are people to hide from, it is simply that the environment looks unfamiliar, the smell of the place is unfamiliar, there are other cats and dogs in the waiting room (perhaps) in close proximity and in short the cat's world is turned upside down. We know cats like the security of routine and familiarity.

So what does a self respecting cat do? He or she finds a place to hide, to protect himself. The clinic's sink is far from ideal as there is no top on it but at least the sides and bottom are protected. Cats do like protection from above though. This is probably because a lot of the danger comes from above (think human, the giants in the cat world).

Vet's patient hiding in a sink looking a bit anxious
Photo copyright Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic

The cat in the picture is a brown mackerel tabby random bred cat by the look of him or her. The classic "M" mark on the forehead give than away.

This photo has been used with permission for teaching/educational purposes at PoC. It was provided by Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic. Thank you.

What could a vet do to improve, from the cat's standpoint, the consultation room? Put a little hiding place in the room...lol. I am not sure though when a cat has time to go and hide.