Why do cats love concrete blocks?

Cat parents have been taking to TikTok with videos showing how their furballs are obsessed with concrete blocks. But why? We ask our pet behaviour expert Lucy Hoile.

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It began with user Abram Engle (@abrameng) sharing a video on TikTok when he bought his pal Kurt a concrete slab:

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Cue an intriguing trend of videos from cat parents treating their pets to fresh concrete slabs from the hardware store.

But why do cats love the concrete so much? It’s a grey area.

In this video, TikTok user Me & Minnow (@shecatcalls) speculates that her cat Minnow might be missing the pavement, having originally been a street cat:

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Our expert’s view…

Could that be it? What’s the real reason cats are going wild for concrete?

We asked Lucy Hoile, our expert cat behaviourist.

“It actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it,” says Lucy.

“We know cats are super-sensitive to temperature. They love those warm spots. And a concrete slab holds its temperature really well. So on sunny days it’ll heat up quickly. And it holds that warmth for the rest of the day.

“Likewise, if it’s in the shade, it’ll provide a nice cold space for your cat to hang out on the warm days.

“So this gives them lots more control over their temperature regulation. And what cat doesn’t like to be in control?”

Who knew concrete blocks were so versatile?

And it’s not only about heat. Lucy continues: “Concrete’s heavy, so the slabs won’t budge if your cat has a good roll around on it.

“Plus it’s smooth, but also quite a rough texture too, meaning they can have a good scratch on it and get their claws stuck into the little holes when they want to.

“The blocks feed into their natural instincts to keep safe. They’re ever so slightly elevated, and we know that cats feel more confident and happier when they’re off the ground.

“They’re also in a square shape too, so it gives them a sense of feeling enclosed – just like being in a cardboard box. Do you remember that trend when cats were lying in squares of masking tape on the floor? It’s the same sort of thing.

“It helps them feel safe and enclosed, like a little pocket of safety in the middle of their home.”

A constructive trend

Unlike some previous trends, such as scaring cats with cucumbers, Lucy is positive about paving.

“I’m very happy to see a trend that leans into making cats happier, rather than spooking them or upsetting them,” she says.

“So go ahead and try it with your cats and let us know what happens. Remember it’s not just them being extra… There is a reason behind it.

“Have you tried this with your cat already? What happened? Did they use it? Or did they look at you like you were the one showing strange behaviour?”

Feel free to let us know on our social channels.