[Covenantor]

I think it’s for the same reason cats make an effort to sit on any piece of paper on the ground: if it’s there, it must be important to you, and that means the cat is in the way, and that means the cat is better than you.

You might be onto something the 'researchers' didn't consider in their conclusion.

Only nine of the thirty cats sat in the designated square and then no longer than 3 seconds.

One might conclude that 21 cats thought the tape was just a stupid human thing to do.

There is a strong possibilty the nine sitting cats are elite recon cats scouting anomalous human behavior and reporting telepathically to Cat Mothership Intel HQ. Three second squat told them all they needed to know. No report if any of the nine returned to the illisionary squares after the trial observation.

Have to wonder how the grant application read and how much was requested to finance SCIENCE.

[Tax-chick]

One might conclude that 21 cats thought the tape was just a stupid human thing to do.

Not a surprise there. Some children will sit or stand in a circle or square on the ground, just because it's there.