Sophie Yasin’s Cats Max and Lily Blamed for Repeatedly Cranking Thermostat to 88 Degrees

Key points

• Sophie Yasin noticed the thermostat was set to 76 degrees after she had set it to 68 degrees the night before.
• She asked her children in a group chat, but no one admitted to changing the setting.
• The temperature later rose to 88 degrees, leading her husband to suspect a malfunction.
• Her husband observed Max and Lily climbing onto the ledge and physically changing the temperature with their paws.
• The family installed a password lock on the thermostat to prevent further unauthorized changes.
• Yasin noted that the cats had never previously attempted to adjust the thermostat since the family moved in.

Background

This incident follows a recent study from the University of São Paulo suggesting cats meow strategically to demand human help when they cannot solve problems alone, highlighting their ability to manipulate human behavior for comfort. The current story illustrates a similar dynamic where pets actively alter their environment to achieve preferred conditions, such as increased heat, despite previous lack of interest in the device.

Why it matters

The story highlights the unexpected ways pets can interact with household technology, potentially leading to increased energy usage or safety concerns. It underscores the importance of securing smart home devices against curious animals, even if the intent is merely comfort rather than malice.

What to watch

The family has implemented a password lock on the thermostat to prevent further unauthorized changes by the cats. No further action is mentioned regarding the cats' behavior or the utility bill impact.