Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

Cats and boxes: a love story as old as time. Whether it’s a large cardboard box or a small shoe box, if there’s a box in the house, your feline friend is bound to make a beeline for it.

Have you ever wondered why cats are so irresistibly drawn to these simple containers? And why when you walk into a room to find your cat nestled comfortably in an Amazon box, completely ignoring the fancy cat bed you just bought?

You're not alone. Cats and cardboard boxes have a truly special connection. But what is it about these humble containers that our feline friend can’t resist.

Let’s explore the many reasons why cats like boxes:

Cats love the Comfort of Enclosed Spaces

One of the primary reasons cats love boxes is because they provide a sense of security. In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. Having a small, enclosed space where they can hide helps them feel safe from potential threats.

Boxes mimic the cozy, protected environments cats seek out in nature, like dens or hidden nooks. When a cat curls up inside a box, it feels shielded from danger, allowing it to relax and sleep more soundly.

Cats tend to love bags also for this particular reason – whether it’s cloth or just a simple paper bag!

Cats are curious creatures

Cats are very curious creatures and will explore a lot of new things – and boxes are one of them. They will tend to investigate the box and then decide if they want to stay there.

A new box represents a new adventure, a mysterious space to investigate. The novelty of a box stimulates a cat’s curiosity, enticing it to jump in and examine this unfamiliar territory. Additionally, boxes can serve as excellent vantage points for ambushing prey (or unsuspecting humans), playing into a cat’s hunting instincts.

Temperature Regulation

Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, typically around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain this warmth, they often seek out places that can help insulate their body heat. Cardboard boxes are excellent insulators, trapping the heat and creating a warm, snug environment. This makes boxes particularly appealing to cats, especially in cooler weather.

Cats Love the Texture and Feeling of Cardboard

Cardboard has a unique texture that seems to resonate with feline senses. Scratching is an essential behavior for cats, helping them remove dead outer layers of claws and mark their territory.

Cardboard provides the perfect surface for a good scratching session, and the sound it makes can be strangely satisfying (for the cat, at least!). Some experts even theorize that the cardboard smell might be calming to cats, but more research is needed on this fascinating idea.

Play and Stimulation

Boxes are not just places for rest and relaxation; they also serve as fantastic playgrounds. Cats love to scratch, bite, and pounce on things, and a box offers a perfect target for these behaviors. Whether it’s hiding inside and popping out to swat at a toy or turning the box into a makeshift fort, boxes offer endless entertainment for our feline friends.

Boxes Give Cats A Sense of Ownership

Cats are territorial animals, and they like to have spaces they can claim as their own. A box can become a private haven where a cat feels it has full control. This sense of ownership can be very appealing to a cat, providing a personal sanctuary within the larger household environment.

Comfort and Familiarity

Once a cat adopts a box, it often becomes a favorite spot. The box absorbs the cat’s scent, making it feel even more familiar and comforting. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell, and having a space that smells like them enhances their sense of security and belonging.

So, the next time you bring home a package, and your cat claims the box as its new kingdom, you’ll know why.

If your cat really loves cardboard boxes, some additional tips to make it even more fun for them:

Rotate the boxes: Novelty is key! Keep a stash of cardboard boxes in various sizes and shapes.

Get creative: Cut peepholes or add dangling toys for extra excitement.

Cardboard paradise: If you're feeling crafty, consider building a cardboard playhouse for your feline friend.

Remember, a simple cardboard box can provide your cat with hours of entertainment, security, and comfort. It's a win-win situation for everyone!  So the next time you unpack a box, think twice before tossing it out. Your cat might just have a new favorite possession!