If you are a cat owner then you have more than likely bought your cat some goodies, only for them to be more interested in the box that it came in.
But why do cats love boxes so much?
It pretty baffles most cat owners wondering why their cat is so fascinated and drawn to a simple carboard box.
There is actually a number of logical reasons why cats love cardboard boxes, ranging from a cats natural instincts to just curiosity.
Let’s take a look at the 6 reasons why cats love cardboard boxes.
Why Do Cats Love Boxes?
1. Boxes Offer Safety And Security
When you ask yourself “why do cats love boxes?”, safety and security is one of the main reasons.
Cats can be very anxious creatures and their natural response to fear or stress is to seek an enclosed space. Boxes are a coping mechanism for a cat which help relieve anxiety and provide comfort.
For new cat parents, bringing a cat into home can be a very stressful experience for them because they are moving into a completely different environment. The perfect solution to this is to provide a number of carboard boxes around the home.
2. Predatory Hunting Hideouts
When cats are hunting out in the wild, their predatory instinct is to hide from their prey before they pounce which catches them unaware. If you have a multi-cat household then you have more than likely witnessed one cat hiding in a box ready to pounce on the other cat.
Although domestic cats do not need to hunt for food, allow them to explore their natural instincts provides great mental stimulation which keeps your cat happy.
3. Boxes Provide A Warm Place To Sleep
Cats naturally have a higher body temperature than humans, which means they love to sleep and chill out in warm insulated places. This is the reason why cat radiator beds are so popular.
Boxes provide a nice, warm snug place for a cat to curl up in and take a nap. Cats also love small confined places, so the smaller the box the better. You can also do what we do and place a nice warm cat blanket inside of the box. Your cat will love it!
4. Cats Are Just Curious Creatures
Cats are very curious creatures who like to know everything that is going on and want to inspect all new things that you bring into the house.
So a new box just appearing out of nowhere will spark your cats curiosity and they will wonder over to inspect this new item. In most cases they will rub up against it, and may even hop inside straight away.
5. Territory
Cats are naturally very territorial creatures. They will mark various different things and objects as there’s by rubbing against the object which passes over the scent, scratching, and spraying.
This sends out a message to other cats that they have been there and laid claim to this as there’s. If you have more than one cat, they will especially do this, but even a single cat living in a home will also do this behavior.
6. Boxes Are Fun To Play With
A simple reason cats love boxes so much is because they are just fun to play with. If you’ve ever saw a cat playing in a box, you’ll notice that they like to roll around on their back and scratch at the sides of the box.
This it’s why it’s good to have a selection of cat toys such as balls, feather and wand toys. Playing with your cat not only provides great stimulation for them, but also helps build a great bond between the two of you.
You can also do what we do and place a cardboard box on it’s side at the end of a cat tunnel. Your cat will love running through the tunnel and hiding in the box at the end.
How To Prepare a Box To Ensure It Is Safe For Your Cat
Before you place a box down for your cat, here are some tips and guidelines you will need to follow.
- Remove staples.
- Remove and strings, twines, and rubber bands.
- Fully remove any cut out handles.
- Clear out any tape or adhesives.
- Remove any plastic from the box.
Cats And Cardboard Popular Questions
Why do cats like boxes that are too small?
Cats are just naturally attracted to small, confined spaces as it provides comfort and security for them both physically and psychologically.
Why do cats like sitting on boxes?
The answer is pretty much the same reason as why cats like to sit inside of boxes. Cats are very curious, they are territorial and like to claim the box as there own, and the box also provides comfort.
Conclusion
As long as you follow the safety measures of removing staples and any other dangerous elements from the box, carboard boxes are great for your cats well-being.
Not only do they provide a safe and secure place for your cat to retreat if they are feeling anxious, they also provide a nice cosy place for your cat to sleep.
