Why Do Cats Love Boxes
“If it fits, I sits”
If you love cats (or if you’ve been on the internet at least once) you’ll know that they love boxes. You’ll be keenly aware of this if you’re a cat owner who just lovingly bought their cat a wonderful cat-tree and basket combination only to discover that your cat is much more interested in the cardboard container. Whether cats are hiding in them, snoozing in them (or on top of them), or sharpening their claws on them, they seem to have an affinity for boxes, big and small. So why do cats love boxes?
Cats love to hunt
Domestic cats, cute and cuddly as they can be, are born and bred hunters. They are very good at ambush hunting. A cat will hide and watch for prey. When a tasty treat wanders past (or, in the case of most domestic cats, an interesting toy) the cat can watch it without being seen, and get ready to pounce. This hunting method has proved a successful strategy for many wild cat species. Domestic cats have retained this instinct to hide and ambush prey, and a box is a great place to hide.
Cats love to hide
Even the friendliest cat needs a little down time. Most cats have a favourite secluded spot where they can sit and sleep. Boxes are a favourite hiding spot for most cats. This hiding instinct is another one inherited from their wild ancestors. Wild cats would find secluded, enclosed spaces to hide from predators or rival cats. An enclosed space makes a cat feel safe because nothing can sneak up on them. They can rest and sleep in peace without being disturbed.
Giving your cat a box will help your cat to feel secure and comfortable. Being able to hide and relax alone will help your cat to feel more confident and less stressed. Many cat shelters provide boxes for rescue cats to hide in, and have noted that their cats are less anxious and happier to interact with humans.
Boxes are cosy
Cats love to feel cosy and warm. Cats are more content at temperatures between 30 and 36 degrees Celcius, and many human houses are quite a bit colder (especially if you have air conditioning). How to solve this conundrum? Why, by curling up in a box of course! Being curled up makes it easier to stay warm, and cardboard is a great insulator.
Boxes are fun!
Cats are very curious and playful animals. To them, a simple cardboard box is a new and exciting toy. They jump on it and in it, they can scratch it up, they can stick a paw over the side to play: the possibilities are endless. Cats love to investigate new things. If the new thing is interesting enough, it might soon become a favourite toy, resting place, or combination of the two.
