Why Do Cats Like Boxes? 20 Big Cardboard Box FAQs

Cats' Fascination with Cardboard Boxes

If you're a feline enthusiast, you may have wondered why cats seem to love boxes so much. It's not just the simple cardboard structure that does the trick. For many cats, a plain, empty box provides the perfect retreat. But why? There are several reasons why cats love to be in cardboard boxes.

Reasons why cats love to be in cardboard boxes

The reasons why cats love cardboard boxes are not quite clear. Perhaps it's the enclosed space that appeals to them. Many cats may enjoy the sensation of being in a confined space. The box provides a cozy and secure environment that reflects the feeling of being in a cave – a place of safety and stealth.

Psychological reasons

Another reason why cats like boxes may involve psychological needs. Cats have sharp instincts and amazing survival skills. In the wild, a cat may use a hiding spot to help it stalk prey or evade danger. The instinct to hide in a box may reflect this basic need. Boxes give cats a chance to observe their environment from a safe, secure place.

Boxes as a source of comfort

Some experts also believe that cats may simply find cardboard boxes relaxing. The structure and size of the box give a cat a sense of familiarity and comfort. Also, boxes make cats feel protected and sheltered from potential predators or threats.

Cat's Instinct to Feel Safe and Secure

Boxes as a hiding spot for cats

In addition to a cat's instinct to hide, boxes offer a place for cats to rest and relax. In a room full of activity, a cardboard box can be a refuge for a cat to retreat into. A box is a private space, where a cat can lounge or nap undisturbed.

Boxes providing security for cats

Cats also find security in a box. The four walls of the box provide a sense of protection, making the cat feel indestructible. Cats may feel vulnerable while sleeping or when their guard is temporarily down. The box gives them a small fort to ward off possible threats.

Why boxes make cats feel safe

The reason why boxes make cats feel safe goes back to the wild. Many big cats, like lions and tigers, often seek safety and shelter in dens. Cats are descended from those fierce felines. A box provides a temporary hideaway that reminds them of their ancestors' dens.

The Science Behind Cats and Boxes

Cat's preference for enclosed spaces

Cats are known for their fondness of enclosed spaces. According to experts, this may have to do with feline physiology. Domestic cats have inherited a lot of traits from their wild ancestors. In the wild, big cats typically find refuge in tree hollows, caves, or other small spaces that provide a sense of security and protection.

The role of body heat in cats' love for boxes

Cats also love to be in boxes because of the warmth they provide. Cardboard is a great insulator, which means it traps heat inside. When a cat climbs inside a box, their body heat stays in the box, creating a cozy nest for them to rest in. That explains why you may often find your feline friend sitting in boxes, even on a hot day.

Boxes as a means of play for cats: Pouncing and Clawing

Boxes are not just for sleeping, though. Many cats also find boxes irresistible for their play potential. A box can be an ambush spot or play area where they can pounce and claw. The corrugated cardboard also makes for an excellent scratch pad, satisfying their natural urge to scratch and claw.

Benefits of Encouraging a Cat's Love for Boxes

Stress Relief for Cats

Providing boxes for your cats allows them to vent their stress. A box provides a safe place to retreat to when your cat is feeling overwhelmed by changes or stressful situations. If you have a new kitty in your house, providing a hiding box can help your new furry friend feel protected and loved.

Providing a Safe Hiding Spot for a New Cat

Shelter cats also seem to have a love for boxes. When a kitty first enters a new environment like an animal shelter, it's a scary experience. Providing hiding boxes made the cats feel more comfortable and secure. If you've adopted a shelter kitty, providing a hiding box can help it ease into their new home environment.

Shelter Cats and their Love for Boxes

In fact, many shelters use boxes as tools for socializing cats and reducing their stress levels. A simple cardboard box can help frightened, fragile animals cope with the shelter environment.

Should You Get a Box for Your Kitty?

How to choose a box for your cat

So, should you get a box for your kitty? Absolutely! There are plenty of inexpensive boxes available to purchase, or you can create a hiding box by yourself. When choosing a box, make sure it's big enough for your cat to move around and get comfortable in. Also, consider how your cat likes to use boxes – will they be playing in it or sleeping?

The importance of supervising your cat's box play

Make sure to supervise your cat's box play. Make sure they don't chew on cardboard or get stuck in the box. Also, your cat's claws can easily rip through a worn-out box, so check the box's condition regularly.

Cat-proofing the room with boxes

Finally, consider cat-proofing your home with boxes. Cut holes into a few boxes, making them a tunnel-like toy. Cats love to play and hide in tunnel toys, which can be an excellent way to keep them occupied. Plus, the added bonus is that your cat will be less likely to scratch at your furniture. All in all, the simple cardboard box can provide a lot of entertainment and comfort to your feline friend. So, go ahead and embrace your kitty's love for boxes – it's a win-win situation for both of you!

Q: Why do cats like boxes?

A: There are a few theories, but one of the most popular is that cats love to have a small, enclosed space where they can feel secure. Additionally, boxes make great hiding places for ambush predators like cats, and they also retain body heat, which can be particularly appealing to cats since they like to be warm and cosy.

Q: Why do cats like to chew on cardboard?

A: Some cats enjoy chewing on cardboard because it helps them clean their teeth and keep their jaws strong. Others may simply enjoy the texture and taste of cardboard.

Q: What are some reasons why cats love boxes so much?

A: There are a variety of reasons why cats love boxes. As mentioned before, boxes provide security for cats and also offer a great place to hide and hunt. Boxes can also provide insulation that helps cats stay warm, which is particularly useful for smaller cats or kittens.

Q: Can a new box be added to boxes a cat already has?

A: Yes! Cats can never have too many boxes to explore and play in.

Q: Do cats find boxes instinctual?

A: Yes, many experts agree that cats' love for boxes is instinctual, as it provides a safe space for them to acclimate and feel protected.

Q: What are some benefits of providing boxes for a cat?

A: Providing boxes can help cats feel safe and secure, which can be particularly important for indoor cats who don't have access to the natural hiding places that outdoor cats do. Boxes can also help cats adapt more quickly to a new environment, such as a cat carrier or a new home.

Q: Are there any particular types of boxes that cats like?

A: Cats seem to enjoy a variety of boxes, from tiny ones that they can curl up in to larger ones that provide plenty of hiding spots. However, many cats seem to especially like cardboard boxes, as they are easy to scratch and chew on.

Q: A study found that cats like boxes. Can you explain why?

A: According to the study, boxes help cats feel safe and secure, which can be particularly important in homes with high foot traffic or other animals. Additionally, boxes provide cats with a place to retreat and rest when they need some alone time.

Q: Can boxes help with litter box issues?

A: Boxes can sometimes be helpful for cats who are having litter box issues, as they provide an enclosed space that can feel more private and secure to the cat. However, if your cat is having litter box issues, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to identify and address any underlying medical issues.

Q: Why do cats like odd places?

A: Cats are natural explorers and hunters, so they often enjoy exploring and hiding in odd places. This behavior is likely related to their instinctual need to seek out hiding places in order to stay safe and protected.

Q: Why do cats like Hiding In boxes?

A: Cats like cardboard boxes because they provide safety and security for them. In addition, boxes are great for cats to retain their body heat and provide a cozy enclosure for them to sleep in.

Q: How do cats behave around boxes?

A: Since cats are naturally curious and playful animals, they tend to explore anything new in their environment, including boxes. They may approach the box cautiously at first, sniffing and investigating it before slowly easing their way inside. Once they figure out that the box is safe, they will use it for playtime, napping, or even as a hiding spot for sneak attacks on their prey.

Q: What is the ideal temperature for cats?

A: The minimum thermoneutral temperature for cats is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, cats can adjust to a range of temperatures depending on their coat, age, and health.

Q: Do boxes have a calming effect on cats?

A: Yes, boxes can have a calming effect on cats due to the pheromone that they release. The scent of the box can help reduce a cat’s stress and anxiety levels.

Q: What is the Kanizsa triangle phenomenon in relation to cats and boxes?

A: The Kanizsa triangle phenomenon refers to the visual perception that occurs when a cat sees a box that appears to be closed but has an opening that is not visible. Cats will try to fit themselves into the small opening, even if it means contorting their bodies in strange ways.

Q: How can boxes benefit a cat owner?

A: Boxes can provide a free and simple source of entertainment for a pet cat. Additionally, they can be a great way to recycle cardboard boxes and reduce waste.

Q: Can boxes help with a cat’s scratching behavior?

A: Yes, boxes can provide a sturdy surface for cats to scratch and sharpen their claws on. However, it is important to provide a designated scratching post in addition to the box to prevent damage to furniture and other household items.

Q: Do all cats like boxes?

A: No, not all cats are interested in boxes. Some cats may prefer laundry baskets, bags, or even a new shelter to hide in.

Q: Can catnip be used to make boxes more appealing to cats?

A: Yes, catnip can be sprinkled on or inside the box to make it more appealing to cats. However, not all cats are affected by catnip, so it may not work for every feline.