Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Discover the mystery behind why cats adore boxes! From primal instincts to stress relief, uncover the many reasons your feline friend can’t resist hopping into a cardboard haven.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Have you ever strolled through your living room, only to find your cat wedged in an old cardboard box? If you haven’t, are you sure you even have a cat? Seriously, one of life’s most enduring mysteries, right up there with the origin of the universe and why the dishwasher never seems to clean the forks properly, is this: why do cats like boxes? As a seasoned cat owner and a curious soul, I’ve dedicated a somewhat embarrassing amount of time trying to get to the bottom of this. Spoiler alert — there’s no single answer.

The Primitive Instincts

Let’s rewind the tape to a time when cats were wild, free, and didn’t have the luxury of pre-packaged kibble. Before they were cute little purring machines lounging in your living room, cats were predators in the wild. Boxes, or rather, small enclosures, offered them a perfect hiding spot to stalk their prey without being seen. So, that urge to dive into any empty box lying around? Blame it on evolution.

The Art of Ambush

From behind a wall or inside a box, cats could launch themselves at unsuspecting prey — like a furry little missile with claws. Modern domestic cats may not have the same pressing need to hunt down their dinner, but the instinct to hide and ambush hasn’t gone away. It’s like their own version of augmented reality.

The Security Paradigm

Let’s face it, the world can be a scary place — even for us humans. Well, cats are no different. Enclosed spaces, like boxes, make them feel protected and secure. It’s akin to us hiding under a blanket when we hear a strange noise at night. Within those cardboard walls, cats find a little haven of security, a place where they can hide from the world and in some cases, snooze away the day without a care.

The Perfect Temperature

Ah, the comfort of a cozy box! It’s like finding your favorite hoodie on a chilly day. The tinkering tinker that I am, I’ve taken it upon myself to slip a thermometer into my cat’s favorite box (yes, my cat puts up with a lot). Turns out, boxes are excellent insulators, helping cats retain heat — an essential feature for creatures who love basking in warmth.

Warm and Snuggly

Cats prefer temperatures around 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considerably warmer than what we humans find comfortable. Boxes help them maintain that warmth, acting as little heat traps. So, that box your Amazon order came in? It’s a deluxe, self-heating cat-shelter, as far as your feline is concerned.

Energy Conservation

Alright, imagine yourself under several blankets on a freezing winter night. Now, picture someone ripping those blankets off. Shocking, right? Cats conserve energy by staying warm, and boxes help minimize the effort they’d need to produce extra body heat. This behavior dates back to their wild ancestors who had to manage their energy to either hunt or stay alive.

The Anti-Social Antidote

Cats are notorious for giving zero hoots about humans around them unless it’s feeding time. They are semi-solitary creatures, which might explain their tendency to seek out isolation. Boxes provide them with the perfect solitary space to retreat, away from the hubbub of family life or annoying guests.

Introvert’s Paradise

Cats, unlike their canine counterparts, don’t feel the constant need to be the life of the party. Sometimes, they just want to be left alone. In those moments, a box becomes a sanctuary away from the prying hands of well-meaning humans or the over-enthusiastic sniffs of a household dog.

Stress Reduction

Remember the last time you were super stressed and just wanted to hide under your desk? For cats, a box can serve as a stress-reliever. Enclosed spaces give them control over their environment and make them feel safe. Whether it’s dealing with a noisy household or an unfamiliar guest, a box provides them a calming hideout.

Playtime and Exploration

Ever notice your cat suddenly ‘attacking’ the box as if it’s a villain in a blockbuster movie? That’s because boxes aren’t just a corner to retreat — they’re also an adventure. They stimulate a cat’s curiosity and playfulness. Beyond being a sanctuary, boxes are like mini playgrounds.

The Joy of Discovery

Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures. If you’ve ever come home to find your feline friend investigating every grocery bag, you know what I’m talking about. Boxes feed this innate curiosity. Each box is a new exploration, filled with limitless possibilities of play and adventure.

All Fun and Games

And then there are the games. Whether it’s batting at the edges, pouncing in and out, or rolling around inside, boxes offer endless entertainment. For cats, play isn’t just fun; it’s a crucial part of their development. Play helps maintain their hunting skills, keeps them active, and provides mental stimulation.

Sensory Stimulation

Boxes aren’t just about security or play; they also offer a fascinating sensory experience. The texture, the sound it makes when they scratch, the tight corners, and confined space — all these elements provide sensory cues that stimulate their little cat brains.

Textural Delight

Cats rely heavily on their sense of touch. The texture of a cardboard box — firm yet a tad yielding — gives them the tactile feedback they crave. Scratching it, biting it, and sitting in it all provide a form of sensory satisfaction.

Acoustic Value

Let’s not underestimate the auditory excitement either. The sound a box makes when nosed, scratched, or jumped into is uniquely entertaining. It’s a bit like the pop of bubble wrap for us — it doesn’t serve a significant purpose but brings joy nonetheless.

Social and Environmental Enrichment

Alright, here’s another interesting angle — cats who don’t have boxes or similar enclosed spaces are more likely to show signs of stress and even aggression. Providing boxes isn’t just a quirky habit of doting cat parents like yours truly; it’s an essential aspect of their well-being.

Building Confidence

For cats that are particularly shy or anxious, boxes can serve as confidence builders. The enclosed space allows them to observe their surroundings without feeling exposed. Over time, this can help them become more confident and social.

Behavioral Benefits

Cats lacking environmental enrichment are more prone to develop behavioral issues like excessive grooming or aggression. Boxes offer a form of amusement and a cognitive challenge, reducing the likelihood of these problems. Think of it as giving a kid a toy instead of letting them stare at a blank wall.

The Science-Backed Truth

The affinity cats have for boxes is so universally acknowledged that even scientists have taken an interest. Yes, there have been studies — and they reveal some pretty captivating things.

Stress Study

A notable research study in the Netherlands explored how providing boxes to shelter cats influenced their stress levels. The findings were intriguing: cats given boxes were quicker to adapt to their new surroundings than those without, showing significantly lower stress levels after just a few days.

The Plonk Effect

There’s also the amusing, yet enlightening phenomenon dubbed “The Plonk Effect.” It’s where you literally plop a box down, and your cat will immediately gravitate towards it as if drawn by some invisible string. The psychology behind this is still being explored, but it’s believed the sudden appearance of a new confined space is instantly appealing due to all the aforementioned reasons: security, warmth, and stimulation.

What About Other Small Spaces?

It’s not just boxes. Have you noticed that a cat’s definition of “box” extends to pretty much any enclosed, confined space? A laundry basket, under the bed, inside your luggage — these all qualify as top-notch hideouts.

Enclosure Obsession

The obsession cats have with fitting into tight spaces might relate to the “If I fits, I sits” meme. But it’s more than just internet humor. Whether it’s a laundry basket or an open drawer, these small spaces replicate the secure hideouts cats find so comforting.

Alternate Hideouts

Cats are adaptable creatures; if there’s no box around, they’ll make do. A folded newspaper can become a makeshift hideout, and the gap between couch cushions transforms into their throne. While boxes remain the MVP of small spaces, other enclosed areas serve as excellent second choices.

Conclusion

Why do cats like boxes? The reasons are as multifaceted as the felines themselves. From primal instincts and temperature control to stress relief, playtime, and sensory stimulation — boxes offer so much more than their seemingly mundane exterior suggests. They’re little worlds within worlds for our cats, providing a blend of security, warmth, and fun.

Next time you unpack an online order, don’t be so quick to recycle that box. Give it to your cat and observe the immediate transformation. It’s like handing them the keys to their own personal kingdom. Pretty cool, right?

If you’ve enjoyed this dive into the feline psyche, do me a favor — clap the article, leave a comment sharing your own cat-in-a-box experiences, and don’t forget to subscribe to my Medium newsletter for more fascinating pet tales and updates. Thanks for reading!