How many times have you opened the delivery box, turned around and found your cat already making itself at home? Probably every time. The natural curiosity of cats draws them in, and then their instincts take over the moment they see the box. Perhaps you’ve seen online photos of lions and tigers relax in large cardboard boxes. So it definitely means cats. but why? What’s the appeal? We hope to explore the love between cats and boxes and understand the mystery behind yet another singular habit of our beloved cat.
6 reasons why cats love boxes
1. Security and comfort
This is one of the main reasons why cats love boxes. Wild cats instinctively seek shelter in a space surrounded by darkness, if they cannot rise high. So, a cardboard box for a house cat is the next best.
2. Hunting of prey
The instincts of cats hiding and attacking to catch their prey is another reason why boxes are so fascinating. When in the wild, cats as predators spend time hiding and stalking their prey, making it a great place for your cat to try similar behavior. Even if your prey becomes your feet.
3. Warmth
The cardboard box is a great insulator. According to a book by the National Research Council Nutritional requirements for dogs and catsCats are most comfortable at temperatures between 86°F and 100.4°F, but tend to maintain their home around 68°F to 75°F. The box provides insulation and warmth for cats seeking extra heat, making it a great place for cats to escape.
4. The best place to sleep
We’ve all seen cats curl up in the strangest places – whether it’s your bathroom sink or your towel in a linen closet. Cardboard boxes also give cats the opportunity to curl up in a dark and warm place. This means that our cat owners need to provide cats with warm spots that are cozy, especially in cold seasons, so that their cats can cuddle. Throwing blankets into the cardboard box gives your cat a perfect place to stay warm and feel safe.
5. Play area
The box also gives cats space to play. Cats seem to enjoy chewing and chewing boxes, allowing them to stir up the contents of their minds. This allows you to save money on furniture, leave a scent behind, and safely destroy anything that can be easily replaced (and cheaply).
6. Avoid the situation
Cats act in two different ways towards conflict resolution, and use boxes to help avoid situations that are causing anxiety. Like those who want to avoid hostile situations, cats look for a safe place to escape difficult situations.
Cats are known to lack the ability to resolve conflicts and usually rely on them in battle, run, and hide. If you have other pets in your home, your cat may frequently hide in the box as a way to escape problems with other animals. Or after the cat yells out as he knocks that glass off the table. The box serves as a safe zone for cats trying to avoid unwanted attention, hostile situations, or anything that is causing anxiety in your cat.
Why a box, not a cat’s carrier?
This seems to be an obvious answer. The carrier is also a rather cozy place, but once you pull it out, the cat usually runs and hides (probably in another box). Of course, cats are very clever creatures and can have good memories, so they associate their careers with unprecedented visits to the vet.
Instead of pulling out just before an unpleasant trip, there are always some steps you can take to make your cat attractive to your cat. You can also place blankets and towels to sleep on the inside to avoid retaining cat pheromones and veterinary clinic scents. You can also put some of your favorite toys inside and leave your carrier with the door open so you can go as you like.
How to make a box safe for cats
Since not all boxes are always safe for cats, here are some steps you can take to ensure their safety.
- If the box has handles cut to the sides, you need to cut through them completely to prevent cats from being stabbed in the head and potentially stuck.
- Remove the tape from the box to prevent your cat from making a snack. Your cat may ingest it, which can cause obstruction in their intestines.
- Make sure there are no elastic bands or string bands that are still internal or attached to the box. Again, if your cat ingests any of these items, it can cause intestinal obstruction.
- Once you remove the plastic inside or outside of the box, you will not want them to ingest again. There is also the risk of choking.
- Make sure to remove the staples from the box, as they can hurt your cat.
Conclusion
So it’s there! Cat, box, box, cat. They go together like peas and carrots. As long as you’re used to the box being lying around and take the necessary precautions to make it a safe place for your cat, you’ll give her the opportunity to feel safe, cozy (and sometimes playful). Is there anything better than that?
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Featured Image Credits: Cat Box, Shutterstock
