Why do cats love boxes so much? Have you ever wondered why your cat is more interested in an old box than their new bed or toys? As confusing as it is, the reason isn’t so far-fetched. Here are some reasons why cats love boxes so much.
Instinct and Nature
One reason why cats love boxes is due to their evolutionary instinct. In the wild, their ancestors were ambush predators, and domesticated cats are as well. They may hunt more minor things like toys and mice, but you can’t get rid of instinct. Hiding in small and tight places was in their nature to hunt prey. This tactic allows cats to be sneaky and quiet and helps them execute the perfect surprise attack.
Boxes are Warm and Cozy
Due to the tight space and close quarters, boxes are snug places for cats to hide. The coziness and warmth of boxes also make them attractive to cats. These spaces warm up quickly as the cat’s body height heats the close quarters quickly and insulates them. Cats like warm temperatures as their resting body temperature is higher than ours. The warmth and comfort cats feel when in a box keep them returning constantly. If you’re looking to make a box more comfortable for a cat, inspect the box to ensure nothing in there can harm them. Whether things are in the box or it’s dirty, clean it up for your cat to prevent any injuries. If you want to spoil your cat more, add a blanket or pillow and their favorite toy to help them feel at home.
Security and Safety
In addition to using tight places as a hunting tactic, they are also used as a protective measure. Being in a small space with few openings assures no one will be in two places at once. Cats will know exactly where the threat comes from if something comes at them. This helps them feel safe and secure. If something startles a cat, the first place they are running to is somewhere covered up and enclosed so they can hide. In addition to these natural behaviors, cats can hide in tight spaces like boxes to ease stress. Since boxes are comfortable places to be, they are calming for an anxious cat.
Fun and Play
Although once necessary for hunting and survival, playing in boxes has become a fun playtime. For cats, it’s fun to sit and try to fit in various size boxes. Being in close quarters is something cats are used to when they look to seek safety, and they also find them fun. Cats can also use boxes as scratching posts as well. This beats scratching up your curtains or if you can’t afford a scratching post or cat tree. If you want to spike their curiosity and keep them occupied, you can make your cat a box fort. Building these forts takes a bit of time and effort, but your cat will surely enjoy it. They’re also a budget-friendly option to entertain your cat as you can obtain boxes from things you have purchased or take boxes that are being thrown out from a local store.
Luv My Sitter Luvs Cats
We hope you’re no longer wondering why do cats love boxes so much? These are just some reasons why cats go crazy for boxes. Whether big or small, cats will try to fit into them. As silly as it is to see, sometimes, our cats are just being their natural selves, having fun, or hiding from something. No need to worry about their crazy obsession with boxes, as it’s all part of owning a cat.
If you have a cat that needs to be checked in throughout the day or watched for a couple of days, please get in touch with Luv My Sitter to book one of our pet-sitting services. Our professional pet sitters are sure to give your cats the proper love, attention and care they deserve. Find out why Austin loves Luv My Sitter!