Why Do Cats Like Boxes? 6 Reasons Behind Their Behavior

If there is one thing a cat owner will always know, let it be this: cats love boxes. But why do they love boxes? What’s the reason behind their behavior?

Boxes are one of those things that we put in our homes. Most people don’t care much about boxes until they suddenly come across them and start wondering how these little things can be so fascinating. Cats are quite simply the funniest and most exciting pets in the world. Though there are many things about them that we choose to decipher and make sense of (why is it so cold in here? Why can’t I catch that rat?), there are some things that don’t require much thought at all (besides your own).

Big cats, such as tigers and lions, react similarly to boxes.

So what makes a box so attractive to our feline friends? Is it some instinctual behavior? Or is there something more involved? The answer may surprise you. This article will reveal the science behind why cats love boxes so much and then teach you how to use this information to your advantage when training or playing with your cat.

Why do cats love boxes?

Most cats love boxes. They don’t care if it’s a cardboard box or a paper bag; they’ll jump right in. A cat is an independent creature who wants to do things on his terms. That’s why it can be challenging to train and get them to do what you want them to do. However, when it comes to boxes, cats seem to have a different view of them.

Cats love boxes because they offer safety from predators and other dangers that might harm them. Boxes also provide shelter from extreme weather conditions and keep them warm and cozy during cold nights.
So why do cats love boxes so much? Well, it goes back to their instinctual behavior, which tells them that if they see something round with two sides open, then there must be something inside waiting for them!

Look at some of the valid reasons below:

1. Security

Yes, they feel secure within a BOX! They like it when they’re small, medium, and large. But a box, especially a big one, makes a cat feel protected from outside threats. A box gives them a place where they can hide from other animals or humans who might hurt them in some way or another.

Oftentimes, wild cats will choose to sleep inside these boxes because they offer protection from extreme weather conditions such as rain or snowfall. Cats also like to sleep inside boxes because they feel more secure than sleeping outdoors under open skies where predators can easily spot them from afar!

For years, many studies conducted, especially in this regard, have revealed that the cat feels sheltered under a box. It has a direct connection with lowering stress levels, making it cheerful and relaxed.

The reason for this is that there is a sense of security when they are hiding under the box. The feeling that nothing can harm them comes over them as soon as they get inside the box. The cat feels safe and secure because no one can find them under the box. The box might even remind a kitten about the mother. If you bring a kitten home and it is alone, try providing it with a warm box and see how homely it feels around the box and you as well.

2. Hiding place

Cats are, by nature, outdoor animals that are supposed to roam freely. However, when they stay outside, they may end up meeting a lot of predators and attackers. This is why they are on the constant lookout for a hiding place.

Cats need a place where they can hide in case something happens. Cats love their privacy and will do anything to keep it. They also like to have their own space where they can feel safe and secure. A cat hiding place will provide this for them and give them a sense of security. Cats are natural predators.

They’re used to hunting and killing their prey, so they can easily stay inside the box for some time and then attack it as soon as it comes closer! A box is a perfect hiding place for a cat. It’s also a great place to nap because it’s dark and cozy. Cats love boxes so much that they’ve started using them as toys!

3. Comfort

According to a 2006 study conducted by the National Research Council, the thermoneutral zone for a domestic cat is somewhere between 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a box can make them comfy!
So, a cardboard box contains the ideal temperature for a cat. They stay cozy in there for hours.

4. A playhouse

Cats are absolutely beautiful creatures. They’re cute, they’re fluffy, and they’re just looking for some fun!
In fact, they’re so full of energy that you might even find your cat playing with a cardboard box when you least expect it. If you’ve ever been surprised by your cat doing something unique with a cardboard box, you can count yourself among the many people whose cats have surprised them by being so full of life.

Cats love to play, and if that means playing with cardboard boxes or even attacking them when they get bored enough, then so be it!

5. Curiosity

So, for cats. Curiosity really knows no bounds!

We all know that cats are curious creatures! They need to nose around in everything. They’re like little scientists, constantly investigating and experimenting. They’re always looking for new things to explore, and if there’s a box lying on the floor, they’ll be all over it. They want to know everything. And they will find a way to get their paws on anything that piques their interest.

6. Adapting to a new environment

Cats are known for being mysterious, and boxes are one of the tools that make us think, why do they love boxes? A study in 2014 conducted by the University of Utrecht uncovered another fascinating reason why cats love boxes.

The study was performed on a group of animal shelter cats. Half were given boxes, and the other half were not. The research discovered that the control group of cats with boxes actually recovered from their transition to the shelter environment more quickly than those without boxes. This shows that boxes are instrumental for cats to help deal with change.

This is why you may see your cat curl up inside a box when there’s something new going on in the house, or if you’re moving to a new home. The box acts as a safe haven where your cat can retreat and feel secure until they’re ready to face the world again.

So, in short,

The box provides a safe place to sleep, hide and play. Cats like enclosed spaces where they feel protected from predators and other dangers.

Cats like to hide when they’re sick or injured, so boxes may be associated with illness or injury. This could explain why cats are drawn to cardboard boxes in particular; cardboard is easily torn, which may make it more comfortable for injured cats to climb in and lie down.

Boxes also provide security for cats who tend to be anxious about changes in their environment – moving houses, new owners, or other factors that can cause stress for cats. A small box can offer comfort because your cat associates it with happy times spent playing and sleeping together in your home.

So, why are cats so fond of boxes?

Because they are a playful, curious little explorer and sometimes they like being alone and cozy! Cats like to feel safe and secure, and hiding in a small space is one way to do this. Boxes are also the perfect size for a cat to curl up in and take a nap – after all, it’s where kittens sleep when their mother isn’t around! Cats are also hunters, and they have a natural instinct to hide in small places while they stalk their prey. The boxes give them a safe place to hide while they hunt, just like they would in the wild.

For people who love cats, a box isn’t just a box. To the cat? It’s a chance to disappear for a little while and have some fun. A cat’s idea of play is more complicated than simply chasing stuff around and pouncing on it every now and then. They’re constantly observing the world, learning about their environment, hiding from predators, and hunting toys.

A box is a lot of fun for a cat; after all, they aren’t very well equipped to deal with walls and ceilings, but a box is different. As long as there’s room to do that wiggle thing they do, cats will most likely gladly make themselves at home inside a cardboard paradise.

And, of course, if you have a new cat in your home, we highly recommend popping one of those wonderful boxes next to them. They’ll love it, and it’ll help them get used to their new surroundings!