Cats love cardboard boxes because they are a safe place to hide. They provide warmth and protection from other pets and people.
If you own a cat, you’ve probably seen how cats go crazy for boxes. Whether it’s a cardboard box, a plastic box, or even an old cardboard box, cats will find a way to climb in, lie down, and take over the space. Let’s discover this interesting secret together !
1. ABSOLUTE SENSE OF SECURITY
Cats are predators and must be wary of predators. In the wild, they often seek out secluded places to hide from predators and protect themselves. A box is like a “mini-fortress” where the cat feels protected and not threatened from all sides. This is especially important when the cat feels stressed or pressured in a new environment.
Image of cat & box
2. SATISFY THE HUNTING INSTINCT
Have you ever seen your cat hiding in a box, waiting for you or a toy to walk by so they can “ambush” it? It’s their ancient hunting instinct. In the wild, cats often hide in bushes and caves to wait for prey. An indoor box acts as the perfect shelter, allowing your cat to satisfy this instinct in a safe and fun way.
3. REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Research from Utrecht University (Netherlands) shows that cats tend to seek out enclosed spaces like boxes to reduce stress, especially when they are brought to new environments, such as rescue centers. A box helps them feel “enclosed” in their own space, away from noise, making them feel secure and easier to adapt.
Image of cat & box
4. WARM AND COMFORTABLE SPACE
The box is not only a hiding place but also a natural “heater” for cats. With an ideal body temperature of 37.8°C to 39.2°C, cats often seek out spaces warmer than room temperature. Cardboard boxes are good insulators, helping to keep cats warm, especially on cold days.
5. CATS’ NATURAL CURIOSITY
There’s a reason why the saying “Curiosity killed the cat”! Cats are incredibly curious, and boxes – a closed, mysterious object – pique their curiosity. When they see a box, they immediately want to explore it, crawl inside to see what’s inside, and even lie down and “mark their territory.”
6. STIMULATE SENSES AND PLAY BEHAVIOR
The box is not only a place to lie down, but also a play tool for cats. They can scratch the surface of the box, bite the corners, or crawl in and out of it constantly. This not only entertains cats but also keeps them active, which is good for both their physical and mental health.
Image of cat & box
7. RECREATE THE FEELING OF BEING A KITTEN
As kittens, they often huddle in enclosed spaces, such as nests or dens created by their mothers, to feel safe. This experience becomes a lifelong memory, causing adult cats to continue to seek similar sensations from small spaces such as boxes.
8. BOX: THE IDEAL “FREE” BED
No matter how expensive a bed you buy, your cat will still abandon it and go into the box. The box is not only comfortable, but also fits the size of the cat’s body, creating the perfect place to curl up and sleep soundly. Cats love the feeling of being surrounded on all sides, helping them sleep more deeply and feel more secure.
IS THE REASON CATS STAY IN BOXES AN INSTINCTIVE BEHAVIOR OR PERSONALITY?
This behavior is a combination of both survival instinct and individual personality traits. Depending on the cat, some cats prefer cardboard boxes, some prefer plastic boxes, or any other enclosed space, but the common point is that they are all attracted to boxes.
Cats’ preference for boxes is not just a habit, but also a reflection of the intelligence, instincts and independent personality of this lovely animal. So the next time you see your cat occupying a box, don’t be so quick to put it away! It’s their way of enjoying life and finding joy in the simplest things.