Do you know why cats love cardboard boxes? 🐈‍⬛ 📦

You might not be the only one eagerly waiting for all your online orders to arrive this Christmas.

Empty delivery boxes are pawsitively on your feline’s wishlist.

If you have a cat or have ever spent time with one, you might have noticed that some cats like to hang inside cardboard boxes, maybe even more than the brand new cosy bed you just gifted them. No matter if they’re big or small, cats don’t discriminate; they’re happy to squeeze into boxes of all sizes!

But why?

Well for starters, it’s not just boxes. Cats like to hide in small places where they can feel safe and secure such as closets or under beds. Squeezing into smaller spaces makes them feel protected from the world outside. These could be other reasons why your cat loves sitting inside boxes: 

🌡  They’re good insulators: Boxes can help cats feel snug and warm when it’s too cold outside. In contrast, they also use the cool surface of cardboard boxes to beat the summer heat.

🛌  Keeps them safe and cosy: Cosying up in a box can mimic a similar level of intimacy and warmth that cats get from their mums when they were kittens. This tends to release positive endorphins that can decrease stress for cats.

👀  Works as a good hiding spot: Predatory behaviour in domestic cats is inherited from their big cat ancestors. A box or any other small enclosed space is a good hiding spot and makes them feel like they have a good vantage point to wait and watch for smaller prey such as mice. On the contrary, some cats hide in boxes because they feel shielded from all sides and have to now only worry about what's directly in front of their vision.

🪀  Cats are fascinated by them: Felines are naturally curious creatures. When they see something new, their first instinct is to put their detective hat on and investigate. The texture of cardboard boxes is highly appealing to some cats as it is easy for them to make scratching sounds or shred them with their claws. They also find other ways to play with it, be it jumping inside, hiding their treasure or just pushing it over.

🧘🏽‍♀️ They help relieve stress: Cardboard boxes can help cats deal with any stress or anxiety. You may have noticed when you bring your cat home for the first time, they may head to small enclosed spaces in your home. This is simply their way of adjusting to an unfamiliar environment or seeking out comfort if they feel threatened. 

Stack em up’

Since your furry friend loves them, it might be a good idea to keep a spare box or two lying around for them. You can try filling them with toys to give your cat something to entertain themselves with.

Why do dogs dig? Are carrots good for bunnies? Do cats have a blind spot? Find more fun, funny and funtastic facts about pets in the PetRescue library!