Why are cats so fascinated by boxes?

Cats love boxes. It’s something that many cat owners can attest to. You can buy a beautiful basket, but your cat may just prefer the box it came in. Nothing beats that old, familiar cardboard box. In this article, we’ll explore where this love for boxes comes from. Then you’ll look at your cat in the box with different eyes next time!

#1 Hunting instinct

There are many reasons why cats love boxes, but the main one is that they are small, enclosed spaces. It serves as a perfect lookout post during hunting! Cats hunt based on an ambush and a box is the ideal base to hide and hunt for prey. In the case of a domestic cat, such 'prey' can also be a toy or even its owner 😊

#2 Safety

Cats are both hunters and prey by nature. A box provides a closed, safe space where they can hide from potential threats. These threats cannot sneak up on your cat from behind or from the side. Everything happens in your cat’s field of vision, while he or she observes and is not seen! This immediately brings up the fact that cats are conflict avoidant. In a stressful situation, they generally prefer to run away and hide. A box is therefore the ideal hiding place!

#3 Stress Reduction

Research has shown that cats who have access to a box experience less stress. Especially in new or uncertain situations. In that case, the box functions as a safe haven where they can retreat and relax. A box is therefore a great tool to help cats cope with change. Also in the case of recovery, access to a box speeds up a cat's recovery! So a very cheap way to help your cat in difficult situations.

#4 Heat

Cats love warm places and cardboard boxes are great at retaining heat! Especially cozy boxes ensure that your cat can curl up, making the room wonderfully warm. The cardboard material is super insulating. It is therefore an ideal sleeping place for your cat.

#5 Curiosity

Cats are naturally very curious. New objects in the house should therefore be thoroughly examined. The box of your new package is something new, something unknown, and that stimulates their curiosity. It smells different, but your cat is also curious about the purpose of that new thing. So it is not at all surprising if your cat jumps straight into the box and examines and approves everything!

#7 Scratching and biting material

The texture of a cardboard box is also a hit with cats. It is ideal for biting and scratching! For us it is a normal, boring box, but for your cat it is a super fun toy that can be torn to shreds! So definitely do not throw the box away immediately.

In summary, cats love boxes because it triggers their natural behavior, but at the same time as a warm and safe place. As an owner, you can now look at your cat with his or her new box with completely different eyes. So also think about it when you buy a food dispenser or drinking fountain with the beautiful (!) box from Pets Pride! Not bad at all to have in your living room 😊