WHY CATS LOVE BOXES
Domestic cats are not the only representatives of the feline family who love boxes.
Probably, many cat owners have noticed that their pets are not indifferent to the boxes. Should they see one, they will try to, at all costs, climb inside of it. What’s interesting, they don’t seem to care if the box is obviously smaller then the cat himself. But it is rather surprising how well they seem to fit in the box half their size. It doesn’t matter that lying in a tiny box is uncomfortable, the satisfaction comes from achieving their goal of getting inside.
So why do cats love boxes? There are many possible reasons, but it mainly comes down to these:
The first reason — the feeling of safety (security).
If you put two boxes in front of the cat: one large and one small, a cat will choose a large, i.e. in which it can fully fit. But if there is one box, even if it is very small, the cat will make every effort to squeeze into it.
What motivates a cats to climb into the box. It would seem that they are in a familiar place, where they’ve sniffed every corner, where there are no enemies, surrounded by loving owners… …then why do they seek refuge in the box?
Just like humans, who feel unsafe standing on the roof top, or being close to a huge stray dog — cats have their own survival instincts. And while they might feel safe in the big house, they will feel much safer in a small box, where their body is protected from all sides, and they are hidden from any «enemies» that might wander around. The box is a place where they can completely relax, a panic room of sorts.
The second reason — the smell (in the case of cardboard boxes).
Most cats choose to spend their time resting on the desk, or in a stack of newspapers, or on the book shelf. The reason is that these things keep the flavour, warmth and comfort of wood. This fragrance is reminiscent of the nature.
The third reason — personal space.
Cats, like humans, need a personal space. Probably many cat owner know this picture — cat wandering from corner to corner in search of a cosy corner. And the box is a cosy haven. And if you put your cat’s favourite toys in a box, along with a soft mat, the gratitude and joy of your pet will have no end.
And the fourth reason — instinct.
For cat owners, «hide and seek» perceived as a game, but not for cats. For cats it is an opportunity to test their hunting instincts. Once inside the box, the cat is on the hunt, preparing the ambush, waiting for the prey. Try to gently scrape the walls of the box and immediately a paw with sharp claws will pop up.
And no matter what causes your cat to have a weakness for boxes, forgive it this whim. Bring it the box, and just let your cat have fun.