Why do cats love boxes so much? Why would they rather sleep surrounded by cardboard instead of on a fluffy new cat cave? It turns out that this is a common preference among felines.
Here are five scientific reasons why cats love boxes so much.
1. Safety
Have you ever seen “empty boxes” on an animal shelter’s wish list? Well, there’s a very good reason why. Enclosed spaces give cats a sense of security and a place to find refuge, especially in new environments.
In a shelter environment, animals are under a lot of stress due to a new environment, new sounds, and new routines. Just like in humans, high stress levels can lead to severe consequences for an animal’s overall health.
A study on Dutch shelter cats found that when cats are given boxes, their stress levels decrease significantly faster than cats not given boxes. In a shelter, a box helps mimic the enclosed comfort that kittens experience when cuddling with their mother and littermates. Just as human babies are comforted by swaddling, an enclosed space helps cats become calmer.
2. Instincts
In the wild, cats are predators. They have to be stealthy to catch their next meal, which often involves hiding in small spaces where they can’t be seen. This is crucial for survival because it helps them sneak up on unsuspecting prey.
Cats in the wild are also prey for some animals, and a tight enclosure helps keep them out of sight.
These instincts are still present in domestic cats. Whether they’re stalking a mouse or preparing a sneak attack on your legs as you walk by, cats need tight, hidden spaces to observe and not be seen until the timing is right.
3. Comfort
Maybe the most obvious reason why cats love boxes is because they provide a comfort level that most cat beds and toys can’t match.
Think of humans and our ever-present desire for comfort. Most of us love weighted blankets, warm clothing, cuddling, and anything else that envelops us in coziness.
Cats are the same—they just seek out different ways to invite comforting pressure onto their bodies. In a box, a cat has to curl up into a ball in order to fit, which keeps them tight and cozy.
4. Warmth
Snuggling in boxes is a way for cats to stay warm and toasty.
A study found that cats are most comfortable in temperatures between 86 and 97 F, but most homes are kept at around 72 degrees. Boxes act as insulators and trap body heat so our cats can enjoy tropical temperatures without an expensive heating bill.
5. Scratching
There’s a reason why most scratching posts are made out of cardboard. Cats love the feel of boxes, making them the perfect place for a cat to claw and scratch their nails. Humans love this too, as it means less scratching on the furniture!
