Why Do Cats Like Boxes? The Science Behind Your Cat’s Favorite Spot

If you’ve ever bought your cat an expensive toy only to find them curled up in the box it came in, you’re not alone. Cats and boxes are a love story as old as time. But why do cats like boxes so much? Let’s break it down with simple, science-backed facts to help you understand why that cardboard hideaway is your cat’s favorite spot.

Boxes Offer Safety and Security

Why Cats Love Enclosed Spaces

Cats are both predators and prey in the wild. This means they’re constantly scanning their environment for threats, even in the comfort of your home. A box provides an enclosed, secure space where they can feel protected from potential dangers while observing their surroundings.

According to Dr. Jill Goldman, why do cats like boxes so much? As a certified applied animal behaviorist, she says cats instinctively gravitate toward small, enclosed spaces because it helps reduce their stress levels and gives them a sense of control over their environment (The Catnip Times).

What This Means for Your Cat at Home

Your home may not feel stressful to you, but for your cat, even small changes—like a visitor, a new piece of furniture, or rearranging their favorite spot—can cause unease. A box gives them the safety they need to observe these changes while feeling secure.

Boxes Provide Warmth and Comfort

The Cozy Factor

Cardboard might not seem special to us, but for cats, it’s an excellent insulator. According to the National Research Council, cats prefer environments around 86-97°F — warmer than most homes — and a box helps trap heat, making it the perfect cozy spot for a nap (Gardiner, 2015). The insulating properties of cardboard, combined with the box’s enclosed shape, create a microclimate that keeps your cat warm without needing additional heat sources.

Scientific Insights

Cats' affinity for warmth is deeply rooted in their physiology and evolutionary history. Originating from desert environments, cats have developed a preference for warmer temperatures to maintain their body heat efficiently. Their normal body temperature ranges between 99.5°F and 102.5°F, and seeking out warm spots helps them conserve energy that would otherwise be used to maintain this temperature.

This behavior is not merely about comfort; it's a survival mechanism that allows cats to allocate more energy towards essential activities like hunting and playing (Martin).

Creating a Warm Haven

Adding a fleece blanket or a small heating pad inside a box can enhance the comfort. For senior cats, this warmth can also help soothe aching joints and muscles, making their downtime even more restorative.

Did you know blue, green, and purple are calming to cats? Look for items in these colors!

Boxes Relieve Stress and Anxiety

A Safe Space for Overwhelmed Cats

Cats may seem independent, but they’re also creatures of habit. When the world gets overwhelming — loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, or even just too much stimulation — a box can become their go-to hiding spot.

The Role of Hiding Spaces

Providing cats with hiding spaces significantly enhances their well-being. The ASPCA notes that cats with access to hiding spots exhibit reduced stress levels and are more likely to approach the front of their enclosures. Importantly, offering these hiding places does not delay adoption times or decrease adoption rates, indicating that such provisions benefit the cats without hindering their chances of finding homes (ASPCA).

Practical Tips for Stress Relief

Try placing a box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home. During events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or holiday gatherings, this space can act as their personal retreat.

Boxes Encourage Play and Curiosity

Playtime in a Box

Cats are natural hunters, and boxes are a playground for their instincts. Whether they’re jumping in and out, peeking through holes, or ambushing their toys, boxes stimulate a cat’s curiosity and provide endless entertainment.

Scientific Explanation

Cats are instinctively drawn to boxes due to their natural predatory behaviors. Boxes provide ideal vantage points for stalking and ambushing, allowing cats to hide and observe their surroundings before pouncing. This behavior is deeply rooted in their hunting instincts, as boxes offer a concealed space from which they can monitor and engage with their environment (McGowan, 2024).

If your cat loves their box, take it to the next level! You can:

• Cut multiple entry holes for them to dart in and out of.

• Add small toys, like crinkle balls, for added stimulation.

• Place treats inside as a reward for exploration.

Learn more about providing enrichment and stimulation.

How Boxes Improve Bonding

Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior

When you provide boxes for your cat, you’re not just meeting their needs—you’re also building trust. Cats that feel secure and enriched are more likely to show affection and seek interaction with their owners.

Encouraging Interactive Play

Use the box as part of playtime! Peek in, toss a toy, or dangle a string just outside the box’s edge. These simple activities not only entertain your cat but also strengthen your bond.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

So, why do cats like boxes so much? It’s all about safety, warmth, stress relief, and fun. Boxes give your cat a place to feel secure, comfortable, and curious—all in one simple package.

Try It at Home

Grab an empty box, add a blanket or toy, and let your cat explore. You might just find that this simple addition becomes their favorite spot.

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References

1. Gardiner, B. (2015). Why Do Cats Love Boxes So Much? Wired. https://www.wired.com/2015/02/whats-up-with-cats-and-boxes/

2. Hiding Places Mean Happier Cats. ASPCA Pro. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/hiding-places-mean-happier-cats

3. If You Think Cats and Cucumbers Are Funny...Think Again. The Catnip Times. https://www.thecatniptimes.com/cat-behavior/think-cat-and-cucumbers-are-funny-think-again/

4. Martin, E. Why Do Cats Like Heat: Discover the Benefits and Risks for Your Feline Friend. Tin Roof Cats. https://tinroofcats.com/why-do-cats-like-heat-discover-the-benefits-and-risks-for-your-feline-friend/

5. McGowan, R. (2024). Why Do Cats Like Boxes?Purina. https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/behavior/play/why-do-cats-like-boxes