Is your cat obsessed with boxes? This is why they love them so much

Cats have a deep-seated, instinctual obsession with cardboard boxes, and it’s due to a combination of factors that cater to their unique feline nature.

The first is related to the safety and security a cardboard box can offer which connects with their instinctual hideouts as in the wild, small, enclosed spaces like burrows or dense bushes offer protection from predators and provide a safe vantage point for ambushing prey. Even domesticated cats retain this primal instinct.

A box provides clear boundaries and protection from all sides, making a cat feel secure and hidden. They can observe their surroundings without being easily seen, which reduces stress and anxiety, especially in new or overwhelming environments (a reason why shelter cats with boxes adapt faster).

A box can also offer additional warmth and comfort as they can be excellent insulators. The confined space of a box, combined with the insulating properties of the cardboard, traps a cat’s body heat, creating a cozy and warm spot for napping or resting.

A box also provides the perfect “hideout” from which they can stalk and pounce on unsuspecting “prey” (which might be a toy, your feet, or another pet). It allows them to act on their innate hunting instincts in a safe and stimulating way.

Boxes offer endless opportunities for play, jumping in and out, batting at corners, or hiding.

Cardboard has a satisfying texture for biting, chewing, and scratching. It helps cats maintain healthy claws and can provide mental and physical stimulation. Many cat scratchers are made of corrugated cardboard for this reason.

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