Why do cats love boxes so much ?

How Cats See Boxes

Cats are naturally inquisitive. When something new shows up in their environment, they're going to investigate it to work out if it's safe, if it is a toy, or if it's potential food. Cats are known predators. A box is an indoor , confined space that your cat may even see because the perfect place to cover and lay in wait to ambush prey.

Some folks forget that, although cats are predators, cats also are prey for tons of untamed animals. an indoor box can also provide your cat with a secure topographic point . In fact, boxes may make your cat feel so safe that your cat may wish to hide inside one when stressed or when there are environmental changes in their home. Hiding may be a coping mechanism for cats handling different environmental stressors.

Some cat owners may read this and wonder, if the cat carrier is an indoor space that appears tons sort of a box, why does the cat hate it so much? Unfortunately, your cat has learned what the carrier means. once they are home, getting into the carrier means they're going somewhere not fun, just like the vet. this is often also why, when you're at the vet, all of your cat wants to try to to is return into the carrier. once they are at the vet, getting into the carrier means they're going home. There are tips and tricks to form it easier to urge your cat into their carrier, though. If you'll start early, leaving the carrier out as an additional bed (or box) can help break your cat's association with it and therefore the vet.

The Allure of Boxes

Cats are all about texture. this will be why it's sometimes difficult to modify diets for a cat that's only had kibble of a selected shape, and it's why there's a spread of canned foods textures. Texture preferences also are why your cat may prefer scratching at your couch rather than the sisal rope scratching post found out right next thereto . Cardboard features a texture that the majority cats will find interesting to both scratch at and nibble at.

Cardboard is additionally insulating. Cats prefer ambient temperatures starting from the upper 80s to lower 90s (in Fahrenheit). This is, obviously, a touch warmer than most people set their thermostat. Cardboard boxes might provide your cat with an area to remain warm.

How to Foster Positive Experiences with Boxes

If your cat has their heart assail sleeping in boxes, there are belongings you can do to stay them safe and cozy . Place soft blankets and a few of your cat's favorite toys within the box. you'll spray their blankets with a relaxing pheromone like Feliway to form them feel even easier . Cats like being near their family, so leave the box up a neighborhood of the house where you normally hang around , just like the recreation room or the bedroom.

Safety Tips

There are belongings you should be wary of before giving your cat a cardboard box to play with:

Remove any and every one staples which will be within the cardboard. These may inadvertently poke your cat or cause a puncture wound which will get infected.
Remove any twine or string which will are wont to pack up the box as these pose a risk for a linear foreign body in cats.
Leave the box on a sturdy surface, like the ground , and place it on its largest side in order that it's less susceptible to tip over.
If you've got boxes bent close up for a move, ensure your cat has not sneaked into a box before you seal it up
For most cats, their box obsession is totally normal behavior. plow ahead and embrace it. Eventually they're going to notice the expensive toy or pet bed that came in it.