Today, we’re tackling the great ‘cardboard mystery’ of cat-kind: why do cats like boxes so much? If you’re a human who’s ever spent a small fortune on an elaborate cat tree or interactive toy, only to see your furry friend focus more heavily on the box it came in, you’re not alone. We cats have a deep love for boxes. But why? Let’s dive into the Top Ten Reasons Cats Like Boxes with tips on how you can make our box time even more rewarding.
The Top Ten Reasons Cats Like Boxes
1. They’re Perfect for Hiding in
First up, boxes make the purr-fect hideout. We’re amazing, which is great, but it also means we have a lot of fans and responsibilities. We need thinking time, and for that we need space away from distractions, which is why you’ll often find us lurking out of sight in a box, plotting world domination.
2. They’re Great for Ambushes
For those of us stalking prey and preparing to attack, boxes provide an exceptional base from which to launch ourselves unseen. Whether it’s your unsuspecting feet we’re after, or that pesky catnip-stuffed mouse, our enemies won’t see us coming, if we’re coming from inside a box.
3. They’re Cozy
A box traps our body heat, creating a snug, toasty environment. The smaller the box, the better it is at retaining heat, so don’t be surprised if we squeeze into spaces you thought were impossible! Add a blanket or one of your old t-shirts, and a sprinkle of catnip, and hey presto, you’ve made a cat house.
4. They Make us Feel Safe
Yes, we’re incredibly awesome, but the truth is, sometimes even we feel vulnerable. A good cat box provides us with a comforting, womb-like sense of enclosure. This feeling of security is why we often retreat to boxes when we’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, perhaps because of noise, another pet, or just a change to our routine such as moving house. Message to humans: never move house, we don’t like it.
5. They’re Dark
We can see in the dark and you can’t! Operating in a dark space allows us to exercise our natural night vision goggles – it’s a built-in hunting urge.
6. They’re Good for a Discrete Nap
Why do cats like sleeping in boxes? It’s not rocket science. We sleep for 16-20 hours a day – why not spend some of that time in a box? Besides being cozy and secure, boxes provide the ideal sleeping environment – a snug little cave where we can drift off into dreamland, knowing we’re safe from any disturbances.
7. They’re Fun to Play In
Never forget to have fun! Boxes are a playground. We can take prey inside to throw it around, chew on the flaps, or just roll around and get into fights with nothing. Add some crinkly paper, a jingly ball or a cat toy, and we’re in play heaven. And if you want to dial the lols up to 11, sprinkle a little catnip inside the box and watch us go kkkkkkrazy!
8. They Can Relieve Stress
When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, a box provides a safe space to retreat to and relax in. So when can you use catnip to help an anxious cat? Check out our article Does Catnip Calm Cats? for full details, but as a general rule, catnip will always make a cat feel more relaxed, usually after first experiencing a good frenetic play session. So sprinkle a little catnip (free hit) in a box, and you’ve got yourself an instant stress-relief station. And what does catnip do to cats? It mimics feelgood pheromones to give us a naturally soothing high.
9. They Satisfy Our Curiosity
In recent years, wild and totally unfounded claims that ‘curiosity killed the cat’ have attempted to curb our inquisitive side – but the truth is, we have nine lives for a reason. We need to explore stuff, and can’t resist investigating a new box, whether it’s big or small, plain or fancy. The mystery of what might be inside – it’s usually nothing, which quite frankly is even better, because then there’s more room for us – makes every box intriguing.
10. They’re ours
Finally, boxes give us an all-important sense of ownership. We need to feel like our home is our home. When we claim a box, we leave our scent, our fur, and sometimes even a few claw marks as a way of staking our claim, marking our territory, and taking over our own little corner of the world. We love our box – don’t you dare recycle it.
How to Make a Cat House With Catnip
Now that you know why we love cardboard boxes so much, let’s talk about how you can make our box experience even better. Adding in blankets, cushions, or old t-shirts smelling of you and cutting out a door or spy hole can turn a box into an enviable cat house. But above all else, there’s one simple thing you can do to make any box better: add cat nip. Here’s how:
- Sprinkle dried catnip inside: Add a pinch of dried catnip (free hit) inside the box to make a pussycat paradise. The scent of catnip triggers our pleasure receptors, making the box even more irresistible.
- Use catnip spray: Catnip spray works wonders too. A few spritzes on the box walls will have us rolling around in delight.
- Add catnip toys: Alternatively, toss a couple of catnip toys into the box, and we’ll be entertained for hours.
Why do Cats Like Boxes? Solved!
So there you have it, ten solid reasons why we cats love boxes. Whether it’s for hiding, sleeping, playing, or just hanging out, boxes fulfill many of our natural instincts and desires. And with a little help from catnip (free hit), they can become the ultimate kitty hangout spot. So the next time you see us dive into a random cardboard box, don’t be surprised if we stay there for hours – we’re simply living our best nine lives.
Check out our article Good Treats For Cats for more ways you can make us happy.
Are YOU a cat? Do you have a favorite box you like to spend time in? Share your best box moments with us here.
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