Why do all cats love boxes?
- We like the security of an enclosed space. A box is basically a cave and makes us feel we can’t be attacked from behind
- Boxes are cozy because the sides help retain our body heat making a comfy nest
- We’re predators, and a box is a great spot from which we can pounce on our prey, like a piece of string or your feet
- It’s instinctive. When was the last time you saw a cat sleeping in the middle of a wide-open space? We prefer smaller, more confined spaces.
- Boxes are fun!
Climbing onto, jumping into and hiding in boxes is simply part of a cat’s natural behavior, so providing an empty box or two is an inexpensive way to enrich our environment.
Take my advice. Leave a box in a safe place for your cat to play. You can drop in a couple of favorite toys or cut a few holes in the side so he can peek through or stick out a paw to swat at toys — or people.
Boxes also offer safe, cozy places for felines to nap. Cats sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, so it makes sense that we seek out places safe from attack.
Place a blanket in a box that’s about the right size for your cat and it will likely become one of her favourite places to nap.
We like things that resemble boxes too, such as drawers, sinks and laundry baskets.
I repeat, you can’t beat a box