Boxes are a favorite object for cats. The majority of cat lovers have, in fact, watched at least one cartoon where a cat is depicted dozing in a box rather than the costly cat bed that is within that box.
Why do cats find boxes to be so alluring?
There are a few reasons for this, but the major one is that it provides your cat with a comfortable and safe area to rest.
How cats perceive boxes
Cats are naturally curious. Any unknown object that enters their environment will be examined by them to see whether it is safe, a toy, or perhaps food. Cats are well-known predators. Because a box is a small, contained space, your cat may regard it as the ideal place to hide and wait to ambush prey.
Despite the fact that cats are predators, which some people ignore, many wild animals exploit them as prey. An enclosed box could be a safe haven for your cat to hide. Cats may even prefer to hide inside packages during stressful occasions or when the environment of their house changes since they find them to be so soothing. When exposed to diverse environmental stressors, cats will hide as a coping mechanism.
Some cat owners who read this might be perplexed as to why their animals detest the cat carrier so much given that it is a box-like contained space. Sadly, your cat has discovered what the carrier is trying to communicate. When they are at home, putting themselves in the carrier signifies a less appealing destination, like the vet. Your cat only wants to go back to the carrier when you’re at the vet, which is another reason for this. Moving forward in the carrier represents leaving and coming home while they are at the veterinarian. However, there are a few tips and tricks that may make it simpler for you to put your cat in the carrier. By using the carrier as an extra bed, if at all possible, attempt to break your cat’s association with the carrier and the veterinarian (or box).
The Allure of Boxes
It’s all about the texture for cats. This explains why there are many canned food textures and why changing a cat’s diet after they have only ever eaten kibble of a certain type can be difficult. Your cat may not like to scratch on the sisal rope scratching post that is placed right next to your couch due to preferences in scratching surface texture. The majority of cats will find cardboard to have a satisfying feel to scratch at as well as a tasty food source.
Cardboard is another insulator. Cats prefer outside air temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s (in Fahrenheit). Clearly, this is warmer than the majority of people’s thermostat settings. Boxes made of cardboard might provide for a comfortable home for your cat.
How to Promote Positive Box Experiences
If your cat is set on sleeping in boxes, there are things you can do to keep them secure and content. Include some of your cat’s favorite toys and some cozy blankets in the box. You can spritz a calming pheromone like Feliway on their blankets to make them feel cozier. Place the box in an area of the house where you regularly hang out because cats want to be close to their family, such the living room or bedroom.
Safety Guidance
You should be aware of the following before providing your cat with a cardboard box to play with:
- Remove any and all staples that could be present in the cardboard. These may accidentally poke or pierce your cat, producing a wound that could become infected.
- The risk of a cat consuming a linear foreign body is decreased by removing any thread or string that might have been used to seal the box.
- Place the box on its largest side and place it on a stable surface, such the floor, to reduce the likelihood that it may tumble over.
- If you have boxes out to prepare for a move, make sure your cat hasn’t managed to squeeze into one before you close it up.
Box obsession is a perfectly normal tendency for cats. Enjoy it and accept it. They’ll soon learn about the expensive gift or pet bed that was enclosed.
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