Why Your Cat Loves Boxes
Felines love nothing more than wedging themselves into a box – for a nap, to hide or to practice leaping out onto a passing foot. It’s not only boxes that pique their interest; baskets, handbags and suitcases are just as interesting. There are a few good explanations for this feline trait. We take a look at why your cat loves boxes.
Safety and Security
First and foremost, cats prioritise security. Their generally skittish nature is an acute defence mechanism they retain from their wildcat (felis silvestris) ancestors. Research shows that selective, targeted breeding occurred much later in domesticated cats than, for example, in dogs. DNA analysis conducted in France shows that cats are much closer to the wildcat than dogs are to the wolf. It also seems that selective breeding hasn’t profoundly altered the behaviour of domestic cats in general. Certain lap cat breeds, such as the ragdoll, will display gentler characteristics.
Wildcats inhabit every continent apart from Australia and Antarctica. They hide in and conduct surveillance from small, concealed spaces, such as tree hollows, concealed holes and thick foliage canopies. These retreats offer protection from predators and a vantage point to watch out for both predators and prey.
Our domestic cats use boxes in the same way. Boxes provide that safe, confined space where cats feel secure and protected. It is not unusual for these heat seeking missiles to launch from a box and attack passing legs.
Warmth and Comfort
Cats are master heat detectors. They know that laps and the top of household appliances are warm. Boxes and bags appeal because they trap a cat’s body heat, creating a warm environment, perfect for a catnap.
Cats are also highly sensitive; their ears are powerful, allowing them to detect the slightest movement of potential prey. Their eyes are designed for low-light hunting, and their noses are just as efficient as those of dogs. This sensitivity means that they can become overwhelmed, requiring a quiet, dark, hidden retreat. A box becomes a personal refuge for a cat, offering them a break from overstimulation and the stress it causes.
Curiosity and Playfulness
Cats are naturally curious. A box may stimulate their instinct to explore and evaluate their environment for prey and predators.
Younger cats and kittens love to poke their noses into nooks and crannies. This exploration is part of their learning, and mimics the skills they would need in the wild.
Safety, comfort and security are some of the reasons why your cat loves boxes. Rather than amusing, odd behaviour, it is a perfectly reasonable way for a cat to spend a few hours. Read Through a Cat’s Eyes for more.
