Why are Cats so fascinated with cardboard boxes?

If we talk about feline favorites then one thing that will top the chart would be boxes of any size and shape. The love for enclosures is so deep in any Cat that it will instinctually be inclined to get into suitcases, bags and containers, tubs and the likes. Just because your beloved Kitty dashes for a box, doesn’t mean it is ignoring its human family or being anti-social. Stephen Zawistowski, science advisor for the American Society for the Prevention of cruelty to animals simply explains this behavior as a natural need of the cat to hide and further states that a box ideally offers a secure and safe haven (from predators) to rest and reside. Adult Cats and Kittens sleep for 18 to 20 hours daily and an enclosed spot provides a comfortable and warm undisturbed setting for the same. Also a box provides a three way security (especially from the backside and the sides) fuelling the cat’s natural predatoriness. Preying is part of the cat’s repertoire. Even if an interesting toy is spotted by the cat, it may run out to get it (just as it would do with its prey) and then re enter its secure site.

Your Pet Cat might be stressed

Researcher Claudia Vinke opines, “Hiding is a behavioral strategy of the species to cope with environmental changes and stressors.”

[Image Credit: giphy.com]

Biological studies in the area of Cat behavior reveal that the species likes to evade a problematic situation rather than confronting or resolving it. Researchers strongly believe that cats are devoid of the capacity to solve problems/conflicts. Therefore hiding in a box is the best way to deal with antagonism and angst. The cat opts to be out of sight and avoid combative altercation with members of its own species. A hiding spot is often seen as a refuge that also works towards dissipating any stressor/source of stress (external stimuli, environmental conditions and so on).

[Image Credit: gunsandbarbells.com]

Tiny spaces, bowls and corrugated boxes could be more than just a stress buster

[Image Credit: pinterest/Rae Smith]

The National Research Council in a study concluded in the year 2006, found out the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) of a pet cat to be between the range of 86 – 97 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermoneutral zone is the suitable environment that helps maintain the most favorable body temperature so that a minimum amount of oxygen is required for metabolism. This temperature zone enables a cat to feel at ease without spending additional energy to keep warm. Therefore a tiny box or a confined spot that may look highly uncomfortable to us is a boon to the furry feline. The act of squeezing in a small space or a corrugated box helps the cat to keep its body warm by preserving heat. Corrugated boxes are also known for restricting the passage of heat, thus preventing it to escape.

Resource Box:

http://www.wired.com/2015/02/whats-up-with-cats-and-boxes/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/pets-health/11392116/Why-do-cats-love-chilling-out-in-boxes-so-much-Scientists-could-have-the-answer.html