Why Does Your Cat Like The Cardboard Box?
No matter the number and variety of toys a cat has, it will always be attracted to a simple cardboard box. But why does your cat like the cardboard box? The answer lies mainly in an instinctive behavior developed over the years to hide from predators in the wild.
Does your cat like the cardboard box?
These are some reasons that explain your little feline’s love for his wooden box:
Instinctive behavior
As we have seen, one of the reasons why your cat likes the cardboard box lies in a completely instinctive behavior that these animals have developed over the years.
This behavior of hiding in small places has allowed cats to go unnoticed by predators found in the wild.
Cardboard boxes or small spaces offer cats a sense of security. In this sense, by hiding they feel that they cannot be attacked; For this reason, this small place becomes an oasis of tranquility. In addition, they have more control of the field of vision, and will be able to see what is approaching in advance.
Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the most distinctive personality characteristics of cats, regardless of breed. That natural curiosity, combined with the need to hide, makes them hopelessly drawn to cardboard boxes.
It should be noted that this curiosity is not only limited to the boxes, but also to every object, person or animal that arrives at home for the first time. The kitten will come to sniff and check what it is and, if it is a box, it will go inside.
Cold
The cold is another reason why your cat likes the cardboard box. In this sense, the ideal temperature for kittens is between 30 and 36 degrees ; if the temperature is lower they will look for a warmer place, such as cardboard boxes. It is important to remember that cardboard is one of the best thermal insulating materials.
Jump
The boxes also serve as an ideal space from which to jump. From inside it, the cat will be able to observe everyone who passes by, and if something arouses its curiosity, it will jump on it. In the wild, cats jump to grab their prey, but in the comfort of home they do it simply to play and surprise.
Perfect hideaway
Cats are animals that by nature like solitude. For this reason, cardboard boxes are ideal for isolating yourself from others, whether they are humans or other animals.
In addition, these boxes are especially practical when the kitten gets into a problem from which he wants to flee; In these cases, what better place than your favorite hiding place and where you feel you have all the control: the cardboard box.
Less stress
In recent years it has been shown that another of the most important reasons why cats prefer cardboard boxes is stress. In this regard, cats that have access to boxes have considerably less stress than those that do not.
On the other hand, the boxes not only make kittens feel safer, but also improve their bond with the environment and allow them to interact in a more positive way with other animals and with humans.
Cardboard: play material
Cardboard is a material that not only offers cats warmth, but also allows them to play, tear and chew; These actions are extremely entertaining for the kittens. Similarly, it is the ideal place to sharpen your nails and stretch your muscles.
In practice, there are many reasons why cats prefer a simple cardboard box to other types of toys. Instinct and behavior, along with practicalities such as warmth, are some of the reasons why kitties love these boxes.
From the material, through curiosity and security, cardboard boxes are the ideal hiding place for cats, and it is that place where they feel protected from any threat from the outside world.
