Why Do Cats Love Cardboard Boxes?

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.

If you've ever brought home a shiny new toy for your cat only to find them more fascinated with the box it came in, you're not alone. Cats and cardboard boxes go together like peanut butter and jelly, but why?


What is it about these humble containers that make them irresistible to our feline companions? Let’s dig into the science and behavior behind this quirky obsession.

Cat in a cardboard box - image via Canva

1. A safe, cozy hideaway

Cats are instinctively drawn to enclosed spaces where they feel secure and hidden from threats. Cardboard boxes offer the perfect hidey-hole: small, enclosed, and just the right size for curling up.


In the wild, felines seek out dens to rest and observe their surroundings without being seen. A cardboard box is a domestic substitute for that natural behavior, offering comfort and protection from perceived dangers (like vacuum cleaners and rambunctious toddlers).

2. Stress relief and comfort

Studies have shown that boxes can actually reduce stress in cats. Studies have found that shelter cats with access to hiding boxes adapted more quickly to their new environment and had lower stress levels compared to cats without boxes.


The box provides a quiet, confined space that can help your cat regulate their emotions, especially important in noisy or unfamiliar settings.

Cat in a cardboard box - image via Canva

3. The perfect temperature zone

Cats love warmth, and cardboard happens to be a great insulator. Nestling into a box helps trap your cat’s body heat, creating a snug little cocoon. Most cats prefer temperatures warmer than the average home so a box helps make up the difference.

4. Scratch, bite, shred

Cardboard has a texture cats love to sink their claws and teeth into. It satisfies their urge to scratch and chew, which helps keep their claws healthy and their instincts sharp.


For cats, a box isn't just a place to rest, it's also a toy, a scratching post, and sometimes even prey.

Cat in a cardboard box - image via Canva

5. Curiosity and novelty

Cats are famously curious creatures. A new box is an unfamiliar object in their territory, something to be sniffed, explored, and claimed.


The novelty alone is enough to pique your cat’s interest, and their natural investigative instincts drive them to inspect anything new that enters their domain.

Conclusion

To humans, a cardboard box might seem like trash. To your cat, it’s a fortress, a bed, a jungle gym, and a stress-relief pod, all rolled into one.


So next time you get a package, don’t be so quick to toss the box. Set it down on the floor and watch the magic happen. Your cat will thank you in their own mysterious way.


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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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