So, our online shopping spree is over. We decided to buy our feline best friend a super cozy bed for Christmas and — surprise, surprise — they go straight for the box it came in. Why does this always happen? Why do cats like cardboard boxes so much? Turns out, it’s not such a mystery anymore. At Pettiny we are very interested in the way cats’ brains work so we did our research. Here are some reasons why our kitties 'sit if they fit':

Their hunting instincts 

According to the International Society of Feline Medicine, cats are a predatory species and “obligate carnivores” meaning that they need to eat meat to survive. Even well-fed domestic cats exhibit hunting behaviors just because it is part of their instinct. As felines stalk their prey while hunting, having a good place to hide and observe their surroundings is especially important. A cardboard box can be a great hiding place where they can feel safe from predators while providing them a fantastic place to ambush their prey (or just your toes).

They help them deal with stress

A recent study conducted in Dutch shelter cats proved that enclosed spaces where cats can hide are a simple way to help them deal with change. Providing these cats with boxes to hide in during their first days in the shelter reduced behavioral stress significantly faster than the control group that didn’t get boxes. In a similar study performed in 2007, cats that could hide if they needed to during their first days in the shelter were significantly more likely to approach people and would display relaxed behaviors more frequently.
These studies show that being able to hide in a box or any other enclosed space during stressful situations can really make an impact on cats’ behavior and overall comfort. We know you have provided a calm and stress-free home for your fluffy companions but nonetheless, a box can still feel like a warm and safe place for your kitty to spend some alone time.

Cats aren’t that great at conflict resolution

Guess what? Humans aren’t the only ones that hide from their problems. Cats do it to. According to The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour “Cats do not appear to develop conflict resolution strategies to the extent that more gregarious species do so they may attempt to circumvent agonistic encounters by avoiding others or decreasing their activity." When your kitty needs to cool down, a box sure seems like a good place to scape and relax, a safe zone to stay away from any source of anxiety, animosity or unwanted attention.

Cardboard boxes are amazing insulators

Apparently, cats are basically always cold, so boxes are a good way to stay warm. According to a study by the National Research Council, the ideal temperature for a domestic cat is around 86-100 °F (30-38°C) while the temperature in most homes is around 72°F (22°C). This 14-degree difference means that our cats may be experiencing thermal discomfort frequently and so they seek warmth in bedding, heating devices and boxes to cope with the environment.

They are just curious

Indoor cats can get bored of their environment really easily so any new object in the house is a source of entertainment. Providing them with something to inspect, even if it is something as simple as a cardboard box, can enrich their environment, keep them busy for a couple of hours and help them reduce their stress levels. Feline Medicine Specialist Marisa Palmero recommends introducing boxes as well as toys in the homes of cats with behavioral problems as part of their treatment. Palmero explains that play is a key daily activity in cats of all ages and so promoting play in your kitty’s routine can decrease the development of behavioral issues like peeing outside the litter box or aggression.

Trying to figure out what goes on in your cat’s mind seems like a difficult task, but Veterinarians are hard at work in hopes to give us all the As to our many cat related Qs.

And we do mean many. Like, why are cats so afraid of cucumbers? Any guesses? Find out here!