This Is The Reason Why Cats Love Boxes So Much

Have you ever wondered why your cat rejects the expensive and cosy beds you buy and chooses to spend its days lying in a plain cardboard box? Well, it seems we finally have an answer.

Why Does Your Cat Love Empty Boxes?

Certain studies have discovered that providing shelter cats with boxes to hide in can lead to a significant reduction in their stress levels.

In an article for The Conversation, veterinary behaviourist Nicholas Dodman explains that the act of curling up in small, enclosed spaces is a form of "swaddling" behaviour that reminds cats of the comforting times they spent nestled with their mothers and littermates during their kittenhood.

Basically, you can think of your cat¡¯s beloved box as their security blanket. However, rather than just being a cute habit to practice, cats using a box for comfort is also greatly important for their mental health. Dodman points out, "Cats need boxes or other vessels for environmental enrichment purposes." So, do not hesitate to pass those Amazon boxes along to your cat.

Cats Also Love Squares

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People on the internet have also noticed that it is not just boxes that cats are fascinated by. Felines also love squares in general. As evidenced by the Twitter hashtag #CatSquares, cats frequently dash to occupy a square delineated on the floor with tape. And, as many cat enthusiasts have observed, a piece of paper on your desk, table, or floor can also exert a strong magnetic pull on cats.

This is rather unusual. How can a cat feel safe and snug while perched openly atop something as mundane as a water bill? Dodman compares it to something like a placebo effect. He writes, ¡°This virtual box may provide some misplaced sense of security and psychosomatic comfort.¡±

Cats have such a strong affinity for boxes that they're even drawn to faux boxes. A group of researchers from Hunter College, CUNY, discovered that cats readily settle into deceptive squares.

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