Why do cats like boxes? Evolution responds

If you’ve ever bought an expensive and special toy for your cat and then found that he preferred the cardboard box it came in instead of playing with it, then you probably know the universal truth that cats love boxes.

But why are cats so fascinated by closed spaces? An interest as distinct as their fear of cucumbers or their love of kneading with their paws? To find the answer, we talked to several experts in cat behavior.

How cats use boxes when hunting

Despite differences in personality and energy levels, all cats can enjoy a box. Michael Delgado, cat behavior consultant at Ease Pet Vet and senior researcher at Purdue University, explains.

One of the most important advantages is related to their hunting instinct. Cats that roam freely in the outdoor environment are at a sensitive point in the food chain of their place of residence; Where there are both hunters and prey. According to Delgado, feral cats look for places to hide when hunting birds or insects, such as bushes or dark corners, both to remain hidden from prey and to protect them from predators such as hawks or foxes.

But just because a cat lives indoors, its hunting instinct does not disappear. Boxes are the best shelter for such behavior; Their walls prevent them from being seen, and the open top opening allows them to jump onto a potential prey (or soft toy).

Boxes are safe places

A crate can be a safe haven for a shy or anxious cat, especially when the environment is changing. “There’s a natural tendency in cats to go to hidden places,” says Delgado.

This instinct starts from the first days of their life. The mother cat always looks for a quiet and protected place to give birth. “Kittens’ first experience of the world is a closed, safe place,” explains Daniel Gunn-Moore, professor of medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

According to him, several studies have shown that in rescued cats, levels of stress hormones such as cortisol decrease when they are given access to the box. Also, entering a new box is a change in the cat’s environment. Domestic cats know their territory very well and notice any small changes immediately. “For a curious cat, the box is something new and exciting to explore,” says Delgado.

Does hiding in a box tell us anything about a cat’s feelings?

Crates fulfill a cat’s various needs: hiding, hunting, and exploring. But whether the cat’s long stay in the box is a special emotional sign depends on the situation. Delgado explains that a cat hiding in the bottom of the box with its eyes open uses it in a completely different way than a cat lying in it or jumping in and out of the box.

The security and peace of the box is a reminder of our responsibilities in caring for pets. A cat that roams freely in the neighborhood is at risk of predators or car accidents, while house cats face other challenges.

“When we keep a cat as a pet, we put it in an environment over which it has little control,” Delgado says. A free-range cat can quickly take refuge on a roof or in a corner if frightened, but a domestic cat may have fewer options to hide from an uninvited guest. The cat’s reaction in these situations is largely dependent on its childhood.

The gestation period determines how the cat will use the box

Kittens between the ages of two and nine weeks absorb a lot of information from their surroundings. Their encounters with strangers, other animals, or veterinarians during this period are recorded in their memory as positive or negative experiences. If the kitten is well taken care of during this period and receives enough food and love, it will be more resistant to environmental changes as an adult.

But if a cat has gone through difficult situations as a child, providing boxes and quiet and hidden places for him is vital; Because these spaces give him a sense of security, when his inner sense of alarm, set as a hypersensitive child, is activated for no reason.

Therefore, hiding in a box or closed spaces may just be a natural behavior to feel safe, but it can also be considered a sign of stress in the living environment. “Cats need a safe place to hide when they can’t control their environment,” says Gunn-Moore. But if the cat is constantly hiding, it is not a good sign.”

“If your cat hides too much, it’s time to consult a vet and, if necessary, a behavioral therapist so you can deal with your cat’s fears in a way that helps her cope better,” advises Delgado.