Cats and boxes: a seemingly perfect combination for going viral as evidenced by the sheer number of ‘cat in box' videos or pictures that get shared across the web and social networks on a daily basis. But why can't cats, no matter how refined, resist the lure of the common cardboard box? Dr
Maria Grazia Calore, veterinary doctor and expert in pet behaviour, helps us lift the lid on this popular cat obsession.
A perfect hiding place!
In nature the cat is a formidable predator. Ambushing its prey by assuming a crouched, ‘soldier in the trenches-style' position, thereby appearing virtually invisible to its target, is a common tactic to achieve the element of surprise. So what could be more perfect than a box, from which to spring or attack with one or more paw, to perfect their hunting skills?Furthermore, in the wild a cat is also a
potential prey because of its small size: so its natural instinct leads it to find a safe refuge in which to hide or relax. In a home setting, boxes can also be useful to avoid clashes or stress caused by forced cohabitation with the other members of the family, be they of the animal or human variety!
Cardboard, what a passion!
Another reason cats love boxes is precisely the material they are made of,
cardboard. It is a great surface for the cat to scratch as it's soft enough to mark with very little effort compared to wood or fabrics, it also retains the cat's scent-marking pheromones just as well.
Support and warmth
In addition to representing a ‘perfect island retreat' for your feline, boxes are also an excellent way for them to avoid
losing heat, especially if the box is of a similar size to the cat. So in winter, our cat will consider a box a very comfortable, insulated spot within the house to sleep in.
A treasure hunt
If the box is not empty,
the cat can explore it to discover new or familiar smells, or unearth hidden ‘riches', such as balls, pen caps, hair bands or food. For this reason, a simple cardboard box filled with balled up newspaper or other toys can become
a perfect mental activation game for our kitty!
How long do cats and dogs live? The answer is not set in stone but can be estimated using past studies that also reveal really important evidence, our pets now live...
Alternative, Green Label and Classic: three different wet cat food lines prepared using an innovative “raw pack" cooking method. Let's find out more about its...
Often in the mood for pampering, always there to remind you when it's time for food, and occasionally on guard duty to defend your home from ‘alien invaders', the...
Sometimes we, unfortunately, find that our cat has soiled out of the litter box. It is an unwelcome predatory behaviour that we need to understand in order to help our...
Companion Animal for Life, a project that is designed to give every dog and cat a home and promotes responsible ownership, has been running full speed ahead in the past...
A genuine ‘feline mystery' has been captivating cat lovers around the world: Ozzie, the cosmopolitan cat, has captured international interest thanks to an apparent,...
If that isn’t a solid enough reason to choose a cat that is in desperate need of a forever home, then we have 6 additional reasons to adopt and not shop for your next...
.svg){kind=logo}
