If you're a cat owner, you've probably noticed that your feline friend has a strange fascination with cardboard boxes.

Whether it's a small shoebox or a large moving box, cats seem to love them all.

Understanding why cardboard as a material  is key to switching on their natural instinct will change the way you look at this everyday material!

Read on to explore the reasons behind this quirky behaviour and what it means for your furry companion.

The appeal of enclosed spaces to cats.

 Cats are known for their love of enclosed spaces, and cardboard boxes provide the perfect cozy and secure environment for them. In the wild, cats seek out small, enclosed spaces to hide from predators and to feel safe. This instinctual behavior is still present in domesticated cats, and cardboard boxes provide a sense of security and comfort for them. Additionally, the texture and smell of cardboard may also be appealing to cats, making it a perfect spot for them to nap and play.

The comfort of familiar scents.

Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use it to navigate their environment and communicate with other cats. The scent of their owner or home can provide a sense of comfort and security for cats, which is why they may be drawn to cardboard boxes that have been in their home for a while. Additionally, cats may also leave their own scent on the cardboard box, marking it as their territory and making it even more appealing to them. So, the next time you see your cat curled up in a cardboard box, remember that it's not just about the cozy space – it's also about the familiar and comforting scent.

We now understand some of the appeal that cardboard boxes has to cats but why is cardboard more popular than other materials? Aside from cardboard boxes providing a sense of security and comfort for cats, the texture of cardboard provides a satisfying scratching surface for cats! This behaviour is a natural cat behaviour so we should be providing our feline friends with more cardboard in the way of scratching post, perches and of course, a basic cardboard box! Scratching behaviour allows cats to keep their claws healthy and sharp.

Finally, boxes also offer a fun and stimulating environment for cats to play and explore, as they can jump in and out of the box and hide inside it. So, if you have a cat, don't be surprised if they make a beeline for any cardboard boxes lying around the house!

The sense of security and protection

Cats are known for their love of cozy spaces, but their attraction to cardboard boxes goes beyond just finding a comfortable spot to nap. The enclosed space of a cardboard box can provide a sense of security and protection for cats, mimicking the feeling of being in a small, safe den. This is especially important for indoor cats who may not have access to natural hiding spots like trees or bushes. The cardboard box also provides a barrier from potential threats, allowing the cat to feel more in control of their environment. So, the next time you see your cat snuggled up in a cardboard box, know that they are likely feeling safe and secure in their own little fortress.

The opportunity for play and exploration.

In addition to providing a sense of security, cardboard boxes also offer cats the opportunity for play and exploration. Cats are natural hunters and the enclosed space of a cardboard box can mimic the feeling of stalking prey in a small, confined space. This can lead to playful behaviour, such as pouncing and batting at imaginary prey. Additionally, cats are curious creatures and the addition of a new object, like a cardboard box, can spark their interest and encourage them to investigate and explore their surroundings.

Additionally, the texture of cardboard provides a satisfying surface for cats to

scratch and chew on, which helps to keep their claws healthy and sharp. So, next time you see your furry friend lounging in a cardboard box, know that they are simply following their natural instincts!

So, not only do cardboard boxes provide a sense of comfort and safety for cats, but they also offer a fun and stimulating environment for play and exploration.

Why Does My Cat Like A Cardboard Box More Than Their Carrier?

Cats have a natural instinct to seek out small, enclosed spaces where they can feel safe and secure. This is why they often gravitate towards cardboard boxes, which provide the perfect hiding spot for them to curl up and relax. However, when it comes to cat carriers or crates, many cats seem to have an aversion to them.

This is because they associate these items with negative experiences, such as

trips to the vet or moving to a new home.

To help your cat overcome their fear of the carrier, it's important to create positive associations with it by gradually introducing it and offering treats and rewards.  Keep your cat carrier out in the living room and use it as a prop for play, add some catnip or cardboard and feathered toys to allow your cat to relax around their cat carrier.

The instinctual need for a hiding spot.

Cats have a natural instinct to seek out hiding spots as a means of protection and security. In the wild, cats would hide in small spaces to avoid predators or to stalk prey. This instinctual behavior is still present in domesticated cats, and cardboard boxes provide the perfect hiding spot. The enclosed space of a box offers a sense of safety and security for cats, allowing them to relax and feel at ease. This is why you may often find your cat curled up in a cardboard box, even if there are other comfortable spots available.

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