Why are cats so fond of cardboard boxes? No matter how luxurious a cat bed you buy for them, cats often won’t even glance at it, instead turning to crawl into a worn-out cardboard box, happily watching the frustrated cat caretaker.
Have you ever been shocked by static electricity while petting a cat? That’s right, most cat beds are made of synthetic fabric, and when cats lie in them, their fur can easily generate static electricity due to friction with the synthetic material. A cat sleeping soundly can be quite uncomfortable being zapped by static electricity. Cardboard boxes, on the other hand, do not conduct electricity, providing a warm and safe place for cats to sleep without worrying about static shocks. Cardboard boxes not only prevent static electricity but also offer cats a great sense of security.
The sense of security for cats comes from confined spaces. When they feel nervous or scared, enclosed spaces like cardboard boxes can provide excellent hiding places, bringing a full sense of security. So, why do cats like claustrophobic spaces? This goes back to ancient times. The ancestors of cats lived in the wild, unlike lions and tigers, they did not lack natural predators. Cats were both hunters and prey, facing threats from tigers, lions, and wild wolves, while also hunting small birds, pheasants, and rabbits. To avoid predators, cats spent most of their time hiding in safe places, rarely venturing out, often taking refuge in tree hollows or haystacks, and other concealed spots.
In the genetic genes of cats, confined spaces mean a sense of security. Their behavior of hiding is actually to observe surrounding enemies or prey. Cardboard boxes, made of paper, emit an odor closer to nature and have the function of concealment. Therefore, in the eyes of cats, cardboard boxes are like large tree hollows, free from static electricity, and warm and safe. Occasionally scratching can also relieve stress; who would care about the cat beds you bought?
Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/cats-love-cardboard-boxes-explanation-pet-behaviorists
