Have you ever noticed how your cat would rather sit in a cardboard box than play with an expensive toy? If so, you’re not alone. One of the most common and amusing cat behaviors is their love for boxes. But why do cats love boxes so much?
Let’s uncover the mystery behind this behavior and explore the six scientific and instinctual reasons cats are drawn to cardboard boxes.
1. Safe and Secure Hiding Spots
Why cats like cardboard boxes often comes down to one word: safety.
In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. They instinctively seek enclosed hiding places where they can observe their surroundings without being seen. A box offers the perfect retreat, giving them a sense of security and control.
According to cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, boxes give cats a place to decompress from overstimulation or threats in their environment (source).
2. Warmth and Comfort
Cardboard is an excellent insulator. A box made of cardboard helps your cat retain body heat, making it an ideal resting place—especially in colder weather.
According to research cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats prefer temperatures between 86–97°F, which is much warmer than most homes (source).
This explains why cardboard boxes for cats are more than just toys—they’re warm, stress-free havens.
3. Stress Relief for Cats
A major reason why cats love hiding in boxes is stress relief.
A 2014 study from Utrecht University in the Netherlands found that shelter cats given access to boxes showed lower stress levels and adapted more quickly to new environments (source).
Boxes act as secure spaces where cats can hide and calm themselves, especially during stressful events like moving, vet visits, or household changes.
4. Curiosity and Natural Instincts
Curiosity is part of the feline DNA. Cats are naturally inquisitive and love exploring anything new. A cardboard box is like a puzzle or a secret chamber to explore, scratch, and claim.
Animal behavior experts at the ASPCA note that enrichment activities, including exploring boxes and bags, help satisfy a cat’s need for mental stimulation and play (source).
Providing boxes encourages healthy mental stimulation and satisfies their natural instincts to stalk and hide.
5. Familiar Scents and Ownership
Cardboard absorbs scents easily. A box sitting in your home will carry the familiar smell of you, your furniture, or even your cat’s own scent. Cats are highly territorial, and when they find something that smells familiar, they claim it as their own.
According to International Cat Care, cats use facial pheromones to mark objects and create a sense of familiarity and security in their surroundings (source).
6. Instinctive Protection and Hunting Behavior
Even though domestic cats live indoors, they still retain their wild instincts. In the wild, cats seek out dens, burrows, or brush to hide in—places where they can ambush prey or avoid threats.
A cardboard box mimics this experience and taps into their natural hunting and hiding behaviors.
As noted by National Geographic, domestic cats are hardwired to seek enclosed spaces as a way to both rest and stay safe (source).
Bonus: Boxes Are Budget-Friendly Cat Toys
Besides all the science and psychology, let’s be honest—boxes are free. You don’t need to spend money on fancy toys when a cardboard box delivers hours of entertainment and comfort. If you’re looking for DIY cat enrichment ideas, a box is a great place to start.
Conclusion: Let Your Cat Enjoy the Box
So, why do cats love boxes? The answer lies in their need for safety, warmth, stress relief, and instinctual comfort. From playful curiosity to seeking stress-free hiding spots, boxes fulfill many of your cat’s physical and psychological needs.
Next time you receive a delivery, don’t throw away that box—place it on the floor and watch your cat claim it like royalty. You’ll be providing enrichment, comfort, and hours of entertainment for your feline friend.
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