Everybody talks about cats and their affinity for boxes. Researchers even do studies about it. But there is one big mistake people make when it comes to cats and boxes. They leave a shipping box around for their cat to play with. Which is fine, but doing that doesn’t make the best box experience for your cat. It’s missing one big element: you!
It’s so important for people to involve themselves in their cats’ playtime. It makes them happier, better socialized, and it strengthens the cat-human bond. A box — and your cat’s favorite treat — is the easiest, cheapest way to make all of that happen at once! Literally, just grab a treat, get your cat’s attention, and toss it into a box!
Your cat jumps in the box, gets the treat, and almost always wants to do it again immediately!
The benefits of playing with your cat and a box are many!
- Boxes can usually be acquired for free, if you don’t already have one or more sitting around the house. And I bet there are cat treats in your cupboard right now.
- It’s a way for your cat to get exercise. And most indoor cats don’t get enough.
- You can use nearly any size box for this. I purposely have a smaller box for this post so you can see.
- You only need a small space. Even fishing pole-type toys require more room. I bet even a New York apartment or rented room in a house would accommodate box play.
- Your cat will think you are awesome!
I hope you are inspired now to play more with your cat! I bet she would love that more than just playing by herself.
So what are you waiting for? Step away from the your computer or phone. Grab a box, some treats, and your cat… and go have fun!
My job here is done.
Do you have any inexpensive fun games with your cat? Let me know in the comments!
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We don’t get many new boxes but we agree that they are the perfect cat toy and the best ever price-wise!
We have boxes and bags! Mom puts tissue paper or just uses the brown packing paper that comes with packages, in our boxes. We love the combination of both. And toss in a little toy furry mouse, that’s additional fun! Your last pic is so funny, love it! Purrs
Dad always takes some time to play with us when we have a new box. Then again sometimes we take the initiative like our big snoozing box. Dad put all the extra paper in there that came with our noms and thought we would play for a bit. We said “No, this is a snoozing spot now.” Dad decided to keep the box and we take turns napping in it all day long. He says it doesn’t fit with our furniture but what does MOL
Anyone who likes cats will know about a cat’s attraction
to boxes. I never thought about the part of throwing a
treat in the box though. We always played with the fingers
tapping the box or peeking over the edge and so on.
Minko was a box hog, but Pipo wasn’t terribly interested, he sometimes would get in, then get out, while Minko would stay in any box for ages, and whap anyone who passed by, human or feline or even the dog. It was like his version of Peekaboo!
That’s a great idea Summer. Getting them to jump in and out. I have a great kitty toy hack. Get a clean, dry water bottle. Poke a hole in the middle just big enough for a treat to fall out. Too big is not going to work. Put the treats in the bottle, put the cap on and watch the fun. Princess is a food hog. She’ll chase that thing for an hour
We have several sizes of boxes around. But you are right, they are passive. TBT tosses toys in them after getting our attention. Sometimes he adds fresh or crushed NIP. Sometimes there are treats. We cant decide which is better, so he does it randomly. And sometimes the boxes are close together so we interact. Random whappy-paws over the tops harm nokitty. Sometimes he sets them around a room which encourages us to trade boxes.
Sometimes he puts out a too-small box and we are so box-hopping we struggle ta get in. And then, of course, there are the bags…
I do this and throw Mudpie’s favorite toys in the box! Mudpie will be showing off her latest favorite box tomorrow 🙂 MOL
Great ideas Summer. I need to get da bird out for my cats.
Great post, Summer!! We get boxes all the time here, and our mom needs to get back on the ball and play with us with them.
Boxes and paper bags are favs here sweet Summer!
We are not big on boxes. Nellie Bellie liked them and would whap Kozmo and Jo Jo when they got into what she considered HER box! I, Marv, mostly ignore them. We sure enjoyed your pictures today though! Especially the last one!
Ha! Both Manny and Chili Bruce would jump in at the same time!
I’ll have to keep my camera ready…
Boxes! Boxes! Everywhere boxes! Great blog, Summer.
That’s a fabulous suggestion. I have boxes for the cats to play with but I never thought about me being involved in playing with the with it. I’m going to start!
I love toy mice that rattle. Mom gets them at Petco and she always has a stash in her desk drawer in case the dust bunnies under the bed eat the one I’m playing with.
Mom and I play with my mouse when she’s sitting on the bed watching TV. She throws the mouse at me and I bat it back to her, like volleyball. Sometimes I bat it really hard and it goes on the floor so Mom has to get up and get it. Every time she has to get up she throws it so I have to fetch it and bring it back to her. We love this game, and we both get exercise!
Dawn loves to play hide and seek and chase. I think those are her favorite games.
There are not many boxes around here,but when there are I like to check them out!
Purrs, Julie
That’s some good advice, Summer. The mom likes to throw one of my toys in a box to get me playing.
Flynn loved boxes but Eric wasn’t very interested, probably because most were a tighter fit for him.
We’re nudging Mom to go get us a box and some treats!!
The Florida Furkids
Thanks for all the great advice, Summer! #1 tells me that I am the first Poupounette cat who loves boxes!
Purrs,
Benny