Cats love boxes — everyone knows that. So I’m surprised that so far there has only been one serious study on why. And it’s actually a really good bit of research because it benefits shelter cats. I found out about in this story on Bored Panda, but you can check out the actual study here.
The bottom line — and it’s pretty logical, really — is that boxes are stress reducers for cats. Cats, even the social ones, like privacy (or at least the option to be private). I’m sure most people can relate to wanting to get away from everyone else now and then. Why would us cats be any different? Cat behavior experts often recommend a hiding spot for the shyer or non-dominant cats in multi-cat households. And boxes are an easy and inexpensive way to give a cat her own little space.
Cats living in shelters often lack privacy, and that can be stressful for them. They have to live in cages, or in open spaces among a revolving group of strangers. It’s totally unnatural, and even though many cats manage to adjust in their own way, it’s not their preferred existence. The study, which focused on a Dutch animal shelter, looked at cats new to shelter life, and measured their stress levels with and without hiding boxes. The cats who had boxes to hide in had significantly less stress. Which is a very good thing, because less stress not only means a better emotional adjustment for the cats — it can also help reduce the spread of disease. Stressed out cats get sicker faster and more often.
Of course cats at home love boxes too, and hiding spots. And the more cats living together, the more important that is. But even in a one or two cat family, hiding spaces are necessary. It’s nothing personal, honest, but sometimes we just want a break from our humans. We do like interaction on our own terms, and having our own private spots guarantee that.
So why don’t I really need boxes? Well, I do have a few private spaces — my tunnels, and the cardboard cat scratcher houses in the living room. But I’m only attracted to boxes when there’s a toy or treats involved. I love stalking cat toys around a box, and one of my favorite games is when my human tosses treats into boxes. I’ll take any excuse to jump! But my human gives me as much private time as I want, Boodie keeps to herself, and I have little desire to hide. So as opposed to using boxes for hiding, I use them for social activities. Which, come to think of it, is a good use for them too.
2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
I remember reading this study. Of my cats, Cloud likes boxes more than Grey Ghost. They do like their privacy, Summer you are right.
Very interesting! ❤
I remember this blog Summer. I’m involved in a rescue and we provide tents for them as boxes don’t fit too well. It’s the same premise though. Kitties love boxes and need privacy. Thanks Summer
This strikes a chord in my heart. I’m in a rescue and we show our kitties at Petco. There’s varrying degrees of how the kitties react to being in a cage. They’re too small for a box but we have hidy beds that look like a tent and we also drape a towel over the front of the kitty is especially scared. I appreciate this blog dealing with serious issues
I took Tav’s favorite cardboard box to his first cat show for his Sturdi. He not only sat in it, but also managed to turn it upside down and hide under it. I am sure it helped.
Christmas boxes with tissue and a stolen ornament inside are the very best boxes.
I’m an only cat so I don’t need to escape anyone. I use boxes to play in too. We play wand toy and a long straw under the box that I try to attack. There were no boxes today but the peeps let me roam and find my own quiet spots.
A very good idea
That makes sense to me. Right now I retreat under Mom’s desk to get away from Ivan, but that’s not always the best place. I think I need a box of my own.
~Elliott.
A good hidey spot is a great escape.
Mee not have a box….mee not sure if mee efurr had a box…mee knowss LadyMew doess not want stuff on floor beecause shee tripss alot an can fall….butt maybee one itty bitty box wuud bee guud rite???
**purrsss** BellaDharma
I totally sympathize. I get into my own “box” when I’M feeling stressed. Maybe I should get MK a hooman-sized box for her!
That study does make perfect sense. And after the day I’ve had today I wouldn’t mind hiding in a cardboard box myself! LOL
That is a good idea for shelter cats to have boxes.
That does make lots of sense, boxes are very special to kitties everywhere!
None of us here at The Poupounette have ever been huge box fans. Maybe it means we’re not stressed!
Purrs,
Tama and Genji
Manny and CB love any sized cardboard box, and The PO’M and Sweetie have some too! They both like to use the cardboard to scratch at.
Interesting, that makes sense. Purrs
My favorite boxes are the ones from Costco. My human has not brought me one from there for a few months. I will have to add it to her shopping list.
Boxes!
Yes, Angels Simba, Toki and Minko were big fans of them…but I, Pipo am not that attracted to them.
I do like shallower boxes, like the lids some of them come with.
Minko liked to sit in a box, and then pounce on any unwary passers by, be they feline or human,MOL!
Maybe we should start donating boxes to our local shelters. The grocery store we shop at has some pawsome boxes with ready made entry holes! (Minko loved those…)
Makes sense to me. Once you brought up the subject,
I kind of guessed it was privacy – had not thought about
stress reduction though. Don’t humans pretty much feel
the same needs?
I’ve lived with cats for about 50 years now and none of my cats ever showed much interest in boxes, I wonder what that means.
That does make sense, privacy is important to everyone.
Some of the cats at our shelter like to hide in their litterboxes. The mom says it’s the same reason why cats like boxes. It gives them security.
Good stuff here!
Pretty cool to know. We love boxes in our household. Mom and dad like peace in the household and boxes do just that. We hide, play, and just act crazy in them. Agreed, shelter cats need boxes for sure! Purrs
And less stress in shelters means the true nature and temperament of the cats come out – and they are adopted faster. Obviously, I’m human and even I’D prefer a box to hide in around a lot of people 😉
I hadn’t thought about it before, but it makes perfect sense.
Wow, I had never considered this.