Cat owners often observe a funny picture: a furry pet ignores expensive toys and cozy beds, preferring an ordinary cardboard box.
This strange, at first glance, love is explained by the instincts and peculiarities of the psychology of cats.
Safety and shelter
In the wild, cats use secluded places to rest and watch for potential prey.
The box, with its high walls, creates a sense of security and allows the cat to control the surrounding space without being noticed. This is especially important for fearful or anxious animals.
Warmth and comfort
Cardboard has excellent thermal insulation properties.
The air temperature inside the box is slightly higher than outside, which creates comfortable conditions for the cat to rest. The narrow space also helps to retain the animal's body heat.
Hunter's Instinct
The box is the perfect place for an ambush. Hidden inside, the cat can quietly observe the "prey" - a toy, another pet, or even the owner's feet - and at the right moment make a surprise attack.
This game scenario allows you to realize your natural hunting instincts.
Stress and adaptation
Moving, the arrival of a new family member, a visit to the vet - all these are stressful situations for a cat.
In such cases, the box becomes a kind of shelter where the animal can hide from external stimuli and calm down.
Texture and games
Many cats love to chew cardboard. The hard texture of the material helps clean teeth and massage gums, which gives the animal pleasure.
The box can also become an object for games: the cat can hide inside, jump on it, turn it over and push it.
Earlier we talked about why cats scratch walls .
Expert: Julia Tychino
