
Dear Cathy,
I just adopted my first cat. I have bought scratching posts and toys, but he seems to prefer to sit in boxes. I keep several boxes around the house now; some sit open, and others are on their side so my cat can walk into them. Why does my cat like boxes so much? – Sherri
Dear Sherri,
It’s wonderful to hear about your new cat, and it’s no surprise that he has become enchanted with boxes. Cats of all sizes, including big cats like tigers and lions, share this love for confined spaces. While scratching posts and toys are great additions to any home, boxes seem to hold a special place in a cat’s heart—and the reasons behind this behavior are deeply rooted in their instincts.
First, boxes offer cats a sense of security. In the wild, cats are both predators and prey, so having a secure, enclosed space helps them feel protected while they keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. A box mimics the type of small, hidden dens they might use in nature, providing both safety and a vantage point. This need for a secure hiding spot is an instinct shared by wild cats and domestic cats alike, which is why you’ll find even big cats, like lions and tigers, taking joy in squeezing themselves into boxes or similarly confined spaces in zoos and sanctuaries.
Boxes also satisfy a cat’s curiosity and desire for exploration. Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures, and an empty box presents an irresistible opportunity to investigate a new environment. Each time your cat jumps into a box, he’s not only claiming a new territory but also using it as a personal hideaway, where he can observe the household from a safe distance.
In addition to providing a sense of security, boxes offer physical comfort. The confined space of a box helps cats retain body heat, creating a warm and cozy environment, especially during colder months. Cats have a higher resting body temperature than humans, so they often seek out warm spots, and a box with enclosed sides acts like a mini-insulation chamber that helps them stay snug. Some studies suggest that boxes can even help reduce stress in cats, as they provide a retreat from overstimulation and noise.
Another interesting reason cats are drawn to boxes is that they help relieve stress. When faced with new environments or situations, cats often retreat to enclosed spaces to feel safe. Boxes provide a refuge from overstimulation, making them an excellent way to help cats relax and adjust, especially in new homes.
This love for enclosed spaces is so strong that researchers have found that even wild cats in captivity, such as lions and cheetahs, will seek out boxes or small, enclosed areas to rest and hide, just like their domestic counterparts. Zookeepers often provide boxes, crates, or similar hiding spaces for big cats, knowing it helps their comfort and mental well-being.
So, you’re absolutely on the right track by keeping several boxes around the house. Your cat is using them to feel safe, comfortable, and curious all at once. Whether sitting in an open box or curling up inside one on its side, your cat indulges in a behavior deeply ingrained in feline nature. Providing plenty of boxes will keep him entertained and content in his new home.
Cat Tip: You can enrich your cat’s box experience by placing a soft blanket inside or sprinkling some catnip. This will make the space even more inviting and fun for your cat!
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, and columnist with more than 35 years in the field of animal welfare. If you are interested in her children’s books, please visit https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/. Send your pet questions to moc.tidnuptep. @yhtac