Why cats love cardboard boxes: revealing a feline passion
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SSPDaily reveals the fascinating secret of cats' obsession with cardboard boxes and tells about their intriguing behavior.
Cat owners have undoubtedly noticed this special phenomenon: despite buying fancy and expensive toys or houses, cats prefer to have fun in the modest cardboard boxes that once held their new possessions.
But what's behind this inexplicable preference? Let's take a deep dive into five interesting reasons that will dispel any preconceived notions about cat antics.
1. First of all, cats, instinctively guided by their sleeping survival mechanisms, need a sense of security even at home. Since long hours of sleep are part of their lifestyle, a cardboard box provides an improvised "cave" where cats can find solace and comfort away from potential threats.
2. In addition, cats have an innate tendency to hide in cozy hiding places. The compact space in the cardboard box promises warmth and relaxation, making it an attractive choice for these creatures of comfort.
3. As inquisitive creatures by nature, cats are naturally drawn to new things. The appearance of a new object awakens their curiosity, forcing them to explore it, climb into the box, inhale its scent, or even playfully chew on it.
4. In addition to serving as a shelter or a curiosity provocateur, the cardboard box is a versatile playground and an improvised scratching post. The pliability of the material allows cats to use their claws and engage in interactive play, which makes them even more excited.
5. The presence of cardboard boxes brings an unexpected benefit - stress relief. A fascinating study conducted in a Dutch animal shelter involved 19 newly arrived cats. Interestingly, 10 of the cats were provided with cardboard boxes, while the remaining nine had none. The results were striking, as the group that had access to the boxes was able to reduce stress and adapt to their new environment more quickly.
The presence of these boxes allowed the cats to retreat for a moment and relax in uncertain surroundings, providing a necessary respite in times of anxiety.