Cat owners across the country probably all know the feeling of dismay when you’ve gone out and purchased a good quality cat bed, only to find your feline friend curled up in that empty microwave box you’ve been meaning to take out to the recycle bin. The reason why your cat loves to squeeze into those oh-so-comfortable, tight spaces has remained one of life’s greatest mysteries – until now.
It's In their DNA
Research has found that the main reason why cats seek out cardboard boxes, or any confined space for that matter, is because it gives them a sense of protection and safety from ‘predators’. Domestic cats show many instinctive traits that match their wild feline ancestors – so it only seems logical in their minds to find a hidden place to take their 20-hour nap.
Stress
It has also been noted that cats may gravitate to small confined spaces to cope with any environmental changes or stressors. A study was performed on 19 cats where half were given access to confined spaces, and the other half weren’t. Results found stress levels decreased significantly in the cats that were able to relax in boxes
Unwanted Attention
Another reason behind the ‘magnetic’ force that draws your cat to cardboard boxes or confined spaces, could be because they are trying to avoid unwanted attention – particularly if they know they are in trouble. According to ‘The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behavior’, cats don’t have very good conflict resolution strategies, so running and hiding is a coping mechanism for this. And it’s not just cardboard boxes. Cats appear to fit themselves into any enclosed space at their disposal. This includes drawers, vases, shoes, and even kettles.
