- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Is there a more perfect match than cats and boxes? Age, gender, breed—it doesn’t matter. For cats, cardboard boxes are irresistible. “Cats are predators that like to hide and ambush their prey. Cardboard boxes mimic normal habitats outside for cats,” says Dr. Grant Little, DVM, a veterinarian expert on JustAnswer Veterinary. While instinct might first draw cats to boxes, it’s not the only reason they’re so obsessed.
“Boxes provide value to their environment,” adds Amanda Caron, a cat behaviorist and founder of Frisky Feline Behavior Counseling. They’re cozy hiding spots, stress relievers, nap havens, and exciting things to explore—offering both mental and physical benefits.
Keep reading to learn why cats love boxes so much and the best ways to cat-proof the cardboard for endless kitty fun.
1. They’re Having Fun
For cats, boxes are a playground. High sides for sneaky pouncing, snug warmth, and a scratchable texture make them irresistible.
Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior specialist and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions, and Caron say energetic cats especially love hopping in and out of boxes, and you can enhance the fun by creating tunnels, forts, or even box cities. They also recommend building obstacle courses or mazes to keep your playful kitty mentally and physically stimulated.
2. They’re Stressed
When they’re stressed, DeVoss says cats seek safe, enclosed spaces like boxes to hide and feel secure. Research shows boxes can lower cortisol levels, helping cats calm down.
Signs of stress include overgrooming, appetite changes, or litter box issues. If your cat retreats to a box, she says not to force them out. Instead, engage them with toys like a wand or toy mice. Persistent stress-hiding should be addressed with a vet or behaviorist.
3. They’re Comfy to Sleep In
Cats love snug spaces, and DeVoss says the rigid sides of a box mimic the feeling of a secure cave. Their flexible spines and unique anatomy let them squeeze into even the smallest boxes, making them the perfect napping spot.
Caron says their unique body structures, especially their flexible spine and free-floating collar bone, helps them contort and twist themselves into places like small boxes.
4. They Like the Texture
Cardboard’s rough surface satisfies cats’ natural urge to scratch and bite. Indoor-only cats love corrugated cardboard objects because it mimics tree bark and wood (their clawable, chewable, material of choice in the wild).
That’s why so many popular scratchers, cat houses, and cat toys are made from cardboard.
5. They’re Hunting
“Boxes create ideal opportunities for ambushing, which in the eyes of the predator is key,” Caron says.
With high sides and enclosed spaces, Caron and DeVoss say boxes are the ultimate ambush spots.They let cats hide, pounce, and strike, satisfying their natural predator instincts.
6. They’re Curious
While cats are notoriously finicky about and sensitive to change in most areas of their lives, a new box excites them. Its sudden appearance adds satisfies their curiosity and battles boredom.
To heighten the fun, hide treats in or around the box for foraging games.
7. They Want Safety
Large boxes with high sides provide privacy and protection, making them perfect for hiding and relaxing. To elevate a box beyond a hiding space and safety retreat, DeVoss and Caron say you can add a catnip-sprinkled blanket, towel, or catnip toy inside the box.
You can also use the box to practice recall skills, prepare them for more complex clicker training, and curb problem behaviors like counter hopping.
8. They’re Warm
As descendants of desert-dwelling cats, our kitties naturally love warmth and higher room temperatures.
DeVoss says cardboard insulates well, creating a cozy, heat-retaining spot for long naps—a perfect fit for their sunny, heat-seeking nature.
Should I Worry If My Cat’s Obsessed With Boxes?
While boxes are great for keeping cats happy and engaged, DeVoss warns pet parents to watch for these concerning behaviors:
- Aggression around the box: In multi-cat homes with limited resources, a stressed or anxious cat may become territorial or aggressive toward other cats—or even you—over a specific box.
- Excessive hiding: If your cat constantly hides in boxes to avoid interaction, it could signal illness, anxiety, or depression.
- Eating cardboard: Light chewing is usually harmless, but if your cat eats large amounts of cardboard, they could have pica. This behavior may lead to dangerous intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
How to Safely Prep a Box For Your Cat
Before letting your cat loose with a box, quick cat-proofing is essential to avoid potential dangers. Dr. Little warns about stretchy or dangling items like strings or rubber bands. “These can be easy for a cat to break off and swallow, especially due to boredom, and can cause significant issues in the intestines,” he says.
Other musts for cat-proofing a box include:
- Remove tape, postage labels, and plastic.
- Discard staples and any sharp objects.
- Smooth or cut away jagged edges.
- Cut off and throw out strings, rubber bands, and other loose items.
- Dispose of styrofoam peanuts, paper scraps, and plastic air bags.
- Check for holes your cat could fall through.
- Reinforce the box with extra cardboard if needed.
Are boxes unsafe for any cats?
Boxes aren’t always a safe choice for every cat. Dr. Little advises against them for cats with joint pain, spinal issues, or neurological conditions that affect mobility.
Cats with poor balance or coordination are at risk of accidents and injuries. For kitties with pica, unsupervised box time is also a no-go. Their tendency to eat cardboard can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages.
Takeaway
Caron says kitties are strategic in how they interact with their environment, and a simple box offers endless opportunities for fun and instinctive behaviors.
Boxes let cats explore, play, and “hunt,” keeping them mentally stimulated. Jumping in and out of them encourages movement, boosting physical fitness and coordination—especially for indoor-only cats. On an emotional level, boxes provide a secure, enclosed retreat that helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
For a basic cardboard square, a box is a true powerhouse!
Further Reading
- 11 Strange Cat Behaviors That All Cat Lovers Have Witnessed
- 8 Reasons Cat Are Curious & How They Show It
- 7 Reasons Why Your Cat Rolls Around
