Scientists explain why cats like to sit in boxes and bags

Cat owners have probably noticed the strange attraction of their furry pets to boxes more than once. Often it comes to the ridiculous, when there is a luxurious cat house for many thousands of rubles with a scratching post, a soft bed and other bells and whistles, and the cat ignores all this, comfortably placed in a package from a microwave oven.

But the desire to sit in boxes and bags, characteristic of cats, of course, there is a reasonable explanation.

The secret of the appeal of boxes for cats lies in their instincts. Cats are small creatures, and their main defense mechanism is to run and hide. Therefore, for their rookery, they instinctively choose a small space, limited on all sides. In such a place, cats feel comfortable and safe. And a regular cardboard box perfectly fits all the criteria.

The attraction of the cat's psyche to boxes is confirmed experimentally. The researchers observed several groups of cats that were taken from shelters by their new owners. Some furry subjects were provided with boxes and various containers, while others were not. And those pets who had the opportunity to sit out the stress in a small enclosed space, adapted to the new place of residence much faster.

Fun fact: Cats apparently don't even need real walls to feel comfortable. Just visually delineated borders are enough. It's easy to check: just stick a rectangle of masking tape on the floor. In the absence of more promising alternatives, the cat will be located inside and will feel great.

Another reason for the interest of cats in boxes, can be considered an innate curiosity. When you bring home something new, the cat wants to explore it — to smell it, to get inside.

Do not forget that cats are natural predators, waiting for their prey in an ambush. The ideal position is to sit in a place where the cat will pay little attention, and she will see everyone.

Box attraction, by the way, is peculiar not only to domestic cats, but in general to all representatives of the family. Including even the largest cat species. Lions and tigers in zoos like to play with boxes as much as ordinary cats. And the size of the predators here is not a hindrance, no one can resist such entertainment.