Have you ever wondered why your cat rejects the expensive, cozy beds you buy and chooses to spend his days lying in a simple cardboard box? Well, it looks like we finally have an answer.
Jump to
- Why does your cat love empty boxes?
- Cats love squares too
Why does your cat love empty boxes?
Studies have found that providing shelter cats with boxes to hide in can lead to a significant reduction in their stress levels.
In an article for The conversationVeterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman explains that the act of snuggling in small, enclosed spaces is a form of “swaddling” behavior that reminds cats of the comforting times they spent snuggling with their mothers and littermates during their childhood.
Basically, you can consider your cat’s beloved box as his security blanket. However, rather than just being a cute habit to practice, cats using a box to feel comfortable is also very important for their mental health. Dodman notes, “Cats need boxes or other containers to enrich the environment.” So don’t hesitate to pass those Amazon boxes to your cat.
Cats love squares too
unpack
The Internet has also realized that it is not only boxes that fascinate cats. Felines also love squares in general. As evidenced by the Twitter hashtag #CatSquares, cats frequently race to occupy a square outlined on the floor with duct tape. And, as many cat enthusiasts have observed, a piece of paper on the desk, table or floor can also exert a strong magnetic attraction on cats.
This is quite unusual. How can a cat feel safe and comfortable while he is openly perched on something as mundane as a water bill? Dodman compares it to something like a placebo effect. He writes: “This virtual box can provide a sense of misplaced psychosomatic comfort and security.”
Cats have such a strong affinity for boxes that they are even attracted to fake boxes. A group of researchers from Hunter College, CUNY, discovered that cats easily settle into deceptive squares.
Tell us what you think about this in the comments below.
For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn