Greetings, my pawsome human minions!
Forrest Wisewhiskers here, and I’ve got the answers to your most burning cat questions. Today’s installment comes thanks to my parents’ love of online shopping. I do have to admit, I love it too, as most of what arrives in those boxes is meant for me. But even better than the stuff inside…the box itself.
Sweet treasure upon treasure, a good box can shake a cat’s worries into a distant corner. Ahh, a box…and lovely day to me, there’s actually an unopened package waiting right inside the front door. I’ve already given the box a preliminary sniff and I feel pretty certain there’s a bag of cat food in there. So, again, a win/win for Forrest as I will snack and then take to my new box for a post-meal nap.
And as she always does, Mom will ask, “Forrest, why do cats love boxes so much?”
Why Do Cats Love Boxes?
Comfort All Around
Cats are box fans for a few reasons. Firstly, we are creatures made for cozy. From the moment our mothers guide us to their sides, cats find comfort in closeness. Now, I know this sounds counterintuitive to many people’s beliefs about cats, but those who know us well agree, cats find peace inside a tightfitting space as it speaks to the memory of our mother’s comfort.
Warmth
Like the comfort our moms offered, warmth provides another reason to love a box. Once tucked inside a box, the warmth of our furry bodies builds around us, cocooning us in toasty comfort purrfect for a nap. This is especially important for outdoor cats when winter nights drag temperatures into frigid. If you’re interested in learning how to help outdoor cats in the winter, meet the man who creates ‘Cat Coolers’ to keep stray cats warm.
Hiding
We also love boxes because cats love to hide. Not just because we love a good game of hide-and-seek, but also because we can spy upon the world from an enclosed space that covers us on all sides. Out tails are literally covered. Without worry of being sprung upon from behind, we’re free to watch from a safe vantage point.
So, Why Do Cats Sit in Tape Squares?
With boxes shaped into my thoughts at the moment, I also have to address the faux box or the tape square, if you will.
My parents fall to pieces with laughter when I pad into their “tape trap.” I’ll admit, I enjoy their reaction, which makes my fascination with the tape square all the greater. And like the creatures of habit you humans seem to be, between their wheezes and guffaws at me in the square, one of the parents always asks, “Forrest, what’s the deal with cats and tape squares?”
Honestly, the tape square represents the idea of a box. Little do many humans know, cats possess a fantastic imagination. Inside that square of well-laid tape, we can visualize a forcefield around us that allows us to survey a scene with the illusion of hiding. What can I say? Cats are weird. It’s one of the million and four reasons you love us so.
But look, felines aren’t fools. We know the tape square is no box. The tape square is a novel idea that amuses us. Just like your reaction to us sitting in your handiwork. You humans are quite cute when you’re gushing over your kitties.
Ah, but with those questions answered, I must return to my investigations. If there is food in that box, it needs to be freed from its constraints and poured into my bowl.
With this notion in mind, liberate those kibbles from the bag and don’t forget to feed the cat.