Why Do Cats Love Boxes? Is This Normal?

I noticed that whenever I have an empty cardboard box lying around my home, my cat will almost immediately become curious and jump into it. No matter the size—large, medium, small—my cat will sit, sleep, or play in it. Why do cats love boxes? Is this normal?

You have nothing to worry about, as this is very common cat behavior. Cats love cardboard boxes for several reasons: They may find boxes safe and comforting; lie in them because they provide warmth; and view them as entertainment.

It’s a tale as old as time: You get something packaged in a cardboard box in the mail, unpack whatever is inside, place the cardboard box on the floor, and—before you even have time to break the box down—your cat is sitting in it.

Cats and boxes go together like peanut butter and jelly—but why do cats like boxes so much? Here are some reasons:

Does your cat like to sit or lounge in a cardboard box, quietly taking in their surroundings? One of the reasons cats enjoy cardboard boxes is because it gives them a sense of safety and security. Cardboard boxes allow cats to “observe their surroundings without feeling exposed,” explains Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet, in Clovis, California.

For that reason, a cardboard box comes in handy when welcoming a new feline friend into the family. “A cardboard box provides a safe hiding spot where the cat can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or anxious in a brand-new environment,” Dr. Hsia says.

Although cardboard boxes are pretty sweet, they aren’t the only places cats feel safe and secure. Other such spaces include high-up perches, such as cat trees and shelves. You may even catch them on top of your refrigerator or lying above the kitchen cabinets.

Some cats like to curl up in a box because it helps keep them warm.

“Boxes can also serve as insulation for cats, which keep them warm in cooler or cold environments,” Dr. Hsia says.

In case you didn’t know, cats’ average body temperature is higher than humans’—clocking in between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, they appreciate warmer, toastier environments.

Other cat-approved warm spots include a sunny windowsill or a cozy bed (either yours or theirs).

Place a cardboard box on the ground, and you’d be surprised how animated your cat may get—jumping, pouncing, and sniffing their newfound “toy.” This is because cats find cardboard boxes fun and entertaining. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and a new cardboard box can make them want to engage with it and explore.

This all makes sense, as boxes activate their instincts. “The enclosed environment of a box triggers a cat’s natural hunting behavior, curiosity, and need for a safe hiding spot,” explains Dr. Hsia.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as they like the texture. “The texture of cardboard allows them to scratch on it, which helps them maintain their claws and mark their territory,” says Dr. Hsia.

If you haven’t noticed yet, cats are pretty big on texture—from fluffy bedding to a crisp sheet of paper, cats like to, literally, feel things out. Besides cardboard, other textures cats are often attracted to include:

• Soft fabrics, such as blankets and sweaters
• Grass
• Rough surfaces, including tree bark

Cats tend to have an “if I fits, I sits” mentality when it comes to small spaces, even if it’s a tight squeeze.

According to Dr. Hsia, cats are attracted to squeezing themself into tiny spaces—whether it be a small cardboard box, shelf, storage container, or beyond—for many of the same reasons why they love cardboard boxes.

“Cats like small spaces because it makes them feel secure and protected,” says Dr. Hsia. “Squeezing themselves into tight spaces also allows cats to conserve body heat and stay warm.”

If you don’t like cardboard boxes laying around your house all the time, you can also offer your cat a small covered bed to squeeze into.

Before you place a cardboard box down for your cat, inspect it for any tape or staples, as both could cause harm to your feline friend.

Also, remove any packaging materials—such as packing peanuts, shredded paper, bubble wrap, and plastic—before handing over the cardboard box to your cat.

Pro Tip: Remove any staples, tape, and handles from the boxes before letting your cat enjoy playtime.

Each cat has their own preferences, so if you notice your cat isn’t that interested in cardboard boxes, that’s also totally normal. Some cats may find a cardboard box interesting and entertaining, while others are less sure and may view the cardboard box as intimidating.

Providing safe, comforting spots around your home for your feline friend is important. If you don’t have any cardboard boxes around your home for them, these top-rated cardboard cat houses from Chewy make great alternatives. A bonus? They’re more stylish and durable too:

A cat’s love for cardboard boxes is a common and normal feline behavior, albeit a bit quirky. 

Have more questions about your pet’s behavior? Get expert advice through Chewy’s Connect With a Vet service, available daily.