Why Do Cats Like Boxes So Much? The Truth Revealed!

Ever wondered why do cats like boxes so much? If you’re a cat parent like me, you’ve probably noticed how an empty cardboard box can seem like bliss to your kitty. Even if she can only just about squeeze herself inside, she’ll use it as her new hiding place. I this post you’ll discover why cats are drawn to cardboard boxes, and why your kitty prefers a tatty old box to that new luxury bed you bought her!

We’ll also be looking at cardboard furniture for cats, including a cat scratcher bed! You see, cats love cardboard so much, they even have furniture made of the stuff!!

Cats love cardboard for security

Felines crave security and a cosy hiding place such as a cardboard box provides that. No matter how tight the space, your kitty will squeeze herself in! Cats are quite vulnerable in the wild, and prone to attack from large dogs or other wild animals. Though your fur baby is safe and protected in your home and unlikely to be attacked outside, instincts from her ancestral heritage still remain.

Cats seem to feel untouchable inside a box even though they’re clearly not! It’s even been found in cat rescue centres that providing a box or hidey hole allows for quicker adjustment. If a cat has been abused or neglected it can take a while for it to settle in and feel safe.

A safe hiding place also provides an excellent look out for prey without being seen. Cats like to stalk their prey by squatting on their haunches ready to strike. A cardboard box allows this even with minimal space. Your kitty will also like perching on high places such as a cat tree or condo. These provide ideal vantage points, allowing your feline friend to survey her territory.

Cardboard provides your kitty with warmth

Cardboard is a wonderfully insulating material, trapping heat in little pockets. Even on a cold day it can still keep your fur baby cosy. If your cat has claimed an old cardboard box as her own, line it with a nice warm blanket for extra heat. She’ll love you even more if you place it near a radiator!! Cats love heat and you’ve probably seen your kitty sunning herself on a windowsill or outside on the patio.

Heat helps cats regulate their body temperature while conserving energy. As cat parents we all know how our fur babies expend as little energy as possible for most of the day! This goes back to the past when cats lived in hot, desert regions of the world. Sleeping and conserving energy during daytime when the sun was at it’s hottest, made hunting at dusk and dawn ideal.

Best cardboard cat furniture to pamper your fur baby!

Now you know how much cats love cardboard you won’t be surprised to learn that you can buy cat furniture made from it. Of course, this is strengthened, and not like the flimsy box your pizza was delivered in!

Cardboard cat beds are a great favourite with felines. You can either make your own, or simply buy one ready made. Though it may seem odd buying a box, they’re usually made to a high standard from corrugated cardboard that’s durable and long lasting.

How to make a cardboard cat bed

If you’d rather make your own, find a large cardboard box that’s big enough for your cat. If you don’t have one at home you could try asking your local grocery store if they have any going spare.

Remove the flaps with scissors so you have nice clean edges. Next, cut an opening in the front. This needs to be a large U-shaped opening for your cat to enter and exit. Use a pencil to carefully draw the line, and a craft knife to cut out the shape. Place a cosy blanket inside the bed for your feline friend to sleep on.

You could also decorate the box with coloured fabric to personalise the bed. Use staples to attach, or fabric glue. Alternatively, use fancy wrapping paper. You can get some lovely designs at very cheap prices from craft shops. Add your cats name to the side of the box using letter stencils and spray paint.

Instead of having a U-shaped hole in the front, you could cut a sloping shape either side of the box leaving a height of 3-4 inches at the base. This allows your cat to step in and out easily. The type of cardboard cat bed you design is only limited by your imagination! Look on pinterest for inspiration

Creating cardboard heaven for your kitty!

Now you know why cats love cardboard boxes so much, you could consider making your own or buying a ready made cardboard cat bed. Go one step further and buy or make a cardboard house for your kitty as well. These can be great fun to make and cost virtually nothing. If your kitty decides to ignore all your hard work you’ve only wasted time and not your hard earned money! Watch the video below that shows you step by step.

Make simple cardboard scratching pad for your kitty using strips of cardboard and a pizza box. (Remove the pizza first!!) Using the pizza box as the base, fold the lid inwards to make the scratcher stronger. Next, cut strips of cardboard the width of the box and the same height. Cut enough to fill the box, then remove. Using glue, coat each strip along one side and press onto the base.

If you want to make the scratching pad nice to look at, cover the base and sides with wrapping paper. You could always buy a cardboard scratching pad if you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own.

Buying a cardboard cat bed.

Though a lot more expensive than making your own, you can get some lovely designs. Many fit in well with home decor and are made to last. Most home made cardboard cat beds are quite flimsy, and won’t stand up well to scratching and clawing.

these two have been tested out on cats and found to be a great hit. I can’t guarantee your cat will use one of these though, as they’re such finicky creatures. However, leave it lying around long enough and curiosity may get the better of your furry friend!

ScratchMe Cat Scratching Post Lounge Relaxing Bed

This durable cardboard cat bed is made from 100% recycled cardboard. As well as being environmentally friendly, it can withstand tough treatment from your kitty. 5 Layers of corrugated cardboard are held together with strong non-toxic glue.

This makes the bed hard wearing as well as safe. Biting and chewing are common behaviour with cats, so knowing your kitty isn’t exposed to harmful chemicals is reassuring.

As the bed doubles up as a scratching pad it can also help save your furniture from damage. Claw marks on sofas or wooden table legs are not uncommon if you have a cat. Though it’s a hardwearing design, don’t use it outside. It won’t withstand rain or dampness and may fall apart!

The deep round shape gives even the largest cat plenty of room to rest and play. You also get a small packet of catnip to help entice your kitty. Many felines love the aroma of this garden herb. It’s very safe as well as being easy to grow. Find out all about catnip here.

Average rating is 4.9 out of 5

Price $27.49

You can buy ScratchMe Cat Scratching Post Lounge Bed here

YOUTHINK Cat Scratcher Cardboard, Collapsible Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed with Ball Toy Bell & Catnip

This cardboard cat bed is made from high quality honeycomb paper. This makes it extra strong and durable. It’s also very lightweight, making it easy to carry.

The unique design of this cat bed enables you to change it’s shape. It comes as a flat pack and assembly is very simple. As it’s folded flat, this makes storage easy. You could keep it in the bottom of a drawer when not in use, or in a cupboard.

Another great feature your cat will love, is it comes with a toy bell as well as organic catnip! If your kitty starts to lose interest and reverts back to tearing your furniture, simply sprinkle catnip inside. She’ll soon start sharpening her claws on the corrugated cardboard instead!

Scratching should be encouraged as it helps remove old nail sheaths from claws. A few scratching posts placed strategically around your home can also help stop your cat from scratching the furniture.

You don’t need any special tools to assemble the Youthink cat bed as it has two handles either side that pull apart. They also provide elastic bands that secure the bed safely, so no risk of your cat getting hurt.

Average rating 4.4 out of 5

Price $29.99

You can buy the Youthink scratcher cardboard cat bed here

Keep your cat healthy and happy with a cardboard box

In this post you’ve discovered the answer to the age old question, “why do cats like boxes so much.” We’ve also looked at a few fun ways to entertain your kitty with cardboard boxes as well as protect your furniture. As previously mentioned, your cat has sharp claws and needs to keep them healthy. Cat scratchers, scratching posts, and cardboard cat scratcher beds all help to keep your kitty happy, healthy and off your sofa!!

If you’ve enjoyed this post please share:) I’d also love you to share any experiences you may have had with cardboard boxes and cats. Feel free to leave any comments below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy