You know what I don't get? Cats and boxes

Why cats love boxes. They just really love the hell out of boxes. Have you ever noticed this? I'm certainly not complaining. I adore cats, especially cats in boxes. I don't, however, understand their ardent appreciation of cardboard.

My hypothesis is that it helps them feel safe. It gives them a place to hide, a place to be warm... It's all about security, I think. And I guess it gives them a space demarcated as their own. (Those claw markings clearly indicate the owner of the box.)

More than that: it's also a look-out. From their box-vantage, they can see and hear all that occurs within their purveyance while staying "enclosed" or "hidden" in their cardboard shelter. I use quotations because often times the box is not closed. In fact, my cat Gwenevere has lately found sanctuary within a box that is actually completely open (see pictures).

And that's part of what I find so interesting. Clearly, an open box is not any safer than just being out in the open, but there's something happening in their cute kitten (all cats are kittens, shut up) brains that makes them think otherwise. Or perhaps they're merely looking to claim land for themselves? Cat psychology 101. I'm not a cat whisperer, so I don't know.

I also don't get why cats love sitting on paper.... Any of you ever thought about these things? These are important questions! The questions of our time!




I will leave you with some video of an awesome cat named Maru. The first one demonstrates his love of boxes; the second one gives you an introduction to his whole world (it's a little longer).