Scientists crack a great mystery: Why do cats love sleeping in cardboard boxes?

[tencats]

Why DO cats love boxes? Scientists say it could be predatory behaviour - or they may just want you to leave them alone

Cats prefer boxes because the enclosed space makes them feel secure. The boxes can act as a coping mechanism for cats when they are stressed. They also offer a safe place for cats to take a nap without being disturbed. Another theory is that cats love boxes because it helps them keep warm. Large boxes, shoe boxes, and even just items that look like boxes – cats, it seems, can't resist squeezing into cardboard spaces. Scientists say they haven't fully understood why our feline friends have an affinity for boxes, but they have a number of theories. The most popular is that cats are instinctively drawn to boxes because they offer security and shelter from predators while they stalk their prey. According to a report by Bryan Gardiner in Wired, veterinarian Claudia Vinke of Utrecht University in the Netherlands recently studied stress levels in shelter cats. Boxes also offer safe places for cats to take a nap. Felines can sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day, so seeking out a hidden place would help their chances of survival in the wild.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2938758/Why-cats-love-boxes-Scientists-say-predatory-behavior-just-want-leave-alone.html#ixzz3RFxN6tt3

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[polly7]

1. That makes good sense.

My cat just loves anything made of paper. It started when he was a little kitten and my printer was on the floor. The invoices I printed out were warm, and he loved playing with them as they came out and then laying on them. Now, years later, he has to sleep on a piece of paper or he meows and meows until I get him one. I laughed one day when I came home and he was on the table sleeping, I thought it was strange, but looked around and noticed I'd forgotten to leave a paper out. When he woke up and I looked at the table, there was a tiny post-it note that had been under (all 19 lbs. of) him. I have a very strange cat: - )

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. LOL!

That's a cute mental picture.

My dog and cats sleep on a small area rug, or, in a pinch, a towel. Anytime I put a piece of cloth on the floor, they will come over and lie down on it.
Actually comes in handy when I want them in a certain place in the house.
I have caught the cats lying on a sock, in the bedroom.

[polly7]

4. LOL. Too cute.

It's funny what they get attached to, and once they do ........ it's for life. I bet you laughed your head off at the sock .... I wonder if they get mad at us lol.

[shenmue]

2. Let's ask Maru and Hana

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Misleading headline....they haven't cracked the mystery.

They have "theories". Like we all haven't got some of our own. Not to say that the theories don't sound good, and may well be fact, but how will they prove them?

Face it. Only the cat knows for sure.

[Freddie]

6. My Maine Coon, Ricky (RIP)

Who was a pretty big and very fluffy boy, would find the smallest possible place to squeeze himself into for a nap. I like to set the table the day before a big holiday dinner and we'd often find Ricky curled up in a serving dish or the punch bowl.

[okasha]

7. I have my doubts.

My very petite kitteh fights like a whole pride of lions when I put her in her carrier.

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. Every box is a litter box for my Bella.

Izzie and Kittimus aren't particularly fond of boxes, but I do find them balancing on notebooks of all sizes.