Why do cats like to dig into boxes? It’s caused by ancestral genetic factors

Dec 24,2023
3Min

The main reason why cats like to get into boxes is because they are timid, insecure and like to get into confined spaces. The ancestors of cats in ancient times did not have as good an environment as today. Cats choose various small caves in the wild to protect themselves from other animals. Nowadays, cats are well protected, but their genes have passed down the habit of drilling holes to protect themselves.

Why do cats like to drill into boxes

Genetic factors:

The main reason why cats like to get into boxes is because they are timid, insecure and like to get into confined spaces. The ancestors of cats in ancient times did not have as good an environment as today. As it develops better and better now, the cats are also well cared for. But cats’ genes have passed down the habit of drilling holes to protect themselves. And this habit of cats, instead of drilling holes, is the most common cardboard box in the home. The small carton space can give cats a better sense of security.

Security:

The box is a safe space for the cat. Cats are not good at dealing with conflicts. They want to avoid the attention of others and choose to run away and hide as a coping mechanism when encountering danger. A short barrier gives cats a sense of security because they can curl up.

Comfortable environment:

Many owners have discovered during the process of raising cats that the places cats like to hide are not limited to boxes. They will also hide in any enclosed space, such as drawers, shopping bags, and even kettles.

Compared with humans, cats are better able to withstand high temperatures. The thermal equilibrium temperature of domestic cats is 30~36°C. Cats will feel very comfortable in this temperature range and do not need to generate additional heat to keep warm or consume metabolic energy. to cool down. This is why cats love sunbathing or lying near heat sources.

Narrow places, such as small cardboard boxes, are ideal thermal insulation materials. In such a space, cats can curl up to keep warm.

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