Why do cats have an irresistible love for boxes?

Regardless of size, cats love getting into any kind of box. Small, dark boxes provide a sense of security for cats. In narrow spaces, cats relieve stress and calm their excitement.

Understanding cat behavior is more difficult than understanding that of other animals. In any case, cats seem to prefer narrow spaces for physical and psychological stability. Why is it that cats have such an irresistible love for boxes?

Cat lovers have often seen cats on the internet squeezing into small boxes or burrowing into narrow spaces. Additionally, cats hide in these tight spaces and use their hunting skills to playfully attack people as they pass by.

Experts say that cats also hide in narrow spaces to regulate their body temperature, as cats love warmth. Also, while exploring new places, cats may discover a spot they like and hide there.

Some cats show their bellies to people, much like dogs. Unlike dogs, cats do not like it when someone touches their belly because the belly is a vulnerable spot. Curling up in a narrow space, the so-called ''Nyangmonite'' is an instinctive behavior of cats to protect their vulnerable bellies while sleeping.

Cats also hide in boxes or narrow spaces to avoid things they dislike. For example, a cat that dislikes strangers coming into the house might hide under the bed, behind the sofa, or inside a closet to observe the situation.

A hiding place is very important in a cat's life. Cats like spaces where they can rest quietly alone or relieve stress. Therefore, create a hiding place for your pet cat in a location the cat prefers. Avoid places with high foot traffic, noise, or cold temperatures. Cats sleep in their hiding places, rest, or even bring food or toys there to store them.

It is better to provide hiding spaces using safe cardboard boxes or cat bedding that the cat can easily enter and exit. Cats also like sinks or basins. Since they can lie in a snug spot and sometimes drink fresh water or watch running water, such places are ideal for cats.

Cats also rest under beds, under sheets, under sofas, under pillows, or inside washing machines or laundry baskets. Keep the doors of washing machines and dryers closed to prevent access, and always check to ensure a cat is not inside before operating them.

For cats that prefer soft and fluffy places over hard ones, they may bury themselves in their owner's pile of clothes inside closets or drawers. They may also flee to such places to avoid nail clipping or baths. For cat beds or cushions, cave-type houses with a roof and a small entrance are good, as they allow the cat to feel secure while hiding.

If your cat likes box-shaped houses, prepare a crate or carrier and line it with blankets or towels. If the cat becomes accustomed to the crate or carrier, it will be very useful when taking the cat to the veterinary hospital.

If you have multiple pet cats, you should prepare enough boxes to match the number of cats to prevent fighting. The same applies to scratching towers. Also, you must prevent cats from accessing unsafe places where they might hide. Otherwise, irreversible accidents can occur.

Furthermore, you should not move a cat to a specific place against its will or confine a cat in a specific place to punish it. If stress levels rise, the cat may tremble in fear or develop health problems.

[FamTimes = Reporter Lee Kyung-han]