{"id":4611,"date":"2025-01-20T19:19:06","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T00:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=4611"},"modified":"2025-01-20T19:19:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T00:19:07","slug":"why-cats-love-boxes-even-more-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/why-cats-love-boxes-even-more-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cats Love Boxes Even More in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cats love boxes. They love boxes so much, in fact, that sometimes they prefer the packaging of a new toy to the toy<\/a> itself. If you\u2019ve noticed that your cat seems to love boxes more in colder weather, you are not alone in noting this mystery. Keep reading to learn why cats love boxes even more in winter<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Spot for Ultimate Warmth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats love being warm at all times of the year, but especially in the winter. Cardboard boxes provide insulation and stay warmer than other surfaces (even some cat beds). Slipping inside a box will help cats enjoy their ideal temperature of 86-97 degrees Fahrenheit with zero effort. Cats can also curl up inside a box and conserve their body heat, making them feel even cozier. If you want to help out some stray cats in your area, put a few boxes outside to give them a reprieve from the winter weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Feeling of Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats are biologically<\/a> wired to be very alert at all times. This keeps them safe in the wild but can make relaxing inside a cozy house difficult. An enclosed cardboard box helps a cat feel calm enough to truly relax. It also provides an ideal hiding spot. Whether a cat feels overstimulated or just wants to enjoy alone time, a cardboard box is a perfect hiding spot. When the cat feels ready, he will emerge from the box and rejoin regular life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Premium Shelter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another instinct that cats have is to find shelter. The enclosed space inside a cardboard box provides the ideal shelter for a cat\u2014even for those who have never spent any time in the wild. Sometimes, a cat will nap in a cardboard box, even over a cat bed. If your cat does this, don\u2019t worry. It is a perfectly normal cat behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Good Squeeze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some cat behaviorist experts think that cats love squeezing themselves into a small space because it reminds them of being snuggled by their mothers. If your cat spends more time in small spaces than out in the open, consider adding another cat or dog<\/a> to your family so he or she can enjoy some snuggle time. This added social contact will provide that same feeling for your cat without the need to keep cardboard boxes all over your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter Accessories for Cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d prefer that your cat chooses options other than cardboard boxes this winter, there are plenty of accessories<\/a> that can provide comfort and warmth, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n