Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Bauxes, Boxes and the Internets

This article from Wired online magazine, "Why Do Cats Like Boxes So Much",  has been all over the Internets lately. Since the Internets is really tubes for us felines to traverse, we've had to step all over this.

Science doesn't really know why we are attracted to boxes, what is, as the author says, their "gravitational pull" for us.


It's hard for scientists to test us. Unlike dawgs, we don't tend to cooperate long term. I mean, really. Come when mom calls? I know where I am. I don't see the point in moving when I'm comfortable. So, trying to figure out why we like boxes or any kind of container is a chore for science.


The latest research suggests that boxes provide a secure feeling mainly when we're under stress.


This study was done on cats in shelters, not on those of us who have homes. (Why any feline is not in a home is beyond me, but I know I'm lucky.) The study suggests that because we're not good at resolving conflict (Ask mom about that. Mija was in my space, I tell you.), a box represents a place to go to be away from the other cat, a place of security.


But there's this cat on the Internets; Maru is his name. He doesn't look stressed when he jumps into a box, which sort of breaks apart the idea that we only like boxes when we're stressed. Personally, I like boxes all the time. When mom has to get rid of boxes because they are all over the place, I am really stressed. THAT'S stress, I tell you.

Another study found that we like the temperature warmer than your average house. That would explain why we like the pools of sunshine we find around the house. A baux is an insulator and helps us retain our body heat.

All of this is nice but what I think is that boxes are just cool.


Big ones. Small ones. In-between ones. If they are the right height, I can rest my chin on the edge and just watch. Read the article and tell me what you think.

Love,

Pilchard

6 comments:

Marilia said...

In our home all cats love boxes!!! All boxes!!! All sizes!!!

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I find it amusing that scientist try so hard to figure us out - when it's just not possible!

Eastside Cats said...

We have boxes all over the house, for the amusement of Chuck and Angel. I switch 'em out once in awhile, because they get bent out of shape, and full of fur! Lucky for all, I can get boxes easily from the office, and I keep a stockpile at home just in case! I don't care why cats like 'em, I just know that if they make our kitties happy, we should let them have some!

Katie Isabella said...

WE love boxes and the reasons why are ours to keep from the humans. Not their concern. xox

Mickey's Musings said...

We agree with Summer.
Kitties like boxes...because.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ

Sasha said...

Boxes are good. Even if you grow and can only get one paw inside.