Ah, the humble cardboard box. To you hoomans, it might be just a mundane container, something to discard after receiving a package. But to us cats, it’s a marvel of nature, a fortress of solitude, and a playground of endless possibilities. You might wonder why we have such an unbreakable bond with these rectangular wonders. Allow us to enlighten you, my dear hoomans, on the mysterious and magical connection between cats and cardboard boxes.
We love Robert Gair
Robert invented the pre-cut foldable cardboard or paperboard box in 1890. Those are the boxes we lounge in today.
Robert owned a paper bag factory in Brooklyn. A pressman at his factory didn’t see that the press rule was too high and it cut through thousands of small seed bags instead of creasing them. Robert noticed that if sharp cutting blades were set a bit higher than creasing blades, they could crease and cut in the same step on the press and he realized that switching to cardboard instead of paper would revolutionize the making of foldable cardboard boxes.
So he decided to make dies for his press so that the cutting and creasing were accomplished all in one step. With this new process he was able to cut more sheets in a shorter amount of time.
Robert’s mass-produced foldable boxes were mostly used for small items like tea, tobacco, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Once Robert got his biggest client for his pre-cut, pre-creased cardboard box, the National Biscuit Company, sales of his boxes exploded and by the turn of the century, the cardboard box was here for us cats to enjoy.
So we say, thank you, Robert Gair. 😄
The Perfect Hideaway
First things first, let’s talk about safety. As stealthy predators and potential prey, we cats are wired to seek out places where we can observe without being seen. A cardboard box offers the perfect vantage point. We can curl up inside, peek over the edges, and keep an eye on everything happening around us. It’s our very own private detective office, where we can plot our next grand adventure or simply observe the strange habits of you humans.
Have you ever noticed how a box seems to appear out of nowhere, and suddenly, there’s one of us in it? It’s like magic! One moment there’s an empty box, and the next, it’s filled with a furry bundle of curiosity. We have an innate ability to locate boxes with the precision of a heat-seeking missile. It’s in our DNA!
Comfort and Security
We actually NEED carton boxes. Boxes provide an unmatched sense of security and comfort. The confined space mimics the feeling of a cozy den, a place where we can retreat and feel safe. The walls of the box wrap around us like a warm hug, blocking out the world’s chaos and creating a peaceful sanctuary. In the wild, we seek out small, enclosed spaces to sleep and give birth. So, you see, it’s an instinctual thing!
We are anti-social
We totally suck at conflict resolution. Yes, we hit each other but at some stage, when it gets too much, we just need to get away. Get away as far as the next carton box. In that box we can be all alone, by ourselves, with no-one who does our head in. Just in peace and silence. Aaaah, bliss.
The Element of Surprise
Another reason we love boxes is the element of surprise they offer. Have you ever played hide and seek? Well, boxes make the best hiding spots. Whether we’re sneaking up on a toy mouse, another cat, or even you, dear human, the box gives us the upper hand. We can crouch low, wiggle our butts, and pounce with the grace of a ninja. It’s the ultimate tool for ambushes and playful attacks.
Boxes also offer endless entertainment possibilities. We can chew on them, bat them around, or simply sit in them and ponder the mysteries of life. For you humans, it might look like we’re doing nothing, but trust me, our minds are hard at work. We’re calculating the precise angle for our next leap or figuring out how to turn that pesky doorknob. Boxes stimulate our brains and keep us sharp.
Boxes are our heaters
Our thermoneutral zone is between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature we feel most “comfortable” in. You hoomans live in “arctic” temperatures, so in order for us to not turn into an ice-block, we look for warmth in our beloved carton boxes.
The Unspoken Rules of Boxes
Now, let’s talk about some unspoken rules when it comes to boxes.
Rule number one: if it fits, I sits. This is a universal cat law. It doesn’t matter if the box is too small or an awkward shape; if we can get in, we will. The more challenging the fit, the more rewarding it is. You might wonder how we squeeze into such tiny spaces. It’s all about determination and a flexible spine.
Rule number two: no box is off-limits. This includes boxes you’re trying to unpack, boxes that are clearly too high to reach, and even boxes with other cats already in them. Sharing is caring, right? And let’s not forget the thrill of the chase. Sometimes, half the fun is watching you humans scramble to get us out of the box we’ve claimed.
Rule number three: boxes are not just for indoors. Outdoor cats enjoy boxes just as much as their indoor counterparts. Whether it’s a delivery box left on the porch or an empty crate in the garage, we will find it and make it our own. It’s like discovering a treasure chest in the great outdoors.
Unboxing -Let the fun begin
And let’s not forget the joy of unboxing. When you bring home a new item, the first thing we want to check out is the box it came in. The item itself? Meh, that’s for you. The box? Now that’s where the real fun begins. It’s like getting a bonus gift every time you order something.
A Bond for Life
In conclusion, the cat-carton box connection is deep, multifaceted, and everlasting. It combines our need for security, comfort, and entertainment into one simple object. So next time you see an empty box, remember, it’s not just trash. It’s a playground, a fortress, a cozy bed, and a source of endless joy for your feline friend. Embrace the box, cherish the box, and most importantly, never throw the box away without giving us a chance to explore it first.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, there’s a new box in the living room calling our names. Time to investigate and fight over it. Until next time, keep those boxes coming, and we’ll keep being your purrfect companions. 🐾📦😺
To make your cat happy you can get some carton boxes on Amazon