Your cat loves shopping but for a different reason than you. Shopping means boxes, paper bags, paper wrappers and other sorts of feline fun. But if this idea of your cat's fun seems odd to you, here is a little explainer of why they actually do it. It is comfy, and therapeutic and should be encouraged. In fact, you should always have a few paper bags and carton boxes for your pet to mess around with, shopping season or not.
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Cats feel safe in closed spaces
Though your home might not be full of predators, cats still like to be safe, they are designed like this. Instinct is above everything in the feline world, and it is proven by science.
A study conducted by the University of Utrecht showed that a particular group of cats living in a shelter suffered from a significant amount of stress. When these fluff-balls were given a simple carton box, their stress levels decreased significantly, which helped them to adapt to the new environment much faster. Cats without ‘hiding box’ had the opposite result.
In other words, a box or a paper bag is another level of ‘safe’ for your feline.
Boxes Help Reduce Anxiety
According to the book, The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour, cats manage conflict by avoiding others or minimising their activity. And they are more likely to hide rather than confront whatever is making them anxious. So, hiding in a box or a paper bag is cat diplomacy that helps them to avoid stress and alleviate anxiety, therefore cats are drawn to them.
Maybe we humans should get these de-stress boxes too.
Boxes are good for a warm and cosy nap
A study conducted by the National Research Council in 2006 shows that a domestic cat’s internal temperature of comfort is around 30-35 degrees Celsius which is 5-10 degrees higher than it is for humans, meaning most homes are simply too cold for cats. No wonder the felines look for warmth by the radiators, under the blankets and - in the cartoon boxes.
Keep your car safe
Plastic bags are not safe for your cat, and it is not recommended that cats play with them. According to Pet Health Network, cats can be attracted to plastic bags as it makes stimulating sounds and can sometimes smell like food. But it’s dangerous to let your pet chew on them as it can cause dental issues.
There are many other types of bags that are safe for your cat to play with. Don’t forget to take the handles off of any bag before giving it to your kitty because they risk getting stuck inside them and choking.
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