Cardboard Kingdom: Why Cats + Boxes = Endless Fun

It’s a universal truth among cat lovers: if you bring home a fancy toy and a cardboard box, your cat will almost always go for the box. But what might seem like a quirky feline habit is actually rooted in enrichment and instinct—and it’s one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to make your cat’s day.

A curious kitten peeks over the edge, ready to spring into action from its cardboard fortress.

Why Do Cats Love Boxes So Much? Boxes offer cats a cozy, enclosed space that feels safe and secure—perfect for napping, spying, or launching sneak attacks. They also appeal to a cat’s natural curiosity and love of tight spaces. For many cats, a box is part fortress, part jungle gym, and part nap pod.

Enrichment Benefits of Boxes Enrichment is all about giving pets mental and physical stimulation that mimics natural behaviors. A humble cardboard box can provide:

• Exploration: Cats love investigating new shapes, sizes, and smells.

• Scratching and Chewing: Boxes offer a safe outlet for scratching and even gnawing.

• Hide-and-Pounce Play: Great for solo fun or interactive play with toys or humans.

• Scent Soaking: Cats often rub and roll in boxes to mark them as their own—adorable and instinctual!

  

  Cozy cat basking in the sunlight, perfectly content inside a cardboard box.

  
  

Fun Box Ideas for Your Cat

• Box Maze: Connect a few boxes together with cut-out holes to make a DIY tunnel.

• Peek-a-Boo Box: Cut small holes in the sides and dangle a toy through for interactive play.

• Cozy Den: Line a box with a soft blanket to create the ultimate nap nook.

• Surprise Box: Toss in a few favorite toys, treats, or crinkly paper for discovery play.

  
  

Safety Tips Remove any staples or tape, and avoid boxes that held anything potentially harmful (like cleaning supplies). Make sure the box is large enough for your cat to enter and exit easily—and keep an eye on enthusiastic kittens who might try to chew everything!

Final Meow You don’t need to spend a fortune to entertain your cat. Sometimes, the best enrichment comes from the recycling bin. So the next time a package arrives, think twice before tossing the box—your cat just might see it as their next great adventure.