Why our cats like boxes
Have you ever noticed that the minute a box arrives at your house, your feline is waiting for you to open it? No matter what the size, although I have observed smaller is preferable, almost any box is met with interest.
Once the contents of the box are removed, the feline is swiftly in it for a major nap. The size of preference is a large shoe box, wherein the feline can snuggle. I've noticed this behavior at home, in the animal shelter and, most recently, in an animal hospital emergency room.
After that visit, I was curious if there was any research about feline fascination with boxes.
Oddly enough, I found some felines in "virtual boxes" on social media, and found a Dutch study that Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University agrees with.
Evidently, our felines are so drawn to the concept of a box or an enclosed tight space that some felines fall for the virtual box. If you have not seen these feline videos, you may be asking what is the virtual box?
A virtual box is a taped square on the floor that the feline will sit inside, even though it is a representation of a box without walls. It's as if the feline is saying, "I feel safer, even if this is a fake box."
Dutch researchers gave boxes to felines in stressful situations or in new environments. These feline adapted more quickly to new situations than the control group that were not given boxes. The boxes, the researchers concluded, added a measure of comfort.
Tufts University behaviorists have done research and found it is the "lateral side pressure" of the box that is appealing to our felines. This pressure mimics the cuddling of mom, kittens and littermates. Think about it; before giving birth, most felines make a nest that will be a small, private place that is a safe haven for the new family. Small spaces in the birthing situation are a sanctuary for a feline mom with kittens.
Since our felines crave small spaces and boxes, let them have their hiding places. And please remember to save the box from that new pair of shoes or delivery. It is a precious present!
Dog wash:
Please note this year we have a new location - Splash and Dash, 637 Metropolitan Way, Des Plaines. The wash will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Prices vary from $15 to $25, determined by the size of your dog. There will be an extra $5 charge for nails. To make an appointment, call (847) 376-8061. Treats will be provided.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.