A cat may go into a cardboard box after smelling a new soft cat bed. It may seem ridiculous to people, but to the cat, it would make total sense. The cardboard box provides four elements: two sides (walls), which are vertical surfaces; the roof (ceiling); and one open end (opening). When the cat enters this confined space, they may find that it feels like their own private area where they can lie down without being watched by other animals.
Building your cat a cardboard box hideout is quite simple and requires only a little time. Begin with a cardboard box that is free of debris, is dry, and is large enough for the cat to turn around while inside the box. Also ensure the box does not contain any smells such as food, soap, or strong chemical odors. Remove all staples, stickers or labels, strips of tape, and other materials that may cause harm to the cat either through chewing or by becoming tangled in the cat's hair.
Position the cardboard box at a slight angle so that the cat can easily enter the box. For cats that are elderly, young, or suffer from arthritic conditions, this is very important because the cat should not need to jump into the box. Fold in the top edges of the box or completely remove them with the cat located in a different part of the room. After removing the edges of the cardboard, check them to ensure that there is nothing that could potentially be sharp or protrude outward.
The location of the cardboard hideout may determine how well liked it will become. Ideally, you want to locate the cardboard hideout in a quiet spot where your cat spends time resting. The opening of the box should face toward the center of the room, allowing your cat to view anyone approaching. Do not put the cardboard hideout next to speakers that produce high-volume music, busy doors, hot air vents, or cold drafts. Adding a thin towel to the interior of the box may provide additional comfort for your cat; however, many cats prefer the pure paper surface.
Provide ample opportunity for your cat to investigate the cardboard hideout without forcing them. If your cat is interested, simply tossing a toy close to the entrance of the box may entice them to use it. Placing treats inside the box is acceptable, provided that you do not reach into the box to retrieve your cat. If you do reach into the box and pull your cat out, you are likely going to negate any feelings of security and safety that were intended for your cat.
If you have multiple cats, then you may need to create more than one hiding place. Providing more than one hiding place will give a timid pet peace of mind by providing a safe and secure area in which to retreat from other household pets. Create separate locations for each cardboard hideout and make certain that no cat can get stuck behind another cat.
In addition to providing a place for your cat to hide, cardboard boxes also serve as scratching surfaces and places to bite and rub against. However, these actions should be monitored closely, as damage to the cardboard can occur quickly. Dispose of any cardboard hideout once it becomes soaked in liquid, dirty beyond cleaning, severely damaged or torn, or contains small fragments of material that can be swallowed by your cat. Always inspect the contents of a cardboard box prior to folding it for recycling or sealing it for return.
Regardless of how unattractive your cardboard hideout appears, to your cat it may represent a feeling of relaxation, safety, and a place to play. On occasion, the least expensive item you purchase for your pet will be utilized more frequently than items costing significantly more money.
