Why Does My Cat… Like to Sleep in Small Boxes and Tiny Spaces?

Though they seem independent, aloof and unpredictable, cats are creatures of habit. And yet, there’s no fathoming a cat. Why would one choose a small, cramped box, sink or cubbyhole over a more open space with all its possibilities?

For lots of reason. Here are a few:

1. Smaller spaces are safer. Most cats who need to sleep deeply will seek out a denlike structure. A bathroom sink, as it turns out, seems more secure to a cat than a couch.
2. Wild cats require stealth for survival. So it is that hiding in small spaces helps cats be more successful.
3. If you’re about to give birth, a comfy hidey-hole is just the ticket. Momma cats are unlikely to birth their babies in places predators can see them.
4. Cats like to be warm. Small spots are quite simply cozier.

So it is that our seemingly self-sufficient pets seek comfort in ways we may think unusual for such independent creatures. But it makes sense: Even the more secure among us want a place to feel snug and sheltered. Even if it’s something as surprising as a soda pop box.

This article was written by a Veterinarian.

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