CARDBOARD CASTLES WLovhey BCaotxses There’s no telling what reception the new cat toy you bought from Amazon might get — but the box it came in will surely be a big hit. The reaction is equal parts cute, confusing, and frustrating. What’s behind the near-universal feline obsession with boxes?
Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding But cats also seem to enjoy boxes when they’re otherwise perfectly content. Cardboard’s excellent insulating properties are a likely reason. Cats prefer to be much warmer than humans; their ideal room temperature is 86–97 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re constantly searching for warmth in sun rays and on heat vents, and snuggling up inside a box is just one more tool they use to remain thermoneutral. Cats are notoriously difficult to interview, but several behavioral studies provide a peek inside the feline mind. They’ve repeatedly found that cats feel safer in tight, enclosed spaces. It’s the same reason they hide during frightening or stressful situations. There’s only one point of entry and exit inside a box, meaning cats won’t be surprised by any potential predator attacks. It’s much easier to mount a defense when you know where your enemy is coming from.
Another widely held, though untested, theory suggests that cats’ love affair with boxes is related to their status as ambush predators. Boxes provide a good hiding spot from which to pounce and attack prey. It’s common to see multiple cats playing together, jumping in and outside of a box, which could mimic their hunting behavior.
That points to another likely explanation for the love affair: Playing with boxes is fun. Cats are curious and like to explore new objects. Many love the sound of their paws hitting the cardboard or the ability to move the box’s open flaps. Cats also seem to enjoy cardboard texture and are known to chew or scratch it instinctively for stimulation.
Though boxes may not make for attractive decor, playing with them will unlikely harm your cat. However, ensure no sharp objects are inside, like staples, and remove the tape if your cat is prone to chewing on it. For more attractive options, cardboard beds and scratchers on the market will entertain your cat without making it appear you forgot about recycling day. But most people accept that the excited reaction to package deliveries is just part of owning a cat.
Is your cat a tuna fanatic? If yes, these crackers are the purrfect treat for them! With only four simple (and healthy!) ingredients, these snacks provide your feline friend with the satisfying crunch and intense tuna flavor cats go wild for. Tasty Tuna Crackers Inspired by ASPCAPetInsurance.com
Anne Wheeler Karen McFarland Kerstin Kimbriel
INGREDIENTS
• •
6 oz undrained tuna
• •
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup water
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a bowl, mix ingredients together until combined. 3. On a flat surface, roll dough into 1/4-inch diameter balls. 4. On a greased cookie sheet, place the dough balls and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Let cool and invite your cat to dig in!
3
We Reward Referrals!
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator