As of: February 6, 2024, 12:38 p.m
By: Katharina Winter
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If a cat discovers a cardboard box or a box, it doesn't take long - and it sits inside.
There are various explanations for this.
The most popular pet among Germans is the cat.
But the kitties also have many fans on the Internet.
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It is noticeable that cats react in the same way in certain situations.
For example, when they see a box or carton, most cats immediately jump into it.
Even a rectangle just stuck to the floor seems to magically attract them.
There are various explanations for this.
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Cats feel comfortable in small spaces
Boxes and cartons are small, confined spaces that provide shelter for cats.
They feel safe here.
They have known this since birth when they cuddle up with their siblings in a small space - like in a nest.
Nicholas Dodman, retired professor at Tufts University near Boston, suspects to
SWR
that a cozy environment releases endorphins in the cat's brain, i.e. triggers feelings of happiness.
That's why it can also help to provide a box for a cat to get used to in a new environment.
Cats love cardboard boxes, boxes and rectangles.
© Zoonar.com/Alexandra Troyan/IMAGO
Cats are curious and want to play
But it's not just real cardboard boxes that magically attract cats: kitties also like to sit in glued-on rectangles or circles.
However, Marina Scheumann from the Hanover University of Veterinary Medicine doubts to
Spiegel
that cats are looking for security in this case.
It is much more likely that they simply found the glued-on shapes interesting.
Especially for cats, who live primarily in apartments and know every corner inside out, everything new that is on the floor is fundamentally interesting.
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This is how cats perceive their surroundings
A study at the
City University of New York
led by animal psychologist Gabriella E. Smith's team has found that cats don't even need a fully glued-on square to recognize the shape of a rectangle.
Even if only the four corners are glued on, cats perceive the rectangle - and sit in the middle.
By the way, under the hashtag #Catsquare you can find lots of pictures and videos of cats sitting in a rectangle on Instagram etc.
And those who care little about human studies and sit right next to the adhesive strips.