Cats are drawn to boxes due to Thigmotaxis—an evolutionary instinct to seek physical contact with enclosed spaces for protection. In this episode, we break down a landmark study by the University of Utrecht, which proved that providing hiding boxes to shelter cats significantly reduces their Cortisol (stress) levels.
We cover:
- The "Safety" Signal: How feeling walls against their fur tells the brain "nothing can sneak up on me."
- Thermoregulation: Why cardboard is the perfect insulator for their high body temperature.
- Enrichment: How to use boxes to help a new cat adapt to your home faster.
- The Big Cat Test: Why even Lions and Tigers do the same thing.
Don't buy an expensive bed; just keep the box.
Key Topics: Thigmotaxis, Cat Boxes, Feline Stress, Environmental Enrichment, Cat Psychology, Animal Behavior.
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