Probably the best holiday for a cat is Christmas. Not only are there yummy smells and new ribbon to play with, but it is a time when a plethora of boxes appear. Cats don’t care what comes IN the box, but only the box itself. We have a joke going that an Amazon delivery equates with a “free cat toy,”Amazon may be the cat’s second best friend.

According to one source, seeking out confined spaces like boxes goes back to instinct. In the wild, these spaces let cats successfully hide and hunt while seeking safety and security.

When introducing empty boxes to our domesticated cats, they first carefully investigate the object. They become familiar with every square inch of their domain, so when something new enters, they are curious. Once their curiosity is satisfied, instinct kicks in and they hop inside.

Although it would seem that cats would only like boxes that provide complete concealment, they enjoy time spent in boxes of any size, and even in representations of boxes. There was an experiment showing cats plopping themselves inside a circle of tape on the floor. The theory is that cats still felt secure and enclosed, even though the “box” had no sides or even a bottom.

Cardboard boxes are the most popular because they are readily available. Some say that cardboard might effectively retain the cat’s body heat, creating a cozy environment. Some also note that the security of a box could mimic the snuggly warmth a kitten feels while cuddling her mother and littermates. As a result it’s possible that while box-sitting, a cat’s body releases pleasure-inducing endorphins. In a Dutch study, researchers gave one group of shelter cats empty boxes to use as retreats. Those cats adapted to their environment and appeared more relaxed than the control group.

Domesticated cats aren’t the only ones who enjoy a nice box. Big cats are also fans, although their boxes are larger.

Cat trees with high-up boxes and elevated hidey holes are feline favorites, while some cats prefer hideaways closer to the ground.

Keep safety in mind by removing all hazards like staples, tape, handles, string and loose pieces that could be choking hazards or if ingested cause damage to her digestive tract. Also, make sure your cat cannot get trapped inside a box. Cats don’t like to feel trapped and their anxiety produces feelings of insecurity, the opposite feeling they seek from the box.

The internet is rife with hilarious pictures of cats cramming themselves into all sizes of boxes (and other objects), so it is a one-size fits all. So feel less guilty about making that next Amazon order and you AND your cat will both get a new present.