Boxes give cats control, comfort, and prime ambush angles.

If you’ve ever purchased an expensive, bespoke toy for your feline friend, then watched them ignore said purchase in favor of the cardboard container it arrived in, you will know this universal truth: cats love boxes.

Why have cats evolved this fascination with enclosed spaces, one that seems as distinct as their fear of cucumbers or their fondness for biscuit-making? We turned to a pawful of cat experts to find out more.

How cats use boxes when hunting

Despite differing personalities and energy levels, all cats can get something out of a well-placed box, says Mikel Delgado, a feline behavior consultant with Ease Pet Vet and a senior research scientist at Purdue University.

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