Schrödinger's other theory

February 3, 2015 11:19 PM

All bags and boxes in a given room must contain a cat. Any box, really. Big boxes, small boxes, irregularly shaped boxes—it doesn’t matter. Place one on the ground, a chair, or a bookshelf and watch as Admiral Snuggles quickly commandeers it.
posted by michswiss (43 comments total)

Cats are teenagers, unpredictable and in need of semi-enclosed spaces to ruminate.
posted by The Whelk at 11:25 PM on February 3, 2015 [1 favorite]

Fascinating! I had noticed that my bouncy little ninja was much happier when I kept her commandeered boxes around, turns out it's SCIENCE:

Working with domestic cats in a Dutch animal shelter, Vinke provided hiding boxes for a group of newly arrived cats while depriving another group of them entirely. She found a significant difference in stress levels between cats that had the boxes and those that didn’t. In effect, the cats with boxes got used to their new surroundings faster, were far less stressed early on, and were more interested in interacting with humans.

posted by fraula at 1:39 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

(Pauses to coo over the cat-in-the-boxes pictures)

Wait, what were we discussing?
posted by Autumn Leaf at 1:53 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Wired acknowledges the reality of its roots and interests which a full colour feature.
posted by infini at 1:59 AM on February 4, 2015

That last bit about the cat's thermoneutral temp being quite a bit higher than human's was something I didn't know. I was always worried during the summer when it would start getting up into the 90s and 100s that my cats were overheating. Of course 100s is still too hot for them, but it doesn't get that bad around here too often.
posted by snwod at 2:57 AM on February 4, 2015 [2 favorites]

Fascinating! I had noticed that my bouncy little ninja was much happier when I kept her commandeered boxes around, turns out it's SCIENCE:

I set some out in my house when Old Kittie was introduced to New Kittie, hereafter referred to as Ambush Kittie or Medicine Ball Kittie.

I think it helps.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:59 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Our terrible twosome are a brother-sister act who lived the first six months of their lives as feral beasts. Neither one shows the least interest in boxes. Instead, Oliver wedges himself underneath whatever he can--blankets, piled towels, some pillows. His sister needs to be on top of something high and dislikes being covered up. Boxes are right out. Obviously both prefer to think outside the box.
posted by kinnakeet at 3:02 AM on February 4, 2015 [3 favorites]

Electric blanket = cat magnet.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 3:37 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Alright, I'll fall on the sword and post the first here's-my-cat-in-a-box picture.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:41 AM on February 4, 2015 [8 favorites]

I always figured it was because the litter was kept in a box. My last cat came in a box. Open his eyes for the first time in a box. Not just boxes though, just cardboard. leave cardboard around, he'd curl up on it.
posted by adept256 at 5:27 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

My cat is uninterested in boxes of any kind. But he likes to sleep in a bass drum.
posted by Jode at 5:28 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Jode, until the first and last rude awakening.
posted by adept256 at 5:29 AM on February 4, 2015 [3 favorites]

1: Cut a hole in the box.
2: Let a cat in the box.
3: Show her the box!
posted by eriko at 5:39 AM on February 4, 2015 [5 favorites]

Not just little cats. Big Cats like boxes too.
posted by bonehead at 5:56 AM on February 4, 2015 [11 favorites]

So rather than work things out, cats are more inclined to simply run away from their problems or avoid them altogether.

I knew there was a reason I felt a kinship with my cat.
posted by Aznable at 6:04 AM on February 4, 2015 [6 favorites]

Not just little cats. Big Cats like boxes too

Well, in a couple of cases, it's more the NOM like than the Sit In like.
posted by eriko at 6:11 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Big Cats like boxes too

The cougars are like

"I AM IN BOAT.

I don't know what's boat AARGHKH"
posted by Drexen at 6:39 AM on February 4, 2015 [3 favorites]

It's an international phenomenon, although other countries may also use clay pots instead of or as well as boxes.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:52 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

I thought they were just weirdos.

My dear departed Mississippi in one of her favorite boxes.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:58 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

After I moved into a new apartment, I took 5 or 6 boxes and taped them together, aligning the doors, making this 2-storied box palace for my cats. I added windows, too. They were smaller and set higher on the walls, as windows tend to be. But when you are a cat those distinctions don't matter, and you can't tell the difference between windows and doors. And my (rather large) black and white cat decided to exit through one of the windows. So, he jumped up, made it about halfway through, and his hips got stuck. Just back out, right? Well the window was too high and his back legs weren't touching the ground anymore. I got him out, after about 3 minutes of laughter.
posted by FirstMateKate at 7:23 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Fact: Cats are born in boxes.

It's like salmon.
posted by Sys Rq at 7:44 AM on February 4, 2015 [3 favorites]

When I read "Schrödinger's other theory" along with the post text "All boxes must contain a cat...", I thought the theory is probably that when you put an empty box on the ground, there is a very small but finite possibility that by quantum effects the nearestby cat will tunnel through the cardboard and into the box. So before you open it, the box contains a cat and does not contain a cat at the same time. Only when you open the box, the possibilities will collaps into "cat" or "no cat" in the box and you can know for sure whether there is a cat inside it or not.

I mean, that's roughly how quantum mechanics works, isn't it?
posted by sour cream at 7:50 AM on February 4, 2015 [7 favorites]

One of our cats is a complete box fiend. You know those "boxes" that transparencies come in; the ones with sides a centimeter high? She'll meow like crazy when she sees you with one and then when you finally give in and toss the lid on the floor she'll run over and sit in it for hours. Purring and happier than hell the whole time.

Get a delivery and you would think you were holding a bag of catnip instead of a book.
posted by Mitheral at 7:54 AM on February 4, 2015 [2 favorites]

I really feel that the bit about a cat's thermoneutral temperature is actually a much bigger deal than just "why do cats like boxes". I've had cats my entire life, and not once did I know that bit of information - and it seems like something that should be much more common knowledge. It explains cat behavior so much more now - why they still cuddle when I feel it's too warm, why they love blankets, why they're so interested in sunbeams and heating vents, and so on. They just want to be warm, because the temperatures we keep the house, as people, are cold for them.

That realization - that my cats have usually been a bit cold - is a big deal. I'm definitely going to be making sure they have warm, cozy spots to lay and sleep in now. Doing what I can to help them get warm whenever they want.

And I feel that's going to have to include at least one box full of blankets. :)
posted by evilangela at 8:11 AM on February 4, 2015 [4 favorites]

"After I moved into a new apartment, I took 5 or 6 boxes and taped them together, aligning the doors, making this 2-storied box palace for my cats."

If this were an episode of The Simpsons, I'd be backing nervously out of the room right now.
posted by Paul Slade at 8:46 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

All the free boxes is basically why I pay for Amazon Prime.

It's verging on the point of creepy, though.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:54 AM on February 4, 2015 [2 favorites]

My elder cat, who is tiny and skinny and hates being cold, has discovered an even better solution than boxes, at least while we have the heat on.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:00 AM on February 4, 2015

some cats like boxes full of ducklings
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 9:12 AM on February 4, 2015 [4 favorites]

Sour Cream - I had the same exact thought.

I'm not sure if this is officially a thing (tm) yet, but my cat LOVES to sleep upside down on top of things. Boxes and laundry backets are just one option, although seeing him trying to get comfy in a confined space like that is hilarious.

Like all 4 limbs in the air, sprawled out, smiely face, totally upside down. It's adorable, but seems like it can't be too comfy.

EX
posted by GreyboxHero at 9:17 AM on February 4, 2015

All the free boxes is basically why I pay for Amazon Prime.

My Molly has a thing for Zara boxes. Something about their tent-like shape. It's a nice reason to keep in shopping at Zara. She loves them so much, that nothing else will do even when I make an effort to make them "funner". The love even extends to Zara bags.

But I have to keep an eye on her as her taste seems to be getting more expensive.
posted by like_neon at 9:22 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

While Pumpkin does occasionally sit in boxes, he really prefers bags. Especially when they're filled with freshly washed fabric! Last Night.
posted by monopas at 10:36 AM on February 4, 2015

<conspiracy theory>I notice that Wired Magazine is very careful to mention the brand names of the boxes that the cats are in, in the captions of the photos. Did they write this entire article just as an excuse to create space for product placement?</conspiracy theory>

Also, I want to do a thing like "The End ... or IS IT?" but for my "conspiracy theory" close tag.

</??? conspiracy theory>
posted by Galaxor Nebulon at 11:53 AM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Eartha LOVES to be inside of things. Here she is inside of a bowl.

Right now, she's sitting under a lamp. Poor cold kitty.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:02 PM on February 4, 2015

Whoever wrote the section heading "The box-and-whisker plot" deserves a cookie.
posted by traveler_ at 1:22 PM on February 4, 2015 [4 favorites]

Oscar T. Jefferson spends about 93% of his time in boxes. He also likes to help with the laundry which is where he changes to his alter ego: Panteh Kitteh. He also likes traveling. And because I'm linking Oscar pictures: does what it says on the tin
posted by Fezboy! at 2:33 PM on February 4, 2015 [1 favorite]

Mine gleefully leap into a new box but disdain any box that has been present for more than about 45 minutes. They are fickle creatures.
posted by jaguar at 2:44 PM on February 4, 2015

Kaspar's Corollary: Who needs boxes when there are bowl sinks?
posted by pjern at 3:13 PM on February 4, 2015

My elder cat, who is tiny and skinny and hates being cold, has discovered an even better solution than boxes, at least while we have the heat on.

I keep the house quite cool in winter, and my elderly cat was usually found sitting on the floor heat duct, but looking cold when the furnace was cycled off.

I got a 100w ceramic infrared emitter and clamp holder. It was attached to a sturdy support and aimed at her pad on the floor, about 18-20 inches below. It worked great; she would sit there for hours. The heat penetrates right through fur. It feels just warm to my hand, but cats notice it immediately.
posted by jjj606 at 6:08 PM on February 4, 2015

Former cats and family cats have very much liked these heated cat beds. They don't radiate heat and are supposedly safe when they're left plugged in (I left mine plugged in for many years and never had a problem).
posted by jaguar at 6:38 PM on February 4, 2015

Well, in a couple of cases, it's more the NOM like than the Sit In like.

I was really tickled by that video because one of my cats is very much like that. The down side is that I end up with bits of cardboard and paper all over my carpet all the time. She's not as bad about it lately as she was for awhile, when no piece of paper was safe anywhere near her. She once bit holes in like every single piece of paper in a ream I'd left out, I came home to find it everywhere. That's the one where I'd love to know what instinct it is that makes them do that. I can definitely picture finding an enclosed space safe or warm or whatever. I can't picture finding your ideal safe/warm space and then deciding what you really need to do is bite it.
posted by Sequence at 6:56 PM on February 4, 2015

The love even extends to Zara bags.

Oh no. We brought home some leftovers from pf changs once, and the cat (the right one in the picture above), hopped in. When he hopped out, though, the loopy handle got caught around his neck, and he freaked out because it was chasing him and it was a giant disaster.

My cats are not smart.
posted by FirstMateKate at 7:42 PM on February 4, 2015

Ikea Bags, aka the world's most perfect $2 laundry bags, are just as bad.
posted by sebastienbailard at 10:29 PM on February 4, 2015

I found out yesterday that a petticoat and long skirt on a dress form is actually a kitty fort. Sometimes I think my education will never end.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:38 AM on February 6, 2015 [1 favorite]