Cat Friendly Boxes
Every cat owner knows that an empty cardboard box soon becomes a resting place for their feline friend. Now Tesla has released a corrugated cardboard cat house. It’s currently only available in China, but what alternatives do we recommend for UK cat lovers?
Why do Cats love Cardboard Boxes?
Let’s start by asking why cats love cardboard boxes. Corrugated cardboard doesn’t feel cold to the touch and is a natural insulator, so it’s a warm spot. In addition, it is cushioned and can be penetrated by claws. That makes it a good material for a cat box. In addition, it seems that cats enjoy confined, enclosed spaces. A box provides a place where they can hide, observe without being seen and relax in an environment that feels safe.
A study by the University of Utrecht* on arrivals at a cat shelter showed that cats provided with a cardboard box found it easier to adapt to the new environment. They also recovered faster, which suggests that the humble cardboard box helps cats to cope with stress.
Flat Pack Cardboard Cat Box
The design of the Tesla Life cat house is based on the company’s Cybertruck vehicle. This was inspired by the angular profile of a stealth fighter jet and it is certainly highly stylised. It’s the latest lifestyle item to be released by the brand, to appeal to the demographic of Chinese Tesla drivers.
One thing is instantly evident. This might be a design favoured by cat owners, but it isn’t enclosed. The top is open and the front is completely open and both sides only provide partial cover. If cats are drawn to hiding in the safety of a box, this falls short of the mark.
The product is sold flat pack, with the buyer assembling the cardboard cat house and installing the central corrugated scratching panel. It is being sold for 89 Yuan, equivalent to around £10.
To be honest, we think there is a good chance that your cat would find the delivery box more exciting that the product inside! So, here are some alternative suggestions that are available in the UK:
Cat Lover Subscription Boxes
If you are cat mad, put your pennies towards a Catitude Subscription Box. This monthly box of delights includes treats for your favourite pet and cat-themed gifts for you. Not only that, but the printed postal box looks great and your cat might adopt it as a place to hang out.
Find out more about Catitude Boxes
Alternative cat lover subscription boxes are offered by Gus and Bella and PurrBoxes
Corrugated Cardboard Scratch Toys for Cats
Treat your feline friend to a corrugated cardboard scratch toy or why not make your own? With a bit of assistance at the cutting stage, this could be a simple, summer holiday, craft project for kids.
Firstly cut a template and use it to draw multiples of the same shape from any delivery boxes that you have at home. Secondly, cut out the shapes using sharp scissors or a Stanley knife. Next, use a non-toxic children’s craft glue to stick the shapes together to form a block. Then hold it together with elastic bands or place it under a weight whilst it dries. Ensure the weight isn’t too heavy, as this could compress the corrugated cardboard. Once fully dried, leave it for your cat to discover and enjoy!
Leave Out Your Old Cardboard Boxes
The easiest option is simply to empty out the contents of your latest delivery and leave the cardboard box out. Cats are curious and keen to explore, so they will soon find it and decide if this could serve as their new cosy bed.
Some may scratch or chew the box, leaving it in a bit of a mess, but with a ready supply, the temporary bed can be replaced. We understand that an old cardboard box isn’t the most aesthetic option for your home décor, but it could be just the thing for a contented cat.
Cardboard Box Company
If you come up with an innovative design for a cardboard cat house or decide to launch a subscription box business, get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
As a packaging manufacturer, we can create bespoke solutions to match your requirements. We’re happy to share our expertise in cardboard design, advice on box styles and details of print finish options. Simply tell us what you need and we’ll take it from there.
* https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159114002366
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