Why does my cat sleep inside cardboard boxes instead of her bed?

Your cat's preference for a simple cardboard box over a plush bed usually comes down to three deeply ingrained feline instincts: security, warmth, and stress relief.

• Security and Instinct: In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. A cardboard box provides an enclosed, safe hiding spot where nothing can sneak up on them from behind or the sides. It also serves as a great vantage point to safely watch the room and "ambush" passing toys.
• Superior Insulation: Cats have a higher ideal temperature range than humans—they are naturally most comfortable in temperatures between 86°F and 97°F. Corrugated cardboard is an excellent insulator that traps their body heat, creating a cozy, warm microclimate that open beds usually can't match.
• Stress Relief: Veterinary studies show that having access to hiding boxes physically lowers a cat's stress levels. The box acts as a safe zone when they feel overwhelmed by noise, new people, or changes in the house.

Why won't she use the bed?
The cat bed might lack the high-walled security of a box. Additionally, new beds often smell like the factory, plastic packaging, or the store they came from, which can deter a cat's highly sensitive nose.

Tip: If you want your cat to use the bed, try putting the bed inside a cardboard box first so she associates it with safety. You can also leave a worn t-shirt on the bed so it smells like you, and make sure the bed is placed in a quiet, low-traffic, and elevated area of your home.