We all know the scene: you buy your cat a fancy multi-level playground, complete with hammocks, bells, and toys. But instead of using it, the cat curls up inside the plain cardboard box the playground came in. Why is this simple box more attractive than the expensive toy?
Cats and the Comfort of Boxes
- Safety instinct. A box is a closed, protected space. In the wild, such spaces mean survival.
- Control. With fewer directions for threats to appear, cats feel more secure.
- Material. Cardboard is soft, easy to scratch, and quickly absorbs the cat’s scent.
- Sensory fun. The texture and sound of cardboard are stimulating and rewarding.
In short, even the most sophisticated cat castle cannot compete with the natural triggers of a simple box.
Humans and Their Own “Boxes”
Strangely, people behave in a similar way. We often ignore complex, feature-rich products and prefer basic tools that feel familiar:
- Cognitive economy. Simple tools require less effort to learn and use.
- Sense of control. We fully understand the limits of “basic” solutions.
- Comfort and trust. Like cats, we lean towards things that feel safe and predictable.
- Paradox of convenience. The more complex a product, the higher the expectations—and the greater the disappointment.
The Universal Principle
Whether it’s a cat or a human, the lesson is the same: basic needs matter more than advanced features. For cats, it’s safety and a cozy place to hide. For humans, it’s simplicity, clarity, and control.
The cardboard box, then, is more than just packaging. It’s a metaphor for our universal preference for what feels natural and manageable, even if something “better” is available.
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