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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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House cats may have access to tons of toys, but often, they find great joy in a simple cardboard box.
Take Emmy Lou, a calico cat who recently went viral on TikTok (@ilovemycats0311), racking up 109,300 views since February 11.
The footage shows the cat trying to get "comfy". However, there's a problem—the shoebox is too small. According to the text, she doesn't "understand why she can't fit."
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While she manages to squeeze her body inside, her head remains in an awkward position, and her limbs certainly won't fit. But she refuses to give up, shuffling around in a desperate bid to stay in her makeshift bed.
According to one comment from her owner, Emmy Lou's "favorite things are boxes and bags, so she tries to fit into every single one regardless of size!"
Newsweek reached out to @ilovemycats0311 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
Why Do Cats Love Boxes?
Cats are naturally drawn to boxes, and the primary reason is that they provide a snug, enclosed space, according to pet food company Purina. As ambush predators, cats instinctively seek out confined areas where they can hide, observe, and feel secure. A simple cardboard box meets all these needs perfectly.
Boxes Provide Safety and Comfort
Enclosed spaces offer cats a sense of security, making boxes the perfect hiding spot. In a box, cats are protected from potential threats approaching from behind or on the sides. Any "intruders"—whether other pets, humans, or even imagined prey—must enter their direct line of sight, eliminating surprise attacks.
Boxes also serve as stress relievers for cats, offering a secluded retreat where they can observe their surroundings without being seen. Since cats tend to run and hide when faced with stress, having a private, enclosed space gives them a safe haven to escape and decompress.
In short, boxes aren't just fun for cats—they fulfill their natural instincts, providing warmth, security, and a sense of control over their environment.
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TikTok Reacts
Almost 100 users have commented on the post, which has over 20,000 likes.
"The short pauses to confirm she's still [uncomfortable]," pointed out one user. Another wrote, "The constant squishing of her head in the box in a slightly different way to see if it feels any better."
A third user related to the clip, saying, "Me trying to fit into jeans I've kept since high school." A fourth added, "It's like me trying to find the best sleeping position."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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