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A long-haired brown tabby cat sits inside a cardboard box lined with straw, sharing the space with three yellow chicks. 21 / 36

The Cardboard Box Was Meant for the Chicks. The Tabby Had Other Ideas.

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The cardboard box was probably meant to hold the chicks, but a long-haired brown tabby had other ideas. He has squeezed his considerable fluff inside, filling nearly every inch, and now sits with an expression of complete satisfaction. Three yellow chicks share the straw-lined bottom with him, two snuggled by his side and one standing near his paws, looking up at its giant roommate. Around the box, the room glows under a warm lamp, with a basket of yarn, a stack of books, a pair of glasses, scissors, and a mug of something hot left on a shelf.

Cats and boxes are a famous pairing, and there are good reasons for it. Enclosed spaces make cats feel safe because they can watch the world while protected on several sides, a little like a den. Boxes also hold body heat, and cardboard is a decent insulator, which matters to animals that like it warmer than most people do. For many cats, hiding is a healthy way to cope with stress, such as a move, visitors, or a new pet. Offering a few boxes or covered beds around the house gives a cat easy retreats. A cat that suddenly hides far more than usual, though, may be unwell, so it is worth a call to your vet.

This tabby, at least, is not hiding from anything. He simply found the best seat in the house and brought his friends along.

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