I’m Adam, a former psychologist who reads feline science so you don’t have to. After adopting my British Longhair, Moon, I explored scientific literature to care for him better, then turned it into practical tips on YouTube and in my newsletter.
Cats love boxes due to thigmotaxis: an instinct to seek enclosed contact for safety. A University of Utrecht study found that giving shelter cats hiding boxes significantly reduced stress, measured by the Cat-Stress-Score (CSS).
Cats form secure attachments to owners. When they choose to engage, oxytocin rises and cortisol drops. Signs include slow blinks, head bunts (scent marking), and social referencing (looking to you for safety cues).