cat behavior
Cats chew or lick human hair primarily as a form of "Allogrooming" (social bonding), treating you as part of their colony. However, excessive hair eating can be a sign of Pica, a condition linked to nutritional deficiencies or anxiety that requires veterinary attention
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).