All cats are natural predators, and hiding in a small, confined space is their way of scoping their surroundings for potential prey. It’s likely why they naturally gravitate towards the inside of your kitchen drawers. 

"They are actually more comforted by being in dark locations where they can see the things that are around them,” veterinarian Dr. Cherice Roth explained in an interview with Business Insider.

If you notice your cat’s seeming fixation with cardboard boxes, Dr. Roth says it’s another way for them to channel their predatory instincts. But in this case, they prefer the texture of cardboard’s surface to run their claws onto.  

As Dr. Roth explains, it’s all about satisfying their urges to scratch something, which they will either hold onto or dispose of. 

A cat’s bodily structure also allows them to squeeze through tight spaces. As the Maryland-based Catonsville Cat Clinic explains, a feline’s shoulder blades are attached to their bodies by muscles, not bones, making it easier for them to contort. 

These features also give them an evolutionary advantage. As International Society of Feline Medicine head Nathalie Dowgray explained to Live Science in an interview, cats' ability to fit into tiny crevices allows them to hunt small prey while enabling them to hide from potential predators.

However, cats may squeeze into spaces in your house that are not safe for them. Washers, dryers, and unseen crawlspaces are examples, and owners should be aware of these. 

Cats Protection UK advises blocking off areas where your beloved pets may find themselves trapped to avoid possible mishaps. This includes closing your toilet lids to prevent them from climbing in and drowning. 

We would also like to hear from our readers, especially feline parents. Do you always find your pet cats in the oddest places in your house? Which was the most peculiar of all? Share them in the comments below!