These Cats in Boxes Are Taking Pet Pilates to a Whole New Level With Their Purrfectly Flexible Poses

Cata Holmes • Writer

Oct 27, 2026 6:15 AM EDT

Who needs a yoga mat when you've got a cardboard box, and you're a cat?

Have you ever seen how a cat can shape-shift and squeeze into the tiniest space? Honestly, it's an amazing thing to see. I really cannot understand how they can flex their bones and their whole body just to squeeze through a tiny hole in the wall or fit into the smallest box in the house. How can they find that comfortable? Also, did you know there's no scientific name for that ability? Who would have thought! I don't know of any other animal on Earth with such a gift, and I find it crazy that no one has decided to name it. Well, not the scientists, at least. Because the internet world decided to call that "Liquid cats", and it fits perfectly.

Although no scientist has given this cat feature a nerdier name, one did study it to understand how cats think when they try to fit into small spaces. A 2024 study called "Cats are (almost) liquid" examined exactly this: how they squeeze into narrow spaces and adjust their bodies to fit, no matter how small or uncomfortable it might be.

This ability really amazes me, and I'm intrigued to understand why they do it. Maybe there's no reason, and they like to flex their bodies… maybe they find it relaxing. That's why I find it funny to compare it to pet Pilates. If you think about it, one leg squeezing the other, sucking in the belly, twisting and turning, it sounds like a stretching class or a Pilates session. So, perhaps cats are working out when doing this! And kudos to them! Just looking at them motivates me to get my work out in!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Now, let's leave science aside and let's think about why cats insist on choosing the most uncomfortable-looking places to relax. Pawparents laugh when they think that they've spent thousands of dollars on expensive beds and comfy pillows, only to find their cat resting on the Amazon box that arrived a couple of hours ago. I sometimes laugh thinking they must love seeing themselves spend that much money on things they won't use… ever! Maybe that's a good lesson for anyone who's going to have a cat soon. Instead of buying useless stuff, get a box! Your cat and your wallet will appreciate it.
01

via u/Sharp_Spinach5616
02

via u/TouchArtistic7247
03

via u/Garden_Jolly
04

via u/rougev123
What do you think about this cat in the middle of their pet Pilates class? They seem like happy and chill cats! What else do you want from them? Maybe that's the secret with cats… they don't need much to feel safe and happy, and the same could apply to us. Why look for happiness in material things when the only thing that matters is keeping that little feline in us content? While we keep chasing bigger houses, promotions at work, and fancier clothes, cats show us that a cardboard box makes them the happiest. Happiness doesn't come from money, but from appreciating what we already have around us.
05

via u/Quatrinn
06

via u/ProudnotLoud
07

via u/ProudnotLoud
08

via u/Moonbearcat
09

via u/TylerKaczmarek23
10

via u/GalacticCrash
11

via u/sudeep213
12

via u/Seriously-417
13

via u/Budget_Solution6660
14

via u/Cyber_Twak
15

via u/Significant_Dream_38
16

via u/ProudnotLoud
17

via u/IM_the_Mark
18

via u/reallytraci
19

via u/ProudnotLoud
20

via u/spaceambulance
21

via u/AMLC64