[lucideer]

> I suspect they still prefer real ones if they have the choice

That would seem intuitive but the specific piece of citizen science research in this comment thread (not the OP) gave them that choice and found that they did not in fact prefer it.

It's (a) a small sample size & (b) an extremely uncontrolled environment, so I'd take it with a liberal pinch of salt, but this is why they're calling for further formal research.

It certainly seems more logical that they would prefer a real box, but that makes the possibility of them not preferring it all the more curious.

[rob74]

After reading the abstract, I think they only tested with "real" (but still 2D) squares and "illusory" (Kanizsa) squares, not with actual (3D) boxes.

[lucideer]

Ah! I think you're right - I misread.

Probably (slightly) less interesting in that case, but still pretty cool.

[AceyMan]

I don't have any cats atm, but my BFF does. I brought over some circular placemats and set a couple on the floor and the large ottoman that sits in front of the sofas. After a few hours you can guess what had happened.