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Choosing the Right Cat House
In this Article
As the name implies, cat houses are cozy little structures for your feline friend to explore, rest, and sleep inside. Cats are natural explorers, so they love a little variety in their environment. At the same time, cats love to nest and have a safe, familiar spot to come back to. A cat house provides the best of both worlds: stimulation and excitement as well as comfort and safety.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cat House
Cat houses can be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor cat houses are great ways to give your outdoor cat shelter and protection from the elements. It’s important that these be practical as well as stylish and fun, with a weatherproof finish and flaps to keep out wind and rain. An indoor cat house, on the other hand, is perfect for giving your cat a space to relax, get comfy and retreat when they need some solitude.
Are Cat Houses the Same as Cat Condos?
Cat houses are similar to cat condos, but there are some slight differences that your feline friend might have opinions on! (And as any pet parent knows—they will let you know those opinions without hesitation.) A cat house is typically a smaller, simpler structure that provides shelter and warmth for your kitty. The name of the cat house game: cozy. Cat houses were made for those couch-potato cats who love a long nap amid a restful hideaway.
Meanwhile, a cat condo is more of a luxurious resort for adventure. Imagine a miniature jungle gym for kitties; a multi-level structure filled with all sorts of fun and exciting features for your kitty to explore. Cat condos often have scratching posts for claw maintenance, climbing walls and all sorts of interactive toys to keep your kitty entertained and channeling their inner mountain lion.
Cat Houses vs. Cat Trees
Cat houses, cat trees, cat gyms—what’s the difference? And does your cat really need one of each?
Well, they might say yes…but a lot of these words mean very similar things. All these cat-focused structures are designed to give your cats new surfaces to explore and relax on. Some cat trees are deliberately intended to be more stimulating and may include fun elements like toys and scratching spots, while others are soft, cushy and meant for afternoon naps stretched out in the sun. In general, cat houses refer to covered structures, while cat trees are open and meant for climbing up and down.
How to Pick Out Your Cat House
Ready to get your cat house? Lucky for you, the world of feline real estate is pretty straightforward—no broker or mortgage needed. There are just a few important criteria to pay attention to when shopping for cat houses.
- Size. It’s important that you find the correct size for your cat to comfortably exit and enter the house. If your cat has more to love than the average feline, make sure to size up on your cat house.
- Materials. Wooden and plastic cat houses are the sturdiest options, keeping your cat warm and dry while withstanding any scratches. Look for water-resistant materials that will hold up to some wear and tear.
- Style. Any pampered cat deserves a luxury villa. Style knows no bounds. Go on, treat your kitty to a three-story outdoor cat house.
Making an Outdoor Cat House into a Cat Home
Want to make your outdoor cat house cozier? Add straw or shredded newspaper to the interior, which will add warmth and soft padding for your cat to lie on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do cats like cat houses?
Yes! Cats love to feel warm and cozy. Cat houses create a dark, den-like environment for them to feel secure and rest. If you’re introducing a new cat house to your cat, you can plant catnip in the house to help them feel even more excited and attracted to the new space. But as long as the cat house is warm, comfortable, and easy to enter and exit, any cat is sure to love exploring and snoozing in a cat house.
What is the best material for a cat house?
For an outdoor cat house, look for one that’s made with sturdy, water-resistant materials like wood or plastic. Insulated walls and soft padding on the floor are sure to keep your cat warm and cozy.
How do I keep my outdoor cat warm in the winter?
For cats that spend most of their time outdoors, an outdoor cat house can be a great way to keep your cat warm and cozy even throughout cooler nights. Make sure to pack your cat house with insulating materials, like straw or shredded newspaper.
Do cat houses keep cats warm?
Yes, cat houses are very effective at keeping cats warm. Make sure to look for a cat house that has insulated walls and protective flaps to trap heat and protect against wind or rain. Some cat houses even come with heating options to keep your feline furball warm and toasty in the coldest of climates.
Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.
