If you own a cat, you’ve probably seen them sleep in some pretty unusual places. Boxes, laundry baskets and windowsills are all fair game, but sometimes your furry friend wants to take a cat nap away from prying eyes. That’s when a cat house becomes useful.
These small shelters can be purchased for both indoor and outdoor cats in a wide variety of styles. The Kitty Tube Insulated Cat House is the top pick for outdoor cats because it’s comfortable, well-insulated and constructed from eco-friendly materials.
If you’ve done any research on cat behavior, you may have come across the dweller theory of cat ownership. This theory states that all house cats are either bush dwellers or tree dwellers. Bush dwellers feel safest when they’re close to the ground. If your cat likes to sit beneath furniture or curl up under blankets, then they may be a bush dweller. Tree dwellers are cats who love to climb objects and can often be found on top of bookcases or other tall pieces of furniture. Knowing whether your cat is a tree dweller or a bush dweller can be very helpful for choosing a cat house they’re sure to love.
Cat houses can be found in a wide variety of styles, from traditional cottage-looking shelters to structures with a sleek, modern aesthetic. While the look of a cat house may not matter to your pet very much, you may want to look for a shelter that blends in with your existing decor.
Look for a cat house with multiple entrances, particularly if it’s being kept outdoors. Your cat will instinctively feel safer, and they’ll have additional means of escape should another cat or curious animal stop by.
Some cat houses have dangling stuffed mice and other toys attached to the entrance of the shelter. This can be a major selling point for a skeptical cat, particularly if the toy is infused with catnip.
The cost of a cat house depends on its size and construction. Simple fabric or plastic indoor shelters usually cost around $30-$80, while outdoor shelters with electric heating and other high-tech features can cost $120 or more.
A. Raccoons, possums and other curious animals may be attracted to the cat house. Avoid this issue by buying a shelter with a small, cat-sized door, and don’t leave out any food that could draw unwanted attention from the local wildlife.
A. Cats are notoriously picky and unpredictable animals. While nothing is a sure thing, you can make a cat house seem more appealing by throwing in cat treats and keeping it away from other animals.
The Kitty Tube Insulated Cat House
What you need to know: This top-rated shelter features thick insulation and a clever design that cats love.
What you’ll love: This solid structure is constructed from post-consumer recycled content and features thick insulation to keep your cat warm. The shelter also comes with a soft cat bed and a unique door design to keep out curious intruders.
What you should consider: There’s only one entrance, and the shelter doesn’t have a particularly attractive design.
PawHut Heated Indoor Cat House
What you need to know: This affordable cat house is portable and warm enough for chilly nights indoors.
What you’ll love: The shelter is water-resistant, collapsible for easy storage and comes with an electric heating pad for additional warmth. This simple design also features multiple entrances so your cat feels safe.
What you should consider: A few users reported that the zipper enclosure breaks easily, causing the structure to collapse.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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