How To Choose The Best Cat House For Your Cat – CatTime
You want to give your cat the best, and that means a spot where they can feel safe taking a nap. The best cat house can give you just that. There are many of these products out there, however. Choosing the right one that will be suitable for your cat can feel overwhelming, considering the many options on the market today. In this article we share our selection of the top cat houses that you can buy to satisfy your pet and make them feel safe.
Best Choice
One piece house structure
Pros:
Two versions available: heated or unheated. It comes in different color options and it can be used indoors or outdoors. Two built-in exit points for your cat, which comes with flaps to protect against weather conditions. It comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Cons:
This house is not an ideal option for a large cat. People with multiple cats might want to consider an alternative option.
Best for Winter
With electric heat mat and plug in timer
Pros:
Creative and attractive design. It comes with a removable heating pad. The timer automatically switches the heating pad off for safety. Weatherproofing helps keep your cat safe when using the house outside.
Cons:
One of the more expensive options. It might not be suitable for large cats. It should not be used in the rain.
Best Durable Cat House
Easy, no-tools-required assembly
Pros:
A truly festive product that comes with additional toys that are focused on the Christmas holidays. A relatively affordable option considering the specific features that come with the purchase of the cat house. The house is also available in alternative designs and shapes. There is a built-in scratchpad in the house, giving your cat an area to scratch their nails without causing damage to your furniture.
Cons:
This is definitely not the best quality option that you will find on the market today, as the entire house is made from basic wooden material. The house should not be used outside, as rain and other weather conditions can cause damage to its structure. The addition of Christmas-based toys and designs means this is a product that serves a purpose only during a short time of the year.
Best with Escape Door
high-quality with spacious interior
Pros:
A triangular shape that provides ample space for a cat to relax on the inside. The addition of an escape door makes it easy for a cat to get out in an emergency situation. Assembly is relatively easy due to the pre-drilled holes. Available in a painted or naked option. The cat house also comes with a one-year warranty period. Weatherproof material used on the inside makes this ideal for outdoor environments.
Cons:
The price may be high for some potential customers, especially when compared to other models on the market. The painted version of the cat house is only available in one single color. Larger cats might also not fit comfortably into the cat house.
Best Design Cat House
Plastic flap on the back escape door
Pros:
Very unique shape. Two open areas for your cat to relax in the sun. Large internal area for the cat to nap. It contains a single stair for added convenience against water damage. It comes in two colors.
Cons:
High price tag. Mostly appropriate for outdoor use only.
What Really Matters?
Purpose
Start by considering the purpose of the cat house Many people decide to get their hands on this type of structure to provide their cats with a safe spot to spend time outside. This, however, is not always the purpose of the house. You might want to add a cat house on the inside that could provide your cat with their own special place to nap.
When you first know where you will be placing the cat house and what its primary purpose would be, then the process of shopping for one becomes much easier. If you are looking for a cat house that you can place outside, you will have to consider a product that comes with insulation and a special roof that will help to keep water out when it rains and protect your cat against the wind and sun. On the other hand, if the product will be used on the inside of your house, you don’t have to worry about weather conditions.
Size
The size of the cat house should also be of concern. By now, you know whether the house will go inside or outside. Now, consider how much space you have available in the area you will be placing the cat house. This will give you an idea of which options you will be able to opt for. If your space is very limited, such as in a case where you live in a small apartment, then you would obviously not go out and buy the biggest cat house that you can find.
Materials and Durability
You want to buy the best cat house that will give your pet a safe spot for a long time. Thus, consider the materials from which the product is made before making a purchase. These houses can be made from various materials, so make sure you choose one produced from a durable material. If you are going to place the cat house outside, then you also need to ensure the material used in its construction will be able to withstand weather conditions like constant exposure to the sun, as well as be resistant to water on rainy days.
In most cases, a cat house that is meant to be placed outdoors will feature a wooden construction. Insulation will often be used to help reduce the effects of rain on the product.
Features and Design
Consider what you want the cat house to offer your pet. If you are going to be using it outside, make sure that there is some space for the cat to enjoy the sun, but also an area where they are protected from any type of weather conditions.
The look of the cat house may also be an important deciding factor for you. If this is the case, look for a product that has a design and color option that will suit the area where you will place the structure.
What’s in Right Now?
Outside cat houses are getting more popular recently. These products are often wooden structures that give your cat a way to sleep while they are outside safely. At the same time, the cat house would also provide your cat protection against rain, wind, and any other weather conditions. These outside cat houses come in different shapes and sizes, which also makes them ideal for a person who would like the structure to complement the existing design of their backyard.
Prices
Cheap
$70 to $90 gets you a relatively basic cat house.
Mid-Range
$90 to $110 gets you a good quality option that may offer limited weatherproof features.
Expensive
$110 to $130 gets you a durable option that can withstand rain and other weather conditions.
FAQs
Can I use a cat house outside?
The answer to this question depends on the specific cat house. Some of these products can be used outside, while others would not provide adequate protection against water, which makes them less ideal for rainy situations. There are a couple of cat houses on the market that are specifically produced for the outdoors. Always make sure that the product’s manufacturer specifically mentions that it is good for outdoor use if you are planning to place it outside in the yard.
Why is an escape door important?
You will see many of these cat houses feature an escape door, especially when the product is made to be used outside. The primary reason for an escape door is to give your cat a way of quickly getting out of the house if they face danger. This is also why the escape door is important–should a wild animal enter the house while your cat is inside; for example, the escape door gives them an alternative route of getting out quickly. If you live in an area where there might be certain wild animals lurking around in the neighborhood, then ensuring the cat house you buy comes with an escape door if you wish to place it outdoors should be something to consider.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.