How to choose a house for a cat?

Types of cat houses

There are several varieties of cat houses, each of which is designed for certain breeds. To understand which house for a cat is better to choose in your particular case, be guided by the nature and rhythm of your pet.

• If your pet is phlegmatic and prefers a measured lifestyle, then pay attention to cat houses such as a sunbed or booth. These are static single-level bedding. Sometimes they can have a covered shape, then the cat will be able to hide from the outside world and fully relax in his personal space. Such houses are usually made of soft materials, they are also suitable for kittens, pregnant and elderly cats.

• An interesting type of house-lounger is a hammock. It can be hung on a wall or battery, this option is perfect for small apartments, as it saves space.

• Owners of hyperactive animals should pay attention to play complexes. These are multi-level structures, which include not only a holiday house, but also all kinds of obstacle courses, scratching posts, observation platforms, hanging toys and much more. Such designs will distract your pet from curtains, chandeliers and backs of upholstered furniture. Ideal for older kittens who are in a hurry to explore the world and the possibilities of their playful paws.

What to look for when choosing?

When choosing any house for a cat, several important criteria should be considered:

• natural materials. It can be cotton, wood, wicker, thick cardboard or natural wool. Any hypoallergenic textures;

• Safety and quality. All fasteners must be in good condition, and the house must be stable. Do not choose staggering complexes. Otherwise, the cat may drop the house on itself during the game, and this will forever discourage the desire to use it;

• Choose a house according to the size of your cat;

• The minimum height of a comfortable scratching post is 80 cm (post height). Pay attention to the distance between the shelves: there should not be too many of them at a small distance, otherwise the cat will not be able to use them.

The best cat houses

We have selected some of the best cat houses that come in different price ranges and are suitable for different breeds and situations.

Homecat scratching post-tunnel “Cat’s Joy”

Price at the time of publication: 897 rubles.

The simplest cat claw house is made of corrugated cardboard. Cats just love to sharpen their claws on this material. In such a booth, the cat will be comfortable to sleep and play. There is a wide variety of similar cardboard houses, you can find very simple and budget options.

Pros: a budget option; light and compact; eco-friendly; the design is simple and concise.

Cons: short-lived material, after a couple of years a cat can ruin the house with teeth and claws.

Homecat scratching post-tunnel “Cat’s Joy” – www.petshop.ru

wigwam house

Price at the time of publication: from 600 rubles.

This spacious and modest house has gained popularity in social networks. It is perfect for cats of all sizes. It is made of natural materials, wood and cotton. The inner cushion can be washed and used separately from the tent.

Pros: low cost; you can fold it and carry it with you; natural materials and modest minimalist design; does not deform; removable bottom; There are sizes for different breed types.

Cons: volumetric design; not very stable if you have a hyperactive pet; no claws.

Lodge-teepee – aliexpress.ru

Cat house Triol “Cat House” made of felt

Price at the time of publication: 2 490 rubles.

Very original house for a cat with ears. It is made of natural felt, so it breathes very well – the pet will be comfortable in it both in winter and in summer.

Pros: natural materials; detachable top; removable pillow that can be easily washed in a washing machine; compact dimensions; easy to carry and fold; looks original and stylish; quite practical and resistant to claws and teeth material; relatively low cost.

Cons: felt has a specific smell that not everyone likes. In addition, felt very quickly absorbs odors and moisture, so the house will have to be washed quite often. No claws.

House Triol “Cat’s House” made of felt – www.ozon.ru

Sheepskin battery hammock Triol TB-13

Price at the time of publication: 1 050 rubles.

This is a convenient and practical design in which your cat will feel very comfortable. The hammock can be placed on any battery up to 12 cm wide so that the pet can warm up in the cold season. Natural sheepskin is soft and warm, the depth of the product will allow the cat to relax without fear of rolling to the floor.

Pros: very strong metal frame; warm natural sheepskin; universal mount for any home radiator; does not heat up from the battery; ease of operation; easy to clean from wool and dust with a brush; can be machine washed; low cost; mobility; minimalistic and universal design; does not require a separate place in the apartment.

Cons: in the hot season, the cat may be uncomfortable on the fur bed; Only suitable for small to medium sized cats.

Sheepskin battery hammock Triol TB-13 — www.onlinetrade.ru

Scruffs Thermal Lounger

Price at the time of publication: 2 680 rubles.

The soft plush heated bed is perfect for all breeds of cats, bald cats will especially appreciate its additional heating function. The product is made of high-quality textiles, on top – velveteen, the interior – from plush. The heating element is a layer of foil that retains heat for a long time.  

Pros: soft and high-quality materials; cozy design; beautiful color in several versions; convenient to use; does not take up much space; easy to wash in the machine at a temperature not exceeding 30⁰; the heating system and high sides will give maximum comfort to the pet during sleep; spacious area suitable for cats of all breeds and sizes; a high-quality universal product that, with proper care, will last for a long time; low cost.

Cons: a heating system is not always appropriate, it may be superfluous in a warm climate, a room that is too well heated, or if the cat has a very thick warm coat.

Scruffs Thermal Lounger for cats — www.ozon.ru

Set of shelves for cats “Step in a square” Hunnkatt

Price at the time of publication: 2 750 rubles.

This is an unusual house for a cat in the form of steps. You can wander along them and lie down to rest if the steps are wide enough. They are attached to the wall, which allows the cat to master vertical spaces and feel safe at height. It is very important to create a “way” for the cat with such steps. That is, the steps should not be interrupted in the air. The next step for the cat should be a closet, window sill, sideboard – an even higher surface. Offer such shelves for an aggressive or shy cat and after a while you will see that the animal has become more friendly and calm.

Pros: an interesting design that the cat will explore with pleasure; pleasant to the touch, high-quality finishing materials; carpet scratching post on the steps; you can do it yourself. Such shelves are advised by zoopsychologists to correct undesirable behavior of cats.

Cons: the installation and fastening of the structure must be carefully considered so that the cat can move freely. Shelves are difficult to move. You have to drill holes in the wall.

Hunnkatt Square Step Cat Shelf Set – hunnkatt.com

Wicker couch Deer Wood

Price at the time of publication: 2 600 rubles.

An elegant wicker cat house with a soft cushion and a wicker canopy looks very sophisticated. In addition to the original appearance, it has high strength. Such a house can be purchased at an affordable price, it is pleasant to place it in any interior.

Pros: natural materials; good quality and structural strength; nice soft pillow that is easy to take out and wash in the machine; withstands even the sharpest teeth and claws; compact; easy to carry; ideal for the warm season, and it can be insulated for the winter period; low cost.

Cons: large cats in it can be crowded; natural vine tends to dry out; not suitable for very damp rooms.

Wicker couch Deer Wood — www.deerwood.ru

Euro-4H complex “Kotograd”

Price at the time of publication: 7 449 rubles.

This cat house combines not only a place for a pet to rest, but also a scratching post. It can be made in several colors at the discretion of the owner. Solid wood scratching post upholstered with cotton rope.

Pros: natural materials; multilevel system with several sections for rest and play; the ability to choose an individual style; durable stable construction; quality assembly; The bed is machine washable.

Cons: high price; poor mobility; may not be suitable for small spaces; not suitable for phlegmatic breeds.

Euro-4H complex “Kotograd” — kotograd.ru

Game complex IK-21 with a ladder

Price at the time of publication: 6 000 rubles.

Pay attention to mushroom-type houses with a high scratching post and a bench at the top.

Pros: compact and at the same time multi-level; suitable for rest and play; built-in scratching post; neat appearance.

Cons: poor mobility.

Game complex IK-21 with a ladder – fluffy pet.rf

Cat scratching post KIRSTY with three beds

Price at the time of publication: 12 499 rubles.

Cube houses are very stable and, despite their size, do not look bulky. They can be leaned against a corner. Such houses look stylish, perfectly fit into any interior. The artificial fur of the bedding is very soft and pleasant to the touch.

Pros: the scratching post along the outer perimeter is quite large-scale, made of high-quality materials; four sections for sleep; stable; suitable for cats of all sizes and breeds; perfect for playful kittens.

Cons: high price; problematic transportation (weight almost 16 kg); difficult to clean as the upholstery is not removable.

House-scratching post KIRSTY with three beds — 4lapy.ru

December 22 2020

Updated: February 13, 2021