Proper housing is essential for a cat’s health and wellbeing. As cat owners, it’s important we provide our feline companions with a living space suited to their natural instincts and needs. The right cat house can provide security, comfort, and enrichment for everyday life. In this article, we’ll explore the different factors to consider when choosing or building the ideal cat house.
Indoor vs Outdoor Housing
When it comes to cat housing, owners must decide between keeping their cats indoors or letting them go outside. There are pros and cons to both options that must be weighed.
Indoor housing provides many advantages when it comes to cat safety and health. Indoor cats are protected from common outdoor dangers like cars, predators, diseases spread by other cats, and getting lost. Indoor cats also tend to live longer lives, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years versus just 2-5 years for outdoor cats (1). However, some downsides exist too. Indoor cats may experience boredom, excess energy, obesity, and stress without enough interactive play and exercise. Owners must provide ample enrichment indoors.
Outdoor access provides cats with fresh air, additional space to roam, and opportunities to play and hunt. However, unsupervised outdoor access comes with significant risks. Outdoor cats face dangers like fights with other animals, getting hit by cars, becoming lost, exposure to parasites and deadly diseases, and cruel humans. Additionally, outdoor cats negatively impact native wildlife through hunting and competition for resources (2).
In summary, indoor housing with supervised outdoor access, such as with enclosed “catios,” provides an ideal middle ground for many cat owners. This allows cats to experience the mental enrichment of being outside while safely avoiding the many perils faced by free-roaming outdoor cats.
Sources:
(1) https://undercoverpethouses.com/blog/indoor-vs-outdoor-cat-housing-pros-and-cons/
(2) https://undercoverpethouses.com/blog/?page=2
Materials
The most common materials used for building cat houses are wood, plastic, and fabric. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood such as plywood, timber, and resin is commonly used for outdoor cat houses and shelters. Wood provides insulation and is durable. Cedar and redwood are rot-resistant woods good for outdoor use. Wood cat houses should be sanded smooth and treated with pet-safe sealants. Classic design and modern materials meet to create the world’s best insulated, most weather resistant, and most comfortable cat houses.
Plastic such as polyethylene is waterproof, easy to clean, and chew-resistant but provides less insulation. Plastic cat houses are lightweight and portable. Some plastics can become brittle in cold weather.
Fabric like canvas, nylon, and fleece is often used for indoor cat houses and beds. Fabric is soft, lightweight, and collapsible but less durable. Outdoor fabric shelters require weatherproofing treatments. Manufacturers choose many different materials for their cat house construction.
The optimal materials for cat shelters depend on factors like indoor vs outdoor use, insulation needs, weight, chew-resistance, and weatherproofing.
Size
When it comes to cat houses, size matters. Cats need adequate room to move around, stretch out, and feel comfortable in their homes. As the Bideawee organization notes, the minimum recommended size for a single cat house is about 12” x 18” x 12”, but bigger is usually better. Larger houses allow cats more space to relax and nestle into cozy spots.
If the interior dimensions of a cat house are too small, cats may refuse to use it or have trouble fitting inside. Small spaces can also prevent cats from properly regulating their body temperature and retaining heat in cold weather. Providing a cat house that is sufficiently roomy helps ensure your feline companion will take full advantage of the shelter.
For multi-cat households, even more interior space is ideal so each cat can have their own area. Alley Cat Allies recommends a minimum size of 2 feet by 3 feet for sheltering multiple cats. The house should also be tall enough for cats to comfortably stand and move around inside. Following size guidelines helps provide a livable refuge cats will appreciate.
Levels
Multi-level cat houses provide vital vertical space that cats instinctively crave. As natural climbers, cats love reaching new heights and perching up high (Meowa). Adding different platforms or shelves at various elevations allows cats to fully indulge these instincts. According to experts, multi-tiered cat houses and trees enable cats to satisfy their desire to climb, scratch, play, and relax off the ground (Cat Tree Haven).
Multi-leveled cat houses also provide cats with a sense of security and ownership over their territory. When cats can access different vantage points from which to survey their surroundings, they feel more in control. This appeals to their natural hunting behaviors and territorial nature. Overall, vertical space makes indoor cats happier and more fulfilled.
Scratching Posts
Scratching posts are an essential part of any cat house. Cats have an instinctual need to scratch, allowing them to mark their territory and remove dead layers from their claws. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces prevents damage to furniture and allows cats to satisfy their natural scratching urge.
Scratching posts come in a variety of materials, but many experts recommend sisal rope or corrugated cardboard. Sisal provides a rough texture that cats enjoy scratching. Its fibers also help remove frayed layers from cat claws as they scratch [1]. Cardboard scratchers are inexpensive and allow cats to tear and shred them. Both materials provide a satisfying scratching substrate.
Scratching posts should be tall enough for cats to stretch fully when scratching, and heavy enough not to tip over during use [2]. Multiple scratching posts around the house allow cats easy access to appropriate surfaces. Providing suitable scratching materials is crucial for any indoor cat environment.
Overall, scratching posts in cat houses let cats act on their natural behaviors. They provide mental and physical stimulation while protecting home furnishings. Keeping cats’ claws healthy and providing appropriate scratching outlets is a key consideration in any cat-friendly home.
Bedding
When choosing bedding for an outdoor cat house, the main goal is to provide comfortable, warm, and dry bedding that repels moisture. The most popular and recommended outdoor cat house bedding is straw, not hay. Straw is the dry stalks leftover after crops are harvested. Unlike hay, straw repels moisture while still providing insulation. Straw allows cats to burrow and nest while staying dry <1>[https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/straw-not-hay-for-outdoor-cat-shelters/]. Other good bedding options are cedar shavings, recycled newspaper pellets, or Styrofoam insulation boards <2>[https://forum.chronofhorse.com/t/bedding-for-an-outside-stray-cat-house/779746]. Avoid using fabric items like towels, blankets, cat beds or mats as they will become wet, freeze, and get moldy. The best bet for outdoor cat housing is straw or another moisture-wicking natural fiber bedding.
Litter Box
One of the most important considerations for a cat house is providing an adequate litter box. Cats are very particular about their litter boxes, so it’s important to choose one that meets their needs. According to The New York Times, extra large litter boxes with high walls are ideal because they allow cats enough room to turn around and scratch. The Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box is a top choice because of its spacious interior and low entrance that makes it easy for cats to enter and exit.
Litter boxes should be big enough for the cat to comfortably turn around in. Kittens and older cats may need a lower entrance. Covered boxes help contain odors but some cats prefer open boxes. Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area in the home. Cats like privacy when going to the bathroom. Providing an adequate, clean litter box is one of the most important elements in keeping cats happy and house trained inside their home.
Toys and Play Areas
Toys and play areas are an important consideration when providing housing for cats. Cats have an inherent need to stalk, pounce, scratch, and play. Providing adequate toys and play space allows them to engage in these natural behaviors. This is key for their physical and mental wellbeing.
Be sure to provide a variety of toy types for your cat. Interactive toys that inspire chasing and pouncing are ideal. Examples include wand toys, balls, and toy mice. Scratching posts and scratch pads allow cats to scratch, stretch, and mark their territory. Puzzles and treat balls provide mental stimulation. Rotate toys to prevent boredom.
Cat towers, perches, and shelving provide play areas where cats can climb and survey their territory from above. Be sure play areas are stable and offer easy access. Placement near windows allows cats to observe outdoor activity.
By providing appropriate toys and dedicating play space, you can keep your cat active and enriched within their home environment. This promotes good physical and mental health.
Conclusion
In summary, providing the ideal housing for your cat is crucial for their health and happiness. Cats are natural climbers, so multi-level housing with ramps and perches allows them to express their natural behaviors. The material, size, scratching posts, bedding, litter box, and toys should all be chosen with your specific cat’s needs and preferences in mind. While cats enjoy exploring the outdoors, an indoor or enclosed cat house is safest for protecting them from cars, predators, diseases, and other hazards. By understanding your cat’s needs and adjusting their housing accordingly, you can create a comfortable space they will enjoy spending time in.
Proper cat housing keeps cats physically and mentally stimulated, while also keeping them safe from harm. With some planning and attention to your cat’s unique personality, you can provide them with an enriching home environment that suits their natural instincts and desires.