Cat Houses

As lone wolves and animals with a very individual mindset, cats always rely on having an adequate place of retreat where they find calm and seclusion, as well as being able to observe their surroundings from a spot they consider safe. Hence, a cat house is an absolute must for cat owners. It can be built on multiple levels with lots of little hiding places, tunnels and spots to rest. Everything is designed for your pet to feel completely at ease. In order for a cat house to do its job well, you have to consider factors like the right size, place and insulation.

If you have your own garden and want to offer your cat a life in touch with nature, an outdoor cat house can make an important contribution to this. There are very attractive and imaginatively designed models that appeal to cats and are easy on their owners' eyes too. When making a purchase, make sure to buy a model for outdoors rather than for inside the home. A cat can use a winter-proof cat house all year round.

Outdoor cat houses need to be weather-resistant. High-quality models are usually made of wood and have a bitumen or asphalt-tiled roof covering. If your cat stays in its house in winter too, good insulation is essential. Models with at least one window ensure that your cat isn't in the dark. Removable roofs, floors and doors on the back make cleaning the cat house easier for you.

The inner surface area of a cat house should be between 0.25 and 0.5m2 for average-sized cats. Many designs offer cats extra space with a second or even third floor. There are also models with a roof terrace that your cat can reach via a small staircase.

Cats like to be able to see their surroundings, so it's worth choosing a spot from which your cat has a clear view of the entire garden. A shady spot is a good choice in the summer months so that the cat house doesn't get too hot. A spot protected from the wind, rain and snow is ideal in autumn and winter.

Cat houses are often made from coniferous woods such as pine or fir. They are often already glazed and painted at the factory, which increases weather resistance and durability. If you have bought an untreated wooden house, you can apply protective coating afterwards too. Make sure to choose a product safe for your cat's health. There are special glazes for small pet hutches that are also suitable for cat houses.

If you're buying a new cat house that should also be suitable for winter, ideally choose an insulated model. However, a non-insulated outdoor cat house can still be made winter-proof afterwards. Polystyrene panels are the easiest and cheapest option. Use it inside to cover the walls, ceiling and floor. You can also put insulating mats or even wooden shavings on the floor.