Cats of all breeds are champions at finding cozy (and sometimes questionable) hideaways in our homes. But wouldn’t gifting them one of the best cat houses be wonderful? It can offer them a dedicated sanctuary and a place to relax while also unleashing their inner hunter with a dangling toy and helping them feel safe and secure.
Have you ever seen your cat burrow under the bedspread, squeeze into that impossible gap between the couch and the wall, or transform your favorite sweater into a personal nest? Then you know the importance of a good cat house. Well, we can call it a house, but they will call it their mansion, residence, or a place of refuge — can we argue with them?
From cozy indoor retreats to durable outdoor havens, we have rounded up several options that your feline friend will fancy (or so we hope!).
Do I Need a Cat House for an Indoor Cat?
While not strictly necessary, a cat house can enhance your indoor cat’s comfort and well-being. Here’s why:
Provides a Safe Space
A cat house offers a secluded retreat where your feline friend can relax and feel secure. Cats are creatures of comfort, and they love to snuggle up in warm, comfortable spaces.
Mimics Natural Behavior
Cats are naturally inclined to seek out enclosed spaces that make them feel secure, and a cat house satisfies this instinct.
Enhances Sleep Quality
A cozy cat house can improve your cat’s sleep quality and overall comfort. However, pay attention to the size; cats enjoy houses that match their size. A bigger-sized breed like a Maine Coon will need a more spacious palace compared to a petite Singapura.
Reduces Stress
A dedicated space can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially in multi-pet households. Additional features, such as scratching posts, toys, or elevated platforms, can provide much-needed mental stimulation and entertainment for your cat while they are inside the house.
Variety of Options
Cat houses come in various styles, sizes, and materials to suit your cat’s preferences and enhance your home decor.
Do Outdoor Cats Need Cat Houses?
Absolutely! The well-being of an outdoor cat is directly dependent on shelter from the elements. Here’s why:
Weather Protection
Cat houses shield cats from harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures, ensuring their comfort and safety year-round.
Safe Haven
It provides a secure space that helps cats feel protected from predators and other threats, reducing stress and anxiety.
Comfort and Privacy
All cats like to be comfortable, and a cozy cat house allows cats to rest and relax undisturbed, promoting overall well-being.
Year-round Shelter
It is essential for both summer shade and winter warmth, ensuring your cat stays comfortable in any season.
The Best Cat Houses to Buy in 2024
We at CatTime understand that it is not easy for you to pick something for your cat that they will take an immediate liking to. This is why we have scoured the market to bring you a curated selection of the best cat houses available.
BEST OVERALL
Bedsure Cat House With Fluffy Ball and Scratch Pad
PHOTO CREDIT: Bedsure
Why We Love
Spacious design
Durable construction
Features a scratch post and a hanging ball
Cushion covers are machine washable
Easy to fold and store
Suitable for multi-cat households
But…
It may be too small for bigger cats
With its wholesome design and value-for-money features, the Bedsure cat house is at the top of our list. Your cat is sure to love its 2-in-1 design. While the enclosed bottom compartment is a perfect private spot for napping and lounging, the spacious top platform gives them a great vantage point to observe the goings on in your house. Ideal for multi-cat homes, it offers enough space for both playtime and individual snooze sessions.
This foldable cat house is made from pet-safe MDF materials with CARB Certification and soft lambswool fabric, delivering both safety and comfort. It even features a built-in sisal scratching post to help keep your furniture safe and a playful hanging ball to keep your kitty entertained. Plus, the easy assembly and removable and washable cushions ensure effortless cleaning and maintenance.
BEST FOR INDOOR CATS
WINDRACING Cat Cave Cat House
PHOTO CREDIT: Windracing
Why We Love
Plush interior
Non-skid bottom
Removable cushion is machine washable
Bite-resistant material
Looks stylish
2-in-1 design
But…
The whole house isn’t machine washable
The WINDRACING Cat Cave looks so good you’d almost wish they made it for humans, too. The interior is lined with a super soft, plush fabric that keeps your cat warm and cozy, while the arched top of this large indoor cat house ensures they have plenty of headroom to stretch out comfortably. The 2-in-1 design allows you to fold the top down and convert it into an open bed for when your feline friend doesn’t feel like being cooped up inside the house.
Made with high-quality, bite-resistant materials, this smart-looking cat cave can withstand the goofy antics of a playful house cat, and its non-skid bottom ensures it stays in place. The convenient handle feature makes the house perfect for home use or on-the-go adventures. What’s more? Cleaning it is easy, too! Simply take out the removable inner pad and machine wash it.
BEST FOR OLDER CATS
PETMAKER Cat House With Removable Foam Cushion
PHOTO CREDIT: Petmaker
Why We Love
Plush fabric
Lightweight design
Made from polyester and PU foam
Suitable for smaller cats
Removable cushion has orthopedic benefits
It comes in five colors
But…
It can only be hand-washed
Does your cat always look for a snug spot to kick back and relax? Then, their search ends with the PETMAKER Cat House. The enclosed design in lush polyester fabric creates a private sanctuary that’s as warm as it is comfortable. The covered design allows them to indulge in their love of burrowing and batting at imaginary foes from within.
Moreover, there’s a washable foam pad in the house that is ideal for older felines, giving their joints extra care — simply pull it out when it’s time for cleanup! Due to its portable design, kittens and tiny cats will find it super easy to use — take it anywhere with ease! You can pick one in five colors that blend seamlessly with your existing décor.
BEST CARDBOARD CAT HOUSE
SEKAM Cardboard Cat House With Scratcher
PHOTO CREDIT: SEKAM
Why We Love
Removable corrugated scratcher board
Spacious interior
Easy to assemble
Includes catnip
Features three windows
Available in a variety of cute villa and shop design patterns
But…
Cardboard may not be highly durable
If your furry friend can’t get enough of cardboard boxes, then they will love the SEKAM Cardboard Cat House. It is a cozy playhouse that features a dedicated scratching space, all rolled into one, to keep your cat entertained for hours. The spacious interior is comfortable enough for naps and playtime, while the removable corrugated scratcher board satisfies your house cat’s natural scratching instincts and promotes paw health.
Featuring a wider entrance for easy access, the house also has three windows for letting your kitty play peek-a-boo with the outside world. You don’t need any tools or glue to assemble it, and the flat-pack design allows for easy storage when not in use. The playhouse also comes with a catnip that may lure your feline friend to check it out. We love that it comes in three shop designs — burger, donut, and coffee, and two getaway villas — a forest cabin and a beach house! Pick one that best suits your cat’s purrs-nality.
BEST MULTI-LEVEL CAT HOUSE
FurHaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House
PHOTO CREDIT: FurHaven
Why We Love
Multi-level design
Corrugated cardboard surface
Eco-friendly
Includes toys
It comes with cat nip
Blank walls allow customization
But…
Not very easy to assemble
This multi-level cardboard cat house from FurHaven is a fun and functional way to keep your cat rested and entertained. The two levels of the house give them the freedom to choose where to play and where to sleep. No more worrying about your expensive furniture, as the corrugated cardboard surfaces mimic the texture of tree bark, providing your kitty with a satisfying scratching experience.
The durable cat house comes complete with two detachable toys — a playful hanging fish and a bouncy spring mouse — to keep your cat busy for hours. Plus, the customizable blank walls allow you and your kitty to unleash your inner artists and decorate the house any way you like. Our favorite part, though, is that it’s made from 90% recycled materials and uses non-toxic glue, making it a safe and sustainable choice for you and your pet.
BEST OUTDOOR CAT HOUSE
New Age Pet ECOFLEX Outdoor Feral Cat House
PHOTO CREDIT: New Age Pet
Why We Love
Durable construction
Insulated
Raised base
Two entry/exit points
Tool-free assembly
Ten-year warranty
But…
It may not be suitable for freezing weather
With the New Age Pet ECOFLEX Albany Outdoor Cat House, you can be sure your furry friend has a warm and secure place to call home, no matter the weather. Made with ECOFLEX — a unique blend of recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers — this house can withstand the toughest conditions and won’t fade, crack, splinter, rot, or attract pesky bugs.
Easy to assemble with tools, the cat house features two entry/exit points, giving your outdoor cat shelter while also allowing for a quick escape if needed. With its raised structure, this house remains both ventilated and dry, and thanks to the insulation from its double-walled construction, your outdoor friend can enjoy a cozy environment no matter the season.
BEST FOLDABLE CAT HOUSE
Hollypet Foldable Cat House
PHOTO CREDIT: Hollypet
Why We Love
Adorable pineapple design
Made from breathable and soft fabric
Lightweight and portable
Foldable design
Removable cushion is machine washable
Sturdy construction
But…
It might be too small for larger cat breeds
The adorable pineapple shape of the Hollypet Foldable Cat House can brighten any space you put it in. Imagine your cat lounging in a sanctuary made of gentle fabrics and springy foam — an ideal spot for relaxation. The removable cushion serves two purposes — a warm and enclosed cave in the winter and a breezy and open daybed for the summer months.
Built to last, its solid design ensures that smaller cat breeds enjoy safety and comfort, thanks to invisible corners and precise stitching. Cute and lightweight, this portable can be moved around easily and unfolded wherever life takes you — be it lounging at home, hanging out on the balcony, or hitting the road.
How We Chose the Best Cat Houses
At CatTime, our experts curated this list of the best Cat houses by assessing factors such as construction, comfort, insulation, size, and durability. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is the best type of house for a cat?
The best cat house depends on your cat’s size and personality. Playful cats might love a multi-level option, while shy cats prefer cozy, enclosed spaces. Most popular choices have features like soft bedding and durable construction.
Are cat houses good for cats?
Yes! Cat houses fulfill our feline friends’ natural instinct for privacy and security. They offer comfy napping spots, scratching surfaces, and mental enrichment, which can help reduce stress.
What kind of house do cats like?
Cats typically prefer houses that offer privacy, warmth, and comfort. They often favor enclosed spaces with soft bedding, cozy nooks, and elevated perches. It’s even better if they have scratching surfaces and multiple entry points.
What is the best shelter for an outdoor cat?
Choose a shelter that is weatherproof, insulated, and elevated off the ground to keep the cat warm and dry. It should also have multiple entry points, sturdy and durable construction, and bedding materials that can retain warmth.
Do cats sleep in cat houses?
Yes, many cats love to nap and curl up in cozy cat houses. They consider it an escape from the outside world where they can retreat for a secure, private, and restful sleep.
