The Best Cat Houses For Indoor Cats
Cat houses for indoor cats vary from those designed for cats who spend most of their time outside. For one, they usually blend well with your existing decor and furniture. Features like plush bedding and scratch pads are the norm, and there's usually a cubby or hideaway for them to nap in. Whatever features you're looking for, we got them. Take a look at our curated selection.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best cat houses for indoor cats are durable, user-friendly, and easily integrated into your home. For example, we love the compact size of Bedsure’s cat bed. It’s perfect for apartments and smaller homes. However, if you have the room, consider Laifug’s jumbo wooden cat house. Even though it’s quite large, it’s tastefully designed. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Bedsure Cat Bed for Indoor Cats
Compact combo
We love how Bedsure’s cat bed makes use of its space. For one, both the roof and the cubby house cozy sherpa cushioning for lounging and napping. So, if you have two cats but limited square footage, we think this bed is a godsend. Then there are the little perks, like the scratch pad that encourages paw health and a dangling ball to entice play. It’s amazing that Bedsure can put so much in such a small cubby. If that’s not all, this cat bed is also foldable for easy storage and travel.
Pros:
- We found that picky felines seem to love everything about this cat bed.
- Due to its foldable design, it’s easy to both assemble and disassemble.
Cons:
- There’s no ventilation inside this bed, so it tends to smell after a while.
Laifug Jumbo Wooden Cat House
Plenty of room
Laifug’s cat house is perfect if you have the room. While indoor cats are more domesticated, they still have feral instincts. This cat house gives them enough territory to make them feel like they’re king of the jungle. The house itself is constructed from smooth splinter-free pine wood. And in lieu of glass, the door windows are made with a more durable transparent acrylic. But, whether the doors are opened or closed, this cat house features plenty of airflow, thanks to the vents covering a whole side of one of the walls. And since it’s ventilated, you can place your litterbox in there to reduce unwanted messes. It’s even large enough for a couple of beds and a feeding area. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- If this one is too big for you, Laifug also has a medium-sized house that fits one to two cats.
- Shy cats will appreciate the seclusion this jumbo house provides.
Cons:
- It’s really expensive, but given the quality, we think it’s worth it.
Kitty City Cat House
Comfy cubbies
Multi-cat homes, listen up — Kitty City’s stackable cat house is worth considering. It looks nice in your home, and the modular design allows for effortless expansion as your feline family grows. But the most important feature of this cat house is its comfort. While the fabric is strong enough for rough kitties, the cat house also includes four fluffy polyester cushions perfect for long afternoon naps by a sunny window. And when you’re ready for an addition, Kitty City has everything from tunnels to cubbies to turn your cat house into a mini-mansion.
Pros:
- We found that it’s really easy to assemble and clean.
- It’s sturdy enough to handle heavier cats, even ones in the 18-pound range.
Cons:
- Older cats may find it hard to leap onto the second and third levels of this house.
ASPCA Cat House & Scratcher
Keep it simple
Yes, this house is made of cardboard, but you’d be surprised at how durable it is, not to mention we adore the fun design. This cat house also includes a reversible and scratchable surface that we think your cat is going to love tearing into. And when the house has seen its last day, simply collapse the box and throw it away. But truth be told, it’s much more durable than we anticipated, so we think they’ll be enjoying this for quite some time.
Pros:
- This cat house is so affordable it may be worth getting more than one, so you can place them around the house.
- It should last you anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on how aggressive your cat is.
Cons:
- ASPCA advertises that the house comes with catnip, but that’s not always the case.
Pawristocrat Cat House Ottoman
Hidden in plain sight
Pawristocrat’s cat house integrates well into your home. It acts as a house for your cat and an ottoman for you. The reversible top provides you with a soft spot to rest your feet or a hard surface to place things like drinks, and remotes, along with other odds and ends. And let’s not forget about your cat. The bench-sized ottoman is roomy and comes with a machine-washable cushion. Anxious cats who still want to be a part of the action will appreciate the privacy this little hideaway offers.
Pros:
- Assembling this ottoman only takes a few minutes. The base pops up with one pull, so all you have to do is screw on the legs.
- We think this ottoman is ideal for cat owners who don’t want their home to be overrun with feline furniture.
Cons:
- The ottoman’s exterior fabric isn’t made for cats who love to scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which cat house to buy?
Unfortunately, cats are notoriously picky, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cat house out there. If possible, we’d recommend purchasing at least a couple of cat houses to see which one better suits your pet.
How can I encourage my cat to use their new house?
We’d recommend putting their favorite toys in the house along with a blanket or cushion with their scent. Enticing them with silvervine and catnip are good options as well.
About the Author
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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.