Cats' wellbeing often depends on a place of their own, cosy and suited to their natural needs. Long seen as something for dogs, the cat house is now being reinvented for cats, and more and more owners want to give their companion a special refuge of its own. Should you go for an elegant cat house or a discreet cat hut at the bottom of the garden? The right choice also depends on whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors – so here are all our tips for choosing well and understanding why the cat house has become a must for feline comfort at home.
To find out more, also explore our whole cat range and the outdoor cat house.
Why get a cat house?
Anyone who shares their life with a cat will have noticed its fascination with hiding places, baskets, boxes and quiet corners. It's not just the whim of a spoilt cat, but a real need rooted in its nature. Giving it a cat shelter goes far beyond adding a pretty touch to your decor.
Behind this simple accessory lies a real question of comfort and safety. Even domesticated, the cat has kept many behaviours inherited from its wild ancestors, including a deep need to withdraw from the hustle and bustle.
The psychological benefits of a dedicated space
Setting up your own cat house offers a reassuring cocoon, ideal for resting and calmly watching the world. It also reduces stress, especially in busy homes or where several pets live together. A cat cave or a cat igloo recreates the feeling of retreating into a protective den.
An enclosed space also helps your cat manage its own peace and quiet without fear of being disturbed. This kind of shelter supports emotional balance and helps prevent some anxiety-related problems in our whiskered friends.
A hygienic, practical plus
Having a dedicated corner stops hair spreading all over the house and makes it easier to wash your cat's bedding. Plus, putting a dedicated cat house in a well-chosen spot helps channel its presence and organise your living space better.
On a practical level, it also helps avoid untimely squatting in cupboards or under furniture, which makes running the home easier when you live with a curious cat.
The different types of cat house
Today there's an incredible range of models to suit every taste and need, whether your cat loves lazing around indoors or roaming the garden.
From the classic cat igloo covered in soft fabric to the cabin on stilts in chalet style, there's a perfect match for every cat.
Indoor cat houses: which to choose?
In a flat or a heated room, a cosy, compact and easy-to-clean cat house remains the favourite. Enclosed models, such as the cat cave or the cat igloo, offer warmth and privacy. Some include several levels of removable cushions, perfect for cats that like to perch.
The fabric should insulate well without smothering your cat or trapping moisture. You'll also find original models in felt or rattan, combining modern design with great functionality.
Outdoor cat shelters: how to choose
For four-legged adventurers that love exploring the garden, a sturdy, insulated cat hut is an excellent solution. The key is effective protection from rain, winter cold and draughts. Some outdoor shelters stand on legs to keep damp and standing water away.
To go with its first trips into the garden, an escape-proof cat harness with a lead lets you keep it close while it explores.
A small enough opening keeps unwanted visitors out, while tough materials make cleaning easier and add years of life. That goes for every cat shelter. Placing the shelter out of the wind and near a source of warmth adds even more comfort for your cat.
How to choose the right cat house
When it's time to buy, a few key criteria deserve careful attention. Your cat's build, age, sleeping habits and where the house will go largely determine the final choice.
Looks sometimes matter to humans, but the priority is, of course, the comfort and safety of your cat.
Ideal size and dimensions
A cat house that's too big may not reassure your cat, as it goes there for a snug, tucked-away feeling. Conversely, a cat shelter that's too cramped would be uncomfortable and uninviting. Allow enough room for your cat to turn around easily, but no more.
Measuring the space your cat takes up when lying down gives a solid basis for choosing the perfect size, whether it's a cat igloo in a compact size or a spacious outdoor cat house alike.
Materials and care
Fabrics should resist scratches and be easy to wash. A model with a removable cover is especially welcome, as it stops stubborn smells from building up. For outdoors, choose treated wood or certain tough, waterproofed resins.
Some cat shelters combine natural and synthetic materials, offering sturdiness, comfort and minimal upkeep. Keeping the sleeping corner clean naturally extends the product's life while providing a healthy space.
A few handy accessories to personalise the space
Personalising the cat house is anything but a minor detail! A few simple additions turn this shelter into a real feline paradise, wherever it's placed.
Well-chosen stimulating extras encourage your cat's independence and relaxation during its many naps.
A small plush toy or a mouse chosen from our toys to keep your cat busy can join it in the house and make the spot even more inviting.
- Thick cushions or heated pads, ideal for winter or older cats that feel the cold
- A built-in scratcher, so your cat doesn't use the cat house as a training ground for its claws
- Toys hanging at the entrance that invite solo play between naps
- A curtain or flap to partly darken the cat shelter if your cat prefers total privacy
Also remember to change the blankets regularly or add a cooling mat in hot weather. Adapting the cat house for each season adds even more enjoyment and comfort for your cat.
Where should you put the cat house to get the most out of it?
Where you put the cat house has a big impact on how your cat takes to it. Whether it's an indoor cat shelter or an outdoor cat house, there are a few sure-fire tips to help your cat adopt it.
If it lives indoors, pick a quiet corner, away from busy walkways, but without cutting your cat off from family life. A clear view of the room or a window can add extra appeal.
Not far from this refuge, a cat water fountain keeps water within reach so it doesn't have to cross the whole house.
If it lives outdoors, choose a spot sheltered from bad weather and direct sun. Placing the cat hut slightly off the ground limits damp and lets your cat discreetly keep an eye on its territory from its favourite lookout.
Adjusting the height and access also lets older cats or those with joint problems enjoy their refuge without difficulty.
Cat cave, igloo, dome or cabin: what's the difference?
With so many terms – cat cave, cat igloo, cat igloo or cat hut – it isn't always easy to tell these variants apart. Yet each one has its own features that appeal depending on the cat's character and needs.
The Enclosed shelters, round and cosy, such as the cave or the igloo, focus above all on warmth and that snug, wrapped-up feeling. The cat igloo usually has a wider opening, letting the cat watch its surroundings without losing that sense of security.
The cat hut, for its part, often has a more traditional look, with straight walls and sometimes a pointed roof, just like a little house. It works very well for outdoors or for shy cats looking for a discreet hideaway.
These different shapes offer a choice of hideaways to suit each cat's preferences, while matching the season and the local climate.
Adapting the cat house as your cat's habits change
Needs change over time, especially as a cat gets older or recovers from illness. Some modular cat houses come apart and go back together easily, offering welcome flexibility. Rearranging the inside from time to time also keeps your cat keen to stay there.
New temperature-regulating materials are gaining ground, bringing more comfort and fewer worries about the weather or frequent washing. Keeping a close eye on your cat's signals helps you maintain a space that truly suits them, winter and summer alike.
Ultimately, choosing a cat house that suits your pet's personality, lifestyle and surroundings means creating far more than a simple accessory: it adds to their happiness and to a harmonious home. With so many options available, any spot you choose, indoors or out, can become a haven of comfort that your cat will enjoy to the full.
This choice is part of our cat hut. In the same vein, indoor dog house, indoor dog house and outdoor cat house may interest you. Our cat accessories cover everything else your dog needs.
