The 10 Best Cat Houses

The common house cat is quite an interesting animal, full of behavioral complexities that include natural predatory instincts, a strong desire for independence, and a mysterious nature. In addition, a cat loves to climb for the purpose of establishing a clear view of his own vertical territory. However, one potential problem with this is that kitty also loves to climb trees, which can be a dangerous outdoor activity with the potential for accidents. Regardless of how much time your cat may spend indoors, there are plenty of ways to ensure his safety. One great way to avoid watching kitty get stuck in a tree, while still allowing him to satisfy his climbing instinct, is to give him the benefit of his own spacious cat house.

Typically taller than most ordinary cat beds and sometimes referred to as a cat tree, the cat house is a piece of artificial furniture on which a feline can climb, play, and relax. A majority of cat houses consist of a floor-based structure with square-shaped pieces of particle board that are used as either platforms or enclosed boxes for shelter. Depending on the size and style of a particular cat house, these boxes are usually located on different levels of the structure and connected by a series of studs or planks acting as stairs and "elevators". Cats use these elevators to climb and reach the different platforms. The exteriors and interiors of both the stairs and boxes are typically covered in soft carpeting, while the elevators feature abrasive materials like sisal rope, allowing them to double as scratching posts for kitty so he won't ruin the rest of the structure with his claws.

Cat houses are available in several different types, including condos, posts, and themed structures. The condo style is the most popular of the three when it comes to providing vertical space for multiple felines to interact with one another. The most elaborate condos can reach up to seven or eight feet, with multiple shelters for resting and perching.

Ideal for daytime use by one or two house cats, the post is smaller and more simply constructed than the condo, offering a single scratching post and a flat, carpeted platform for lounging. Themed cat houses are often built as condos, but are done so with fun and style as a primary concern. Cat houses can be fashioned to resemble trees, castles, and even skyscrapers.

One major benefit to the use of a cat house is the degree of safety it provides. Because cats have a natural climbing instinct, keeping them from exploring too far and high can pose some difficulty. The more elaborate an indoor structure is, the greater the distraction it will create to keep cats from venturing into places you don't want them to go. The house provides a healthy alternative to climbing actual trees outdoors, minimizing the risk of serious injury. A cat house facilitates a means of escape for an animal who may be new to the household. When a new feline family member meets dogs and small children for the first time, that experience could prove stressful. The cat house essentially acts as an oasis of solitude to which a pet may escape when stuck in the middle of such a chaotic environment. When equipped with sisal scratching posts, the cat house promotes the health and strength of a pet's claws, while preventing the animal from damaging other furniture in your home. The cat tree is also a great space saver, given that it doubles as both a shelter and playground at the same time. Finally, its elaborate design can be used to provide challenges and mental stimulation to a cat, so the animal doesn't get bored.