A cat house is a place where a pet can retire and relax peacefully. If there is no bed, the cat will find a place to settle on its own - in a closet drawer, a packing box. Such independence can end disastrously. If a cat buries itself in the laundry that is in the washing machine, it may die during the wash.
Why do you need cat furniture?
Cat lovers say that soft bedding, a scratching post, a hammock and a toy collected in one place are ideal for a cat. Pets that have a corner have a calmer character and are not as aggressive as animals that do not have furniture.
Other reasons to buy cat furniture:
- A separate place to sleep allows your pet to rest properly. No one bothers him, he sleeps well, does not get irritated and does not bother his owner.
- A booth with a nail polisher will save your furniture - your pet will have a place to sharpen its claws.
- If you buy a house with a play complex, the child will find something to do and will not bother the owner or spoil things.
DIY cat complex
You can make a cat house with your own hands; you don’t have to spend large sums on expensive ready-made complexes. The easiest option is to take a box of suitable size, wrap it in soft cloth and put any pillow on the bottom.
See if your pet likes the house. If so, consider a more complex option. You can take a larger box, cut out a hole for the entrance, windows and arrange a bed inside.
You can hang toys on the outside. Having strengthened the top of the box, arrange a place for games or an additional bed.
A popular option is a hanging multi-tiered hammock. It is easy to sew from pillows or just thick fabric. The trapezoidal shape of the house should expand towards the bottom. That is, pillows of a larger diameter or size are needed on the lower tier, and smaller ones on the upper tier.
Wide ribbons made of durable fabric are sewn onto the sides of the product and connected into a hanging loop. The hammock can be hung in any convenient place and moved as needed.
A hammock is the simplest version of a house; it is convenient for mobility. What other options for cat shelters can be made - in the final section.
Options for cat houses
There are many models on sale that differ in shape, parameters, and functionality. A standard house is made in the form of a booth, covered with soft fabric. Here the animal can retire, rest, and hide. Warm furniture will help out in winter if your pet has very short hair or no hair at all. Here he can warm up.
Other options for upholstered furniture for cats:
- Hammocks – are attached to the loops in a place convenient for the pet and the owner. The products are made from soft fabric.
- Hanging design - this option is suitable for a cat that prefers to sleep at a height (on a closet, the back of a chair, etc.).
- Houses with play complexes for cats. Your pet will love his personal space where he can play, climb a ladder, or crawl into a cat tunnel. This way he can stay active and keep fit. Young pets who do not go outside should buy a play set for cats.
- A cat bed pillow is suitable for inquisitive pets who like to observe their surroundings while relaxing.
- Envelope furniture - resembles a bed, but has a roof on top under which the cat can hide.
“Climbing frame” for a cat – what is it for?
A climbing frame for a cat is relevant when the cat is always at home, indoors. A cat that goes outside for a walk can climb trees, run, and hide. The cat, who is forced to be a recluse, also wants to run and climb.
Therefore, so that the cat does not choose a bedspread, favorite curtains and thin tulle as a “climbing area”, take care to provide the animal with the necessary equipment.
Ready-made climbing devices are sold in pet stores. They consist of posts, stands, hammocks, hanging toys, placed at different height levels, covered with thick fabric or jute cord, so that it is convenient for the cat to climb on them and play.
Materials, like designs, can be anything: from designer and complex to homemade simple ones.
House for a cat: which one to choose
Choose a booth taking into account the interests of the pet. If you buy a product that you don’t like, the cat will ignore the design, and you will waste your money. For example, an elderly cat does not need a play complex, while a kitten cannot do without it. Furniture for an older pet should have low platforms to avoid injury. It is advisable to put warm cat bedding inside.
In addition to age, when buying a booth, pay attention to the following points:
- Furniture size. Ideally, the house should be spacious enough for the cat to stretch and sharpen its claws. If the cat is medium-sized, the width of the booth should be 50 cm, the height – from 30 cm, the entrance – no more than 20 cm. If pets like to stand on their hind legs before going to bed, the height should be from 60 cm.
- Weight of furniture. If you want a portable model, find out its weight before purchasing the product. Some options are bulky and cannot be moved from place to place. In addition, heavy kennels are more difficult to clean.
- Durability and strength. Choose durable models that can last a lifetime. Give preference to wooden products; they last longer than their plastic counterparts. The cardboard cat house is liked by pets, but its service life is short.
- Fastenings. If you buy a hanging model, a hammock, check the quality of the fastening. The product should not fall off when the cat is resting in it. When purchasing a gaming complex, make sure that all parts are clearly fixed and do not wobble.
- Quality of material. If the furniture stinks and is not comfortable enough, the animal will ignore the house. Be careful when buying products made from polyester - this material tends to become electrified and attract dust and wool. It is better to buy a blanket for a cat; it is better to buy fleece bedding.
- Number of pets in the house. If you have multiple cats, purchase a multi-bedroom design. Each should have a separate entrance.
- A sofa for a cat is furniture similar to human furniture, where the pet can relax and watch people.
What to look for when choosing?
When choosing any cat house, you should consider several important criteria:
- Natural materials. It can be cotton, wood, wicker, thick cardboard or natural wool. Any hypoallergenic textures;
- Safety and quality. All fasteners must be in good working order, and the house must be stable. Don't choose shaky complexes. Otherwise, the cat may drop the house on itself during play, and this will forever discourage the desire to use it;
- Choose a house according to the size of your cat;
- The minimum height of a comfortable scratching post is 80cm (pillar height). Pay attention to the distance between the shelves: there should not be too many of them at a small distance, otherwise the cat will not be able to use them.
Where to place and how to care
When choosing a place for furniture, look at your pet's habits. Some cats love darkness and warmth, so they hide in a box under the bed, others love to watch people. They like to lie on high terraces and cabinets. Buy them hanging structures and hammocks.
When choosing a place for a lounger, keep in mind that cats get cold easily, so never place the house in a draft. The booth should not be located in a damp, cold room.
If your pet is sociable and doesn’t like to be left alone, buy him a bed. This way he will be able to receive his share of affection from household members who pass near the cat.
When the cat sits on mezzanines and other hard-to-reach places most of the time, place furniture there. If there are children in the house, place the cat mat so that they cannot disturb the pet's privacy.
How to care
Wood and plastic can be wiped with a damp cloth. The litter must be removed and washed 2 times a month. Regular cleaning will not only get rid of fur and dirt, but will also destroy the colony of insects (fleas, bedbugs) that can settle in the blanket.
The best beds for cats
An adult cat's sleep takes up to 17 hours a day, and the rest time of kittens and older pets even exceeds this time frame. Don't want your pet to rest on the master's bed and furniture? Buy him a comfortable lounger, and the fluffy will happily “move” into his own home.
When choosing a lounger, give preference to spacious and soft models with sides made of hypoallergenic dense materials that are scratch-resistant. Place it in a quiet place near heating devices - cats are drawn to warmth and comfort.
CAT HOUSE Heated pet bed “Boot”
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
Does your Sphynx absolutely not tolerate the harsh Russian frosts? He will feel comfortable in this heated bed at any time of the year. An original product of brown-golden color in the form of a shoe with laces will become an original element of the interior. The lounger is made of high-strength and hypoallergenic material, which can be easily cleaned of stains and hair with a dry or wet brush.
The model, equipped with a soft mattress, is complemented by a removable heating structure based on infrared radiation. The fireproof couch operates from the mains, providing uniform heating to a comfortable temperature. The model is sold in various sizes - 20x20x20 and 60x60x60 cm. This will allow you to purchase a suitable option for a kitten and a large pet.
Advantages:
- Unusual design;
- Availability of removable heating structure;
- Economical energy consumption;
- Easy care;
- Complies with fire safety conditions;
- Provides comfortable rest for the animal.
Flaws:
- Over time, claw snags may form on the material.
Are you the owner of a Sphynx, Don Hairless or another hairless or short-haired cat that freezes in the cold season? An electrically heated bed will ensure the comfort of your pet in winter and in the off-season.
TRIXIE Neva
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
The cave lounger from the German brand Trixie will be especially appreciated by playful cats. The product is round in shape with folding sides and dimensions 38x40 cm, if necessary, turns into a flat and compact bedding, convenient for transportation.
The model is equipped with a removable pillow made of plush and faux suede. The fluffy couch potato will appreciate its softness. In the upper central part of the side there is a hanging bird toy.
The white-green bed has a non-slip bottom, so even during active play of the pet it will definitely not budge. Another advantage of Trixie Neva is easy care, which consists of cleaning the bed with a dry brush or machine washing.
Advantages:
- Original design;
- Removable pillow;
- The presence of a hanging toy;
- Folding sides;
- Hassle-free care;
- Convenient for the pet.
Flaws:
- Available in one color.
Due to its compactness and the presence of a hanging toy, the Trixie bed is especially suitable for young and playful cats.
USH KI Cotton UK-0201S
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
This handmade bed from the Ush Ki Cotton brand will become not only your pet’s favorite place to sleep, but also a stylish element of your interior. A round transformable model made of cotton and synthetic feathers is made in the form of a wicker basket made of bulky thread. The product is lightweight but amazingly functional. The model has dimensions 30x38x18 cm.
Thanks to its soft shape, you can independently adjust the height of the sides of the lounger, or turn it into a flat bedding or pillow. The hypoallergenic model has water-repellent and heat-insulating properties. Modern and durable materials give it increased wear resistance.
To keep your cat's sleeping area clean, dry cleaning or hand washing is sufficient. We are pleased with the wide range of color solutions. You can choose a wicker bed in grey, blue, black, red, pink, yellow or another shade that will fit perfectly into the interior of your home.
Advantages:
- Unusual design;
- Functionality;
- Large assortment of colors;
- Optimal dimensions;
- Safe for human and pet health;
- Soft and warm.
Flaws:
- Requires special care.
If your cat is partial to the owner's woolen blanket, buy her an Ush Ki Cotton bed, which resembles it in appearance and tactility.
How to accustom a cat to a new place
If your pet is used to sleeping in a closet or in a box, it is not a fact that he will immediately appreciate the house. The owner’s task is to accustom the pet to the bed. To do this you need:
- Choose a place that the cat will approve of - closer to warmth, away from the entrance, nursery, kitchen, hallway. If your pet has been looking for a place for a long time, place the bed there. When he is house trained, gradually move the dog bed to the desired location.
- Before showing your pet the kennel, make sure that the structure is firmly standing and not wobbly. If you took a hammock, you need to train the cat by firmly fixing the structure. Over time, the cat will get used to the fact that he is unsteady and will perceive it as normal.
- Get your pet interested in furniture. To do this, you can saturate the litter with a scent that is pleasant for the cat, placing your favorite treat or toy.
- Don't put a reluctant cat in a kennel. Such actions will lead to the opposite result; the pet will avoid the cat bed. Be patient. Accustom your cat to the house by playing - rustle with a newspaper in the house, entice him with a toy. Place a small bowl of treats inside.
- Always praise your cat when she gets into the kennel, even if she hasn't been there for more than a minute. Patience, affection and praise will always give the desired result.
Soak with a special product
There are special means designed to attract the cat's attention to places where they play and sharpen their claws, as well as old toys that the cat has already forgotten about. The same places that your cat gets into the habit of spoiling can be treated with another spray designed to discourage her from doing this on your favorite furniture or wallpaper.
Spray Mr. Fresh to protect furniture from scratching, RUR 149. Photo: obi.ru
Wall
The seller describes the house as a space capsule, and he's partly right. The body is made of wood and has openings located on both sides of the product. The dwelling is also equipped with a convex transparent hemisphere, reminiscent of a porthole.
The house is supplied as a kit of parts with the necessary fasteners for assembly. The finished product can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall to save space in the apartment. The bolts required for installation are also included.
Price: 6,547 rubles.
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Houses with a play complex
Only owners living in fairly spacious apartments can afford to install such a model. Because it takes up a lot of space. But at the same time, having installed such a house, you don’t have to worry about the need to separately purchase toys for your cat.
By connecting several houses with different passages and platforms, as well as adding your pet’s favorite toys and fixing them on the surface, you can create a unique complex.
Cat hammocks
Hammock for a cat.
First of all, we should mention the cat hammocks that have recently appeared on the market. Externally, they look like soft loungers with different mounting options. These can be carabiners, Velcro, loops and other options - here everything depends on the imagination of the manufacturers, and they have quite a rich one. Such a hammock can be hung anywhere where it can be secured on four sides. This is the simplest type of cat hammock, but far from the only one.
There are also hammocks that are attached to radiators, turning the hammock into a warm, comfortable place to relax.
Perhaps, it is hammocks of this type that are the most comfortable for cats to rest, and they are also the most popular. There are also hammocks that are attached to climbing frames, suspended from the ceiling or walls, and also those that are installed on risers. There are also products that are sold with a rigid base. They can be secured, for example, between the crossbars of a table. Many owners make such a simple cat house on their own, fortunately it is not at all difficult. Of course, this is not a complete list of possible options, but one thing is for sure - hammocks for cats are becoming increasingly popular.
What is a cat house?
It is rare to find a cat who, by nature, will be open to communication and play around the clock. These animals need a place where they can retire. A cat's house is a personal space in which she will feel comfortable and safe, a place to relax and observe what is happening around her.
For cats, such a house will be especially necessary when they are preparing for the appearance of offspring. It will also be useful later, when the mother can retire with her kittens in a safe place.
The most popular models and their features
The owner himself must choose the model of the house that, in his opinion, the pet will like. But to make this easier, you need to familiarize yourself with the most well-known and frequently used models.
Transformer
A soft house made of faux fur and plush is suitable for any small animal, but especially for sphinxes and smooth-haired dogs. The heat inside is retained due to the material and a special door. The advantage of the model is that it can be placed in two ways: placed on its side so that the entrance is on the floor, or placed vertically so that the entrance is on top. In the second case, you will get something like a jug into which you need to jump.
Buyers leave extremely positive reviews of the product and share stories about how their pets immediately fell in love with their new home. The seller’s generosity adds a pleasant experience: he includes a toy in the shape of a fish as a gift with your order.
Price: from 729 rubles.
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Instructions for making a house for two cats
The family has two cats. The older cat is the aggressor and the younger one is more active. Therefore, the design was designed so that the youngest could hide on the highest platform, but the elder, due to his weight, could not get there. They decided to place the house high, since both cats prefer heights. They made it larger in size so that both individuals could be there at the same time.
Source material and results of labor
For this design, thick furniture plywood (12 mm) measuring 75*50 cm, timber posts 50*70 (4.2 m), jute-based carpet - 1*2.5 meters, 20 meters of rope were purchased. Fasteners - corners. For the house - 15 * 20 mm, for attaching platforms - 40 * 45 mm, 55 * 20 and 35 * 40 - for insurance, and a couple of large ones - for attaching to the wall.
