How big should a cat house be? This is a question that many cat owners ask themselves. The answer may vary depending on the needs of your feline friend.
If you have an indoor cat, then the size of their house is not as important as the location. Cats like to have a safe place to hide away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A small cat house placed in a quiet corner of your home will suffice. However, if you have an outdoor cat, then the size of their house becomes more important.
Read on to find out how big your cat’s house should be, depending on their needs.
How Big Should A Cat House Be?
Suitable size for a cat house would be 2’x3’ with a height of at least 18”. It isn’t always the case that bigger is better because the heat will escape quicker from a larger space, and the cats will need a warm place during winters. The perfect size is one that is big enough for 3 to 5 cats to snuggle together.
An opening that is only approximately 5-1/2 to 6 inches in diameter or the width of their whiskers is enough for a cat’s entrance. A smaller hole helps in keeping more heat inside your cat’s house.
Considerations to Make When Selecting an Insulated Cat House
Many cat owners make the mistake of assuming that any cat house will do. However, there are a few things you need to take into account when selecting an insulated cat house for your feline friend, such as:
Size
As we’ve mentioned, the size of the cat house is important. It should be big enough for your cat to move around in, but not so large that the heat escapes quickly. If you have other pats such as a German Shepherd who may pose a threat to your cat, then select a house with a smaller entrance.
On the other hand, if you have multiple cats, you’ll need a cat house that is big enough for all of them to fit in comfortably. But before you do so, you need to decide whether or not your cat would co-sleep. If they do not appear to be interested in living together, you should probably create separate, more compact housing for each cat.
Doors
Certain cats will not use a cat home at all if it does not have at least two ways out, regardless of how well it is insulated. They want to ensure that they have an escape route in the event of a crisis, such as if another animal enters their house. This is not necessary, but it is something that should be taken into consideration.
Doors and covers are great for keeping the heat in, but some cats could be distrustful of them. If your cat is not used to “doors,” they will need to be taught how to enter a home that has a door or other covering over the entry.
You may succeed in many cases by leaving food out within the house, but you should make sure not to attract dangerous animals. You also need to make sure that the door is big enough for the cat to fit through, but it should be tiny enough to keep out larger creatures that would cause a disturbance
Durability
Wood on its own may be an effective insulating material, but in order for it to endure the elements, it has to be pressure treated and weatherproof first. You should also consider the floor covering.
A wooden floor will provide better insulation when compared to a plastic one. If you want to have carpeting, you will need to vacuum it often and make sure it stays dry.
Depending on the exact house that you are thinking about buying, you may or may not be able to add materials such as straw, heating pads, or other types of material.
Cleaning
You will need to regularly clean your cat’s house, and this is easier said than done. If the house is not easy to access, you may find it difficult to keep it clean.
It will save a great amount of time if you are able to easily reach the interior because this will make it much easier to simply take out the bedding and wash it. If you have to dismantle the entire house each time you want to clean it, this is not going to be an easy task.
Wrapping Up
So, how big should a cat house be? It depends on various factors, but the most important thing is that it should be big enough for your cat to move around in comfortably. By following the tips shared in this article, you will be able to find the perfect cat house for your feline friend.
