| The iconic form of the doghouse is an engrained | | | | but lack the necessary durability. Second, though |
| part of American culture. It has permeated our | | | | the goal of these structures is to optimize the |
| pop culture (Snoopy, from Peanuts) to our idioms | | | | temperature, it must also have a vent |
| (being "in the doghouse"). There's very little | | | | somewhere so that humidity is reduced and air |
| mention, however, of the outdoor cathouse. But | | | | can circulate. |
| anyone who lives in quiet suburban or rural areas | | | | As per the doors of the outdoor cathouse, many |
| and keeps outdoor cats knows the necessity for | | | | are square-shaped like you'd see on a doghouse. |
| an outside shelter which appeals to the feline | | | | Many though, are round, like a birdhouse's, |
| crowd. If you live in an urban area or one with | | | | because cats can more easily squeeze through |
| moderate to heavy traffic, it is strongly | | | | small openings, and the smaller the hole, the less |
| recommended that you keep your cats indoors | | | | heat is lost. Often times, these entrances are |
| to protect them from harm. Don't worry though, | | | | positioned off-center, so that your pet won't |
| there's plenty of fancy indoor cathouses, beds, | | | | have to bear the brunt of whatever harsh |
| and toys you can pamper them with. For those | | | | weather is coming in. There are also hanging flap |
| with the right conditions though, an outdoor | | | | doors available for purchase which attach to the |
| cathouse is the cat's meow. | | | | entrance when the weather is especially harsh, to |
| Designed very much in the same vein as | | | | provide extra protection against wind and |
| doghouses, an outdoor cathouse's goal is to not | | | | moisture. |
| just keep a cat warmer when it's cold out, but | | | | In addition to the basics, there are features on |
| also cooler when it's hot. These structures are | | | | some upgraded models which aren't necessary, |
| typically made from weather-resistant woods (the | | | | but are convenient, luxurious and fun. For one, |
| same kinds used in outdoor furniture) and also | | | | elevated floors, or an entirely elevated platform |
| poly resin plastics. Wood is the classic choice | | | | house will keep your cat away from the |
| because of its tradition as a building material, along | | | | alternately cold or wet ground. Unique to |
| with its natural beauty. Some woods, like teak, | | | | cathouses are the addition of platforms, lofts and |
| are extremely hearty and weather-resistant, while | | | | roof decks. These appeal to the climbing and |
| other woods, like cedar, produce tannins which | | | | jumping nature of cats, who will love sitting on |
| repel insects. In recent years, plastics have come | | | | their outdoor perch and surveying their |
| a long way as far as quality and popularity. | | | | surroundings. |
| Today's models are extremely durable, colorful | | | | Besides these add-ons, the overall design of an |
| and elaborately crafted pieces that can be hosed | | | | outdoor cathouse or doghouse can be so ornate |
| clean and usually come already assembled. | | | | that they mimic the finer edifices of society, only |
| As far as size, the basic rule is to buy a house in | | | | in miniature form. There are barns, cabins, |
| which your cat can comfortably lie down and turn | | | | mansions with attached deck, and covered |
| around in, but with a snug fit. Otherwise, a | | | | porches for instance. If you have more than one |
| cathouse that is too big will cause the warmth | | | | cat, there is even a bi-level townhouse. How's that |
| produced by the cat's body heat to more quickly | | | | for city living? |
| dissipate, actually making it colder. However, you | | | | Two final things to take into consideration are |
| can go slightly larger if you own multiple outdoor | | | | ease and bedding. A detachable roof makes lifting |
| cats, larger cats, or even big game species of cat. | | | | puppies, kittens, invalid and shy pets much more |
| (Though, if you're not an accredited zoo or animal | | | | convenient than through the front opening. At the |
| sanctuary, the chances of this are slim, or at | | | | same, it makes cleaning inside a breeze. Bedding is |
| best, illegal!) | | | | something that will further insulate the base of |
| Whether you choose plastic or wood, there are | | | | the house, along with giving your pet a |
| two main factors to look out for. For one, your | | | | comfortable surface to lie on. Make sure that |
| outdoor cathouse needs to be waterproof. You | | | | cushions are outdoor appropriate, meaning |
| may think this is redundant, but a lot of indoor | | | | waterproof filling and waterproof, machine |
| cathouses may look similar to their outdoor kin, | | | | washable covers. |