Q&A for How to Build a Cat House

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Question

Is cut up yarn or string inside pillowcases okay to put in the cat house?

Community Answer

Materials made of fabric will retain moisture and freeze, pulling heat away from the cat and making them colder. It is also likely to mold if some moisture gets in. Straw (not hay) and shredded newspaper would be cheaper than yarn/string, and allow the cat to burrow into it. String and yarn can be dangerous. If the cat gets into the pillowcase while trying to burrow and swallows some, it can kill them by getting twisted in their intestines. Newspaper will also hold water if moisture gets in, but is a second-best alternative to straw if you check it regularly after snow/rain.

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Question

How can I convince a stray to get in the bag?

Community Answer

A bag is not as good as a box. Try a box.

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Question

Why do cat need a house if they're indoors?

Community Answer

If they're indoors, they don't really need one, but you can still give them one just for fun. They will enjoy having their own little place to play and hide away.

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Question

Will my cats eat the cardboard?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

No. Cardboard is not a suitable food for cats. They may chew on cardboard, but they will not consume it unless it has been heavily contaminated with actual food that cats like.

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Question

The cat I am helping is my next-door neighbors outside cat. It is almost winter, and the cat usually shows up on my doorstep freezing. How can I make a heated cat house that he will want to go inside?

Community Answer

Get heated blankets and cat beds.

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Question

Will my cat break it?

Community Answer

Most cats wouldn't - they would just sleep in it.

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Question

My cat doesn't sleep in her house. She sleeps in the open and upper area. How do I make her sleep in her home?

Tinkjr123

Community Answer

Put a favorite toy in it.

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Question

Can I put the cat house outdoors? What happens if they scratch it?

Community Answer

Yes, it can be kept outdoors, as shown in Method 1 of the article. It's fine if they scratch it, cats often do this to mark their territory, it shouldn't damage the integrity of the house.

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Question

What is a good way to insulate a cardboard cat house outside and protect it from rain?

Community Answer

Maybe coat it with some waterproof paint on the outside, tape blankets to the ceiling of the house to insulate, and add a nice warm pillow with a blanket as a flap. You'll need a lot of blankets.

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Question

How can I make a cat toy?

Community Answer

Get a wooden dowel and attach a long strip of fabric to the end using hot glue. Tara! Or, get a laser pointer.

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Question

What if my cat is too fat for the cat house?

Echo M. Scales

Community Answer

Make the doors bigger. If the cat is still too fat, consider using a different box.

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Question

Can I use cedar shavings in an outdoor cat house?

Community Answer

You could, but I think cedar chips would be better for cats.

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Question

I just got a new cat and I want it to stay in my room. Do you think the cat house will help?

Community Answer

Probably. Make sure to put some toys in there, and try giving it a treat when it hangs out in the house or stays in your room (not too many!). Keep in mind that cats are curious creatures and they need space to wander around, so it wouldn't be a good idea to keep a cat confined to one room all the time.

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Question

How do I get my cat to use the cat house?

Community Answer

Sometimes cats just don't want to go into a cat house. You can use catnip to lure your feline friend inside, along with a favorite toy.

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Question

What is the best cat fencing to use when making a cat house?

Community Answer

Use hardwood, because cats cannot scratch it.

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Question

What are some ways I can customize my cardboard cat house?

Community Answer

Make some pet-safe paint by putting some fruits or veggies of your desired color (non-toxic to cats, of course) in a blender with about four tablespoons of water. Paint the house in the color(s) you made. You could also use stickers, pens, etc. to decorate your cat house.

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Question

If I have more than one cat, can they both use the cat house?

Community Answer

Yes! I do recommend that you have more than one hiding place or cat house if you have more than one cat though. (I recommend about two per cat, although that isn't required.)

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Question

What do I do if my cat runs away instead of using the cat house?

Community Answer

Put some toys or catnip in the house, or maybe try luring it in there with some treats. Put a blanket and/or something that smells like you inside to make your cat more comfortable. Be patient. It might take your cat a little while to warm up to the house.

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Question

How large or small should the opening be on an outdoor stray cat winter house? I'm thinking of protection from predators.

Community Answer

6 inches by 6 inches is usually big enough for feral/stray cats, to help keep predators out.

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Question

What materials are insulating and waterproof?

Community Answer

Styrofoam is insulating and waterproof. I am building styrofoam cat shelters out of Huskee Lifoam coolers.

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Question

How do I treat wood for fire ants without poisoning the animals using the cat house?

Community Answer

If the wood is small enough, put it in a bathtub and soak it in a mixture of water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol for about 30 minutes. Then, leave it out to dry. (Make sure there is enough alcohol to kill the ants and other bugs.)

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Question

How do I call a cat that is lost?

Community Answer

You can try calling your cat by name and leaving food out for it in hopes that it will come home. If your cat is microchipped and someone finds it and takes it to a vet or ASPCA, they will locate the chip and contact you.

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Question

What do I do if my cat is destroying my home, and taking her kittens away and putting them somewhere else?

Community Answer

Build the house with firm materials and fill it with cozy blankets. Try putting all her needs near the cat house.

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Question

Can I use old clothes instead of a pillow or blanket?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the old clothes are soft and comfortable.

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Question

What should I build for a cat house if I don't have storage containers or wood? What should I use for a cat house if it rains a lot?

Community Answer

You could use a cardboard box if you wrap the outside with enough duct tape to waterproof it. Or, make a lean-to and get a tarp to cover it, then put some blankets inside. Another option is to go to the thrift store and get something cheap (an old piece of furniture or something) and turn it into a little house with your own ingenuity. Be creative and see what's around the house you could use for a safe and comfy cat house.

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Question

How do I know what my cat's favorite toy is?

Community Answer

See which one he/she plays with the most. Then once you find which one, put the toy in the cat house.

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Question

There are opossums and raccoons that come into my yard and eat the cat food that I left for the cats at night. How do I prevent them from going into the cat house to get the food?

Community Answer

Bring the food inside at night or change the position of the cat house so the opossums and raccoons can’t get to it.

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Question

What if I don't have the ingredients?

Edith

Top Answerer

Just cut a doorway in a box and put in a blanket and a cat toy.

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