Here's Why Your Cat Needs a Cozy Cat Cave!

(photo credit: Shelby Sears / shutterstock.com)

For those of us who share space with a feline, we already know that the next best thing to a sprinkle of fresh catnip is a basic cardboard box. I mean, no sooner have I unpacked my Amazon delivery than one of my two cats has claimed the empty container as their own. And yes, I’m an enabler because that box will sit on my living room floor for a couple of weeks before I sigh, break it down and relegate it to the recycling bin. Truly, that one simple cardboard box seems to hold their interest longer than any fluffy, furry, feathered toy I could purchase.

Now, there is a science behind this and it all boils down to their deeply rooted predatory instincts. You’ve undoubtedly noticed your pet watching, waiting, then sneaking up on a toy before pouncing and carting it around in its mouth like a hard-won trophy. That’s because a cat’s primary style of hunting is just that - to quietly lay in wait before going in for the kill. And what better way to do that, than tucked under the flaps of a decently sized cardboard box in the middle of a room?

There’s more though, because your cat is also highly cognizant of being vulnerable to larger predators. While the inside of your home is clearly safe from coyotes, wolves, and other carnivores who might make quick work of your little Fifi, the instinct to be safely hidden, is strong - particularly given her propensity to sleep/snooze/nap for up to 16 hours a day. Hmm… maybe that’s where the expression “sleeping with one eye open” comes from.

This all leads to why enclosed cat caves are such a great option for your feline. Not only do they allow her to observe the world going by while hidden (we can pretend), but they’re a cozy, warm space (important for cats), and she gets to choose who, what when, and where her next victim will be (that element of surprise our cats love).

If you cohabit with a larger cat (like my Maine Coon) something like this cat cave from Cattasaurus is the way to go. The big, hollow donut shape is not only fun for her to climb into and “disappear” but the interior “tunnel” design is wide enough for heftier cats weighing up to 30 pounds to crawl into without fear of becoming stuck. As the owner of a long-haired cat, I love that this cat cave zips open and can be vacuumed or hand-washed. And with two felines, having that cozy, concave indent in the middle creates an ideal little bed that gives both felines their own space.

As pet parents, we love versatility, right? And for me, it’s all about products that can do double duty. This is just one reason I’m crushing over this 100% Merino wool cat cave by Meowfia. Free from harsh chemicals or synthetic materials, this felt-style cave is super lightweight – perfect for moving it from room to room to suit your cat’s fancy. Now, because it’s made from pure wool it is strictly indoor use only, however (and this is where I get excited), because it works as a cozy cat cave when Fluffy’s seeking a little privacy as well as a warm little cat bed when the upper portion is compressed down... for those random moments when she’s feeling a little more social.

Consider this cat cave more of an activity center for one, two or more felines. Not only does LOVintry’s 8-shaped cat bed have dual indents that create cozy resting spaces for your pets, but that double tunnel design is guaranteed to intrigue and entertain for hours. Particularly, since this peek-a-boo style of cat cave includes a dozen lightweight toy balls that can be batted and chased around and around the interior loops. Curious as to what’s happening in there? A strategically placed opening on the opposite side of the main entry point is just large enough for you to peek in and for your cat to stick her paws out from. Soft, recycled materials and zip-open styling make this such an easy choice.

Small space? No problem! This pint-sized cat house from Petmaker delivers the cozy, cave-like atmosphere your feline is after, in just a 13-inch by 13-inch footprint. Best of all, its plush interior and matching exterior are super soft and quick to warm up after kitty enters. Making it the ideal cave for a cat that craves privacy, security, and for older felines, a little extra heat. A single entry-point with an enclosed top and sides is perfect for skittish cats who don’t like surprises. Add in a furry-covered foam base that can be removed for washing, and you’ve got a cat cave you’ll both love.

This stylish box-style cat cave by Bedsure ticks all the boxes when you want to create a cozy hideaway for your feline. Let’s start with that dangling ball at the entry. Now, we know that’s not going to last for more than a few swipes but it’s a great way to draw her into the cave before she truly makes it her own. And that often starts with clawing and scratching – hence a handy scratch pad attached to the side of this option. Multiple, fleece-rimmed peek-out hotels so she can monitor the situation and a handy upper platform provides a great lookout for spotting dogs and other interlopers.

For older felines or those recovering from illness or injury, heat can factor big time in how they heal as well as their overall comfort. That’s why this temperature-controlled cat cave designed by K&H is such a great option. We all know that cats are relentless in seeking out heat – hence they continually chase sunspots on the floor or lying across heating vents. So, warming up their private space makes sense. But this electric cat bed also delivers the cozy, hideaway design that the predator in all cats craves. Thermostatically controlled, this den automatically warms to your cat’s normal body temperature with no risk of overheating. And because the cover can be removed and machine-washed, your pet will always rest on a clean, hygienic surface.