In my hometown of Whisker City, cats rule the streets and rooftops alike. Finding the perfect place to curl up for a catnap is serious business around here—just ask Kingpin. That's me. Despite my active street life, I never pass up a good sunbeam on the kitchen floor, especially if it’s paired with a side of freshly-filled laundry basket to shed on!
But how do you get a cat to use a cat house? Even here in Whisker City, some of my feline friends refuse to sleep in their high-rise cat houses. Instead of overlooking the endless parade of Devon Rex doing CrossFit in the park below, these rebellious felines nap underfoot. They'd rather shape-shift into an under-sized Amazon box than enjoy the penthouse suite their sugar daddies or sugar mommas bought them!
Don’t worry—your humble narrator, Kingpin—the sleek brown cat with a knack for the grandiosity and gorgeousity of city living—is here. As I'm chill-axin on my favorite velvet cushion next to the oversized picture window at my cat nip latte serving nightclub, Purradise, I have all the tricks up my paw to make sure these kitties take advantage of move-in day.
What Is a Cat House?
Before we claw our way into the secret sauce (or should I say "gravy") of getting a cat to use a cat house, let’s talk about what a cat house is and why it’s more than just a cozy hideaway. Whether it’s a luxury indoor cat house or a DIY project, a cat house offers a safe, comfortable space where your feline friend can retreat, relax, and plot their next adventure in peace—probably involving that contact container you thought you lost over a year ago.
How to Get a Cat to Use a Cat House Indoor: A Step-by-Step Guide
I know that not every cat will immediately take to their new cat house, so I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help even the most skeptical kitties fall in love with their new digs.
1. Location, Location, Location
It's no surprise that cats like to get high...no not that kind of high, although no cat's going to pass up a Free Hit. But we do prefer lofty perches.
From here, your furball machine can look down on their minions as they do their bidding—cleaning the litter box, refilling their jewel-encrusted water bowls, and, of course, offering up endless treats like the devoted servants they are.
So, the best sugar parents buy their cats high rises or attach a cat house to the top of the bookshelf where their royal highness can sit in judgment and shed their fur on their lowly subjects below. After all, nothing says "I’m the boss" like surveying your kingdom from the highest perch, paws crossed in regal disapproval of any missed treat opportunities.
When going vertical isn't an option, there are some close seconds. Place the cat house in a spot where your cat already likes to hang out. Whether it’s near a sunny window, in a quiet corner, or even next to your own bed.
2. Don't Force It
So, never, ever try to force your cat into their house like you're just showing them around right before you lock the door behind them with a sinister laugh. It's always best to let your cat "find" their cat home. Let them think they chose this perfect location.
3. Make It Comfortable
Add a soft cushion or blanket inside the cat house to make it as inviting as possible. If your cat already has a favorite, then that may be your in. The more comfortable it is, the more likely your cat is to settle in for a nap.
But know that once you move that blanket from its usual spot, you’re entering into dangerous territory. We may love what you've done with the place or ignore it for at least a month. It all depends on which version of cray cray we feel like that day.
4. Pour that Catnip Up Thick
Sprinkle some catnip inside the cat house. This irresistible herb will draw your cat in and encourage them to explore. If your cat is one of the rare few unaffected by catnip, try using a favorite toy and blanket with their scent. But most cats want that sweet nip (somewhere around 70%), so that should always be your first try.
How to Build an Indoor Cat House
Are you feeling lucky today? Try your hand at building a cat house indoors. I'll break it down for you.
- Choose Your Spot: Find a prime location, preferably near a window or a warm spot where your cat can judge the world outside.
- Gather Materials: Cardboard, old blankets, and a jar of catnip. Oh, add some duct tape for that DIY charm.
- Assemble: Construct the cat house like you’re building a cat-sized fortress. Remember, it’s not just a house—it’s a palace.
- Add Luxury: Toss in a soft cushion or blanket. Bonus points if it’s already covered in cat hair...instant five-star rating from your feline critic!
- Sprinkle Catnip: A little sprinkle of catnip will turn that house into the hottest real estate in town.
- Watch in Anticipation: Wait for your cat to ignore it for a week, then suddenly claim it as the greatest invention since the laser pointer.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Here's why cat nip is the best tool for getting your cat interested in their new house. It has an all-natural terpene called nepetalactone (NLT) that triggers a euphoric response in about 70% of us cats. It causes us to become more playful, relaxed, or affectionate. This reaction makes catnip an excellent way to entice your cat to explore and enjoy their cat house. While we won't stop you, you don't have to keep pouring that sweet NLT in through the windows like it's some kind of feline fog machine—just a little sprinkle will do the trick!
We'll develop a positive association with the house and this euphoric experience and keep coming back. Like a slot machine, you only have to pay out every now and then to keep us expecting a big win on the next pull—or in our case, the next blissful nip trip!
But remember, moderation is key. "You don’t want to overdo it,” I advise. A little catnip goes a long way. Give us about a quarter-sized pile, 2-3 times a week. Keep it special, and your cat will keep coming back for more. While cat nip is perfectly safe, we can become overstimulated if you give us free access to the purple jar of purr bliss.
Kingpin Solves the Whisker City Housing Crisis
Now, I'm off to get these kitties off the rooftops, countertops, laundry baskets, Amazon boxes, and hallways and into their comfy homes for a cat nap. A sprinkle of cat nip in all of the abandoned cat homes in the city will do it. The residents come running, trying to get that Free Hit before sinking into their soft cushions. One by one, they settle in, purring contentedly, finally enjoying the luxury they’ve been ignoring. The streets clear as Whisker City’s cats embrace their cozy new dwellings. Another crisis averted, all thanks to a little nip and a lot of Kingpin know-how.Available On:
