Every cat owner strives to keep their cat happy at all times. This is not always possible since lack of enough time is often a challenge. The good news is that other ways can be used to keep cats happy even in the owner’s absentia.
One of these ways is through a cat playhouse. The best cat playhouses ensure that your feline friend stays entertained and stimulated all day hence stays happy. It provides a safe paradise for your beloved cat to relax, play, nap and have a good time.
Benefits of The Best Cat Playhouses
- Provide Endless Stimulation for Cats>Your cat requires activity and enrichment to stay happy. Cat playhouses outfitted with perches, scratching posts and toys give your cat endless stimulation ensuring that they are happy and engaged all day.
- Provide a Safe Haven to Escape>They enable cats to escape to a safe spot when they feel threatened by other animals or people
- Provide Cover for Outdoor Cats>They are imperative for cats that love being outdoors and need a place to seek cover in the winter and summer months as well.
- Prevents Destructive Behaviors>Cat Playhouses help to stop destructive behavior in cats such as scratching the wrong items and jumping on furniture. They provide a variety of scratching options to save your furniture, curtains, and carpet from destruction.
- Allows Cats to Play on Their Own>This means that your cat will not always come to you for stimulation and attention.
11 Best Cat Playhouses, Cat Trees, Cat Condos & Towers
Cat playhouses come in various shapes and sizes and are designed for use outdoors or indoors. They are plenty of options in the market to choose from. This means that knowing the best one to pick can be a difficult task. Here is why we have made this easier for you by outlining the best cat playhouses for you to choose from:
#1) Midwest Nuvo Cat Playhouse
The Midwest Cat Playhouse is one of the best cat playhouses that you can get for your feline. It is made with a cat’s lifestyle in mind and provides an array of play and lounging options.
It is a great addition to any home and will add to your décor. It has sisal-wrapped supports that offer a scratching post that is not only tough and resilient to satisfy your cat’s scratching needs. Its plush cark fabric wipes clean easily from cat accidents.
Also, it has flexible arms dangle toy balls above the lounging lookout that keeps your cat entertained and amused all day. High rise bolstered perch and resting benches give your furry friend the much-desired overlooking feeling that is loved by many acts. Felines have an inherent desire to climb high and perch.
The high-rise bed helps quench this need by providing a perfect lounging spot. As one of the best cat playhouses, Midwest Cat Playhouse also provides a nice hideout for your kitty. The lower-level cubby retreat is a perfect napping area where the cat can curl up and take a siesta peacefully.
When it comes to assembly, this cat playhouse setups easily. The Feline Nuvo tower packs a lot of benefits, it provides a lounging area for cats that love elevation, has dangling toy balls to keep your feline stimulated, has hideouts for cats that love to sleep in privacy and cozy spots for relaxation. If you are looking for a cat playhouse that will satisfy the needs of your playful kitty, look no further than the Midwest Nuvo Cat Playhouse.
Key Features
- High perch with a lookout
- Flexible arms
- Dangling balls
- Sisal-wrapped support beams for scratching needs
- Faux fur on the base and perches
- Multi-tiered playhouse with two-level cubby hole and hiding nook
- Perfect for cats to play on
- Sturdy design
- A great addition to your home’s décor
- 5 inches tall
- Weighs 55 pounds
- Can accommodate multiple cats at the same time
#2) Trixie Cat Playhouse and Scratching Post
Keeping your cat physically stimulated improves her quality of life. You don’t need to break your wallet to get cat furniture that will keep your feline engaged. With the Trixie Cat Baza Scratching post, you get a cat hammock that offers unending opportunities for your furry friend at an affordable rate.
The hammock does more than just physically stimulating your cat, the scratching post lets your cat sharpen its claws keeping your cat away from the furniture in your home. The scratching instincts that lead to destructive behavior will be satisfied the right way.
Trixie Baza Hammock also serves as a kitty condo where relaxes. Your furry friend can crawl up and take a nap peacefully. If you have two cats, the hammock offers a cozy spot where the cats can cuddle and groom each other.
The hammock is covered with ultra-plush material on both sides for utmost comfort when the cat is sleeping. For added stability, the hammock has a metal rim. The scratching posts are wrapped with sisal to ensure durability.
Key Features
- Condo lined in plush fabric
- Dangling pompom toy found inside for playing
- Comes with a one year warranty
- Natural sisal scratching surface
- Wrapped in soft plush both inside and outside
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Ideal for all cat ages
- 12 different peek-a-boo holes
- Measures 18x 27x 26 inches
#3) Bewishome Activity Tower & Playhouse
Bewishome Cat Tree Condo is made of plush material that is of great quality to give your felines a soft touch like no other. As one of the best cat playhouses, the Bewishome tower is ideal for a home with multiple cats.
The lounging rooms provide comfortable relaxation spots where your cats can sleep or take naps. Cats love interacting with the outdoor environment and there is no better way to do it than perching.
This cat playhouse lets cats watch birds and squirrels on the perches. For stimulation and non-ending playtime, the tower has interactive jingly balls that cats can play with. The playhouse has a solid construction with a balanced design and a strong base that ensures the safety of your cat while still allowing it to have fun to the fullest.
Nevertheless, it has a wall anchor strap to attach it to the wall for more stability when multiple cats are using it. The cat tower has beautiful colors such as Beige, Light Gray, Brown and Smoky Grey that will complement the furniture in your house.
It is suitable for cats of all sizes. It has two large platforms that are nicely cushioned with elevated edging for your feline to sit on and look out of the window. The playhouse is easy to assemble as all the hardware and tools are included.
Key Features
- Sisal scratching posts to prevent from scratching unwanted items
- Several layers layout for climbing up and down
- Ideal for cats of all sizes
- Interactive jingle balls to play with
- Sturdy and stable construction
- Easy to assemble
- Looks attractive hence complements your décor
- Available in various colors
- Two hideaways for cats to lounge
- Two platforms including a high lookout
- Just under 5 feet tall
- Cushioned with plush material
- Has a wall strap that reinforces the tower when multiple cats are playing at the same time
#4) Midwest Curious Cat Cube
This Curious Cat Condo provides a cozy retreat and playtime for your beloved cat as it is made specifically to fulfill her instincts to lounge and play. It has a bed topper that is cushioned with stuffed bolsters that is suitable for raised lounging. The two hideaways are cozy and provide synthetic sheepskin bedding that is luxurious to ensure napping that is private and peaceful as well.
Additionally, the sisal; scratching panel is largely promoting healthy scratching. It is also easy and quick to assemble and holds multiple cats enabling them to play at the same time. It folds flat when not use facilitating easy transportation and storage.
Key Features
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Sisal scratching panel
- High rise bed topper is cushioned and has bolsters
- Two cozy hideaways with large entries
- Synthetic sheepskin complements your decor
- Measures 14.6x 14.72x 30.39 inches
- Collapses flat for easy storage and transportation
- Ideal for multiple cats
- Brown faux suede easily blends with most home décor
- Ideal for large and small casts as well
- Made in the USA
- Comes with a one year warranty
#5) ASPCA Cat House & Scratcher
This is a cardboard Cathouse that provides a relaxing place for your furry friend to play and hide. It has an interior den-like hiding space for your cat to have a peaceful and private nap and also promotes nesting instinct. It promotes paw health as the scratching motion of the cat’s feet leads to strong and healthy paws. This is especially important for kittens.
Besides, it includes catnip whereby you sprinkle some organic catnip on the cardboard to lure your cat to scratch. It promotes healthy scratching behavior by ensuring that your cats scratch on it instead of scratching on your favorite furniture and carpets.
It comes with all parts included making it very easy to assemble. The cat house can nevertheless collapse into a flat and compact size when not in use making it easy to transport and store.
Key Features
- Measures 19.5x 14x 11 inches
- Includes organic catnip that lures cats to scratch
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to transport and store as it folds flat when not in use
- Made of cardboard
- Comes with a scratching floor
- Affordable
#6) Vesper Cat Playhouse
Vesper Cat Playhouse as one of the best cat playhouses is perfect for your kitty to lounge and nap. It has cozy hideouts with two entrances so that your cat doesn’t feel cornered.
It has a raised platform for your feline to look down from. The playhouse also has super comfortable sisal scratching mats and seagrass scratching posts. The tall posts provide an elongated posture thus encouraging extensive scratching.
Nonetheless, the playhouse is constructed with MDF of high quality and doesn’t attract cat hair. The cushions and scratching mats are removable for cleaning and replacing.
In addition to that, the memory foam inside the soft cushions molds to the exact body shape of your four-legged friend offering extra comfort. It also has an ideal V-base that is suitable for playing or resting. This V-base also includes a cat box cave with one platform and seagrass-scratching cat posts.
Key Features
- High-quality MDF with a laminate finish
- Completely renewable with replacement parts
- Multi-leveled making it ideal for multiple cats
- Cozy hideouts with two entrances
- Tall observation platforms
- Soft-memory foam cushions
- Seagrass scratching posts and sisal scratching mats
- Cubed den with multiple exits
- Dangling pompom balls for your cats to play with
- Measures 21.9x 22.1x 32.1 inches
- Comes in two finishes
- Looks great and blends well with your furniture
- Machine washable memory foam pads
#7) K&H Outdoor Heated Cat House
The K&H outdoor heated cat house is constructed with materials that are of high quality to ensure the comfort of your cat and the safety of your family. It is perfect to use in garages, porches, barns and anywhere else that your cat needs extra warmth and protection.
It includes a 20 watt met safety listed and patented lector-soft heated bed that can be used both indoors and outdoors and ensures that your cat stays warm all winter long even in sub-zero temperatures. The patented lector-soft is controlled thermostatically by an internal preset thermostat to keep your furry friend warm safely.
In addition, the cat house is weather resistant as it is built with 600 denier polyester. It has insulated walls and a roof to protect against the harsh elements of winter. The roof hangs over the two doors to ensure that the cat is warm, safe and dry.
Besides that, the cat house has two exits with plastic flaps that are removable to ensure enough protection and to keep the cat from being trapped by predators. It can be assembled quickly and easily as no tools are required. It can be cleaned using a damp towel or sponge and mild dishwashing detergent. Avoid washing in the machine.
Key Features
- Easy and quick to assemble as no tools are needed
- Weatherproof
- Ideal for cats of all shapes and sizes
- Two exits with clear door flaps that are removable to protect harsh elements
- Ideal for cats that love to sleep in garages, porches, or colder parts of the house
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
- Cathouse that is insulated
- Includes a heating pad the offers additional warmth
- Can be used indoors and outdoors as well
- Made with 600 denier polyester
- The roof hangs over the doors to ensure that the cat stays warm, safe and dry
#8) On2 Pets Cat Tree with Leaves
Keep your furry friends bust and active all the time by using the On2 Pets Cat Tree with leaves. With this cat tree, you get to provide your cat with the ultimate outdoor experience at the comfort of your sitting room. This unique modern cat furniture is not just stylish but also blends perfectly with most interior home décor.
It provides your cat with a paradise of its own where it can play and climb, then later on relax when it gets tired. Available in three sizes; small, medium and large, you get to easily choose one depending on the size of your cat.
Additionally, this indoor cat climbing tree features a sturdy construction made of high-quality and durable materials. It provides your cat with different areas of exploration as well as different materials to engage his senses.
As the cat peers out from behind the silk leaves canopy, he will feel safe, secure and well hidden. The feeling appeals to your cat’s instinct of staying in a hidden place. While this cat tree is designed for your cat’s comfort and entertainment, the stylish, curved cat perches and faux leaves design will also bring outdoor comfort inside your living room.
Key Features
- Quick and straightforward assembly process with no tools needed.
- Cat tower ideal for climbing, jumping, scratching, relaxing and hiding.
- Available in small, medium and large sizes.
- Cat condo is designed to accommodate cats weighing up to 32 pounds.
- Perfect for indoor use. Fits great in any room.
- Made of high-quality pressed wood, carpet and artificial leaves.
- Designed to provide a natural outdoor feel indoors.
- A perfect blend of utility and aesthetics.
- Non-toxic and pet safe.
- Durable and sturdy construction.
- Adjustable perch that can be swiveled and secured in different positions.
#9) TRIXIE Pet Products Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower
Cats naturally love to climb, claw and scratch. Getting your cat the TRIXIE Pet Products Miguel Fold and Store Cat Tower provides him with a safe and appropriate outlet for their natural urge to claw and scratch, which will save both your furniture and sanity.
The good thing about this cat tower is how ideal it is for small spaces. This makes it suitable for pet owners living in small apartments where space is limited. At the top of the tower is a soft and snug hammock where your cat can easily relax or sleep. The natural scratching surface will satisfy your cat’s scratching needs while keeping him occupied all through.
While in use, your feline friend can easily sharpen their claws on the hard-wearing sisal surface. Additionally, active cats can jump, climb or perch in the cozy hammock and keep themselves unsusceptible to prey and predators. The light grey/grey color makes this piece of cat furniture easy to integrate into your home décor.
Furthermore, it is assembly and folds down into a small and compact size for easy storage. It is also suitable for cats of all ages and activity levels. When dirty, the cushion insert can be easily removed and machine washed.
Key Features
- Ideal cat tower for pet owners with small spaces.
- Natural sisal scratching surface.
- Light grey/grey color blends easily with most home décor.
- Folds down for quick and easy storage.
- The top lying hammock provides a plush spot to relax.
- A removable cushion that’s hand washable.
- Suitable for cats of all ages and activity levels.
- Provides an endless opportunity for cats to play, explore, scratch and relax.
- Remarkably affordable.
- Easy to assemble.
- Made of high-quality materials.
- Minimal maintenance is needed.
- Highly stable and sturdy.
- The natural sisal surface sharpens the cat’s claws.
- Toys on strings.
- Covered with plush.
#10) Kitty City Jungle Cat Cube Combo, Collapsible Cat Cube
One of the best ways to keep your cat active and entertained when left alone indoors is to get him a cat cube. Keeping him active and occupied saves your furniture from destructive scratching while your cat stays healthy. You can help maintain their well-being while satisfying their natural curiosity using the Kitty City Jungle Cat Cube Combo cat cube.
This is a collapsible cat cube made of high-quality and durable polyester. This all-in-one cat cube includes 1 lion cube, 1 tiger house and 1safari tunnel. All these three make a fun place for cats to lounge and play. While the Flexi-frame pops up in a matter of seconds, it folds down easily for easy transportation and stowing purposes.
The openings and mesh panel provide a peek-boo playtime keeping your cat happy and entertained all through. The safari hunt house includes a comfy fleece pad on the inside where your cat can snugly relax and rest. The pop lion cube has 3 openings, so the cats can easily get in and out. Additionally, there is a dangling play tussle inside for your cat to play with.
The pop-up tiger hut house has 3 openings as well, a tail area for stretching and a removable bottom for easy cleaning. If you are a multiple pet owner, this collapsible cat cube will work great for your pet’s needs. Lastly, it is great for all cats, young and old.
Key Features
- Perfect for multiple cats, young and old.
- All in one. Includes 1 lion cube, 1 tiger house and 1safari tunnel.
- Made of heavy-duty polyester.
- Durable and claw resistant.
- Big playing area for multiple cats.
- Folds down for easy storage.
- Mesh panels and openings provide peek-boo playtime.
- Comfy fleece pad inside the safari hut house.
- Dangling play tassel inside lion cube.
- 3 large openings on both lion cube and tiger hut house.
- Easy to set up. No tools are required.
- Provides a fun place for cats to rest and play.
#11) Amazon Basics Cat Condo
Made of compressed wood with carpeted surfaces, Amazon Basics Cat Condo is all you need to keep your cat active and entertained. This cat condo features a triple platform indoor cat tree with scratching posts wrapped in jute to satisfy your cat’s scratching needs.
This cat tree offers multi-tiered platforms that allow cats to easily jump from one level to the other. The square-shaped base provides stability while the round-shaped top platform features tall sides with a curved rim for additional comfort. At the top of this cat tree is a soft and snug hammock, where your cat can relax.
The elevated hammock also gives your cat a sense of security. While the neutral color tones blend perfectly with most interior home décor, you get to have cat furniture that helps keep your cat from damaging carpets, furniture, curtains and more. The rough textured natural sisal posts will help keep your cats’ nails healthy and sharp while satisfying your cat’s urge to climb and scratch.
Made with high-quality materials, this product has long-lasting quality and durability. Additionally, all the materials used in making this condo are safe for you and your pet. You can easily set it up and place it anywhere in your house as it requires no assembly tools.
Key Features
- Provides your cat with a sense of privacy.
- Suitable for all cats, young and old.
- Made with premium quality materials to long-lasting quality and durability.
- Satisfies your cat’s urge to scratch and climb.
- An elevated hammock provides a snug and warm spot to sleep and relax.
- Rough textured poles contribute to a cat’s healthy nails.
- Scratch-able poles made with natural and durable jute rope.
- Made with safe and non-toxic materials.
- Replaceable and removable dangle toy.
- Neutral color tones blend perfectly with many home décor.
- Prevents your cat from damaging carpets, furniture and curtains.
- An elevated hammock provides a sense of security for the cat.
- Suitable for pet owners with small apartments.
See Also
- Best Cat Treat Dispensers
- Best Cat Scratchers
- Best Cat Chew Toys
- Best Cat Cone Collars
- Best Heated Cat Beds
Best Cat Playhouses Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Cat Playhouses
Durability
Invest in a playhouse that is built to last. It should be able to withstand an aggressive and heavy scratcher, multiple cats, or extreme weather. Ensure that all elements are tightly secured and the playhouse has a stable base. Anything that is ripped, torn, or pulled apart can be dangerous for your four-legged friend.
Cat playhouses without a wide and stable base can tip over when jumped on or be pulled over accidentally. Some of them even come with a strap that enables them to be attached securely on the wall so that it holds multiple cats without falling over.
Materials and Appearance
Cat playhouses are generally built with wood, plastic, or metal. There are some exceptions which are made with cardboard. Look for playhouses that are sustainable or reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, or bamboo if you want an environmentally friendly material. There are some stylish cat playhouses but they tend to be expensive.
Age of Your Feline
Older cats prefer a soft spot for napping that doesn’t need a lot of climbing. Some playhouses even have ramps that make the climbing way easier. Younger cats on the other hand require more stimulation through toys and scratching surfaces. You thus need a playhouse with low-hanging features that can easily reach and higher levels to occupy them once they are older.
Size and Space
Cats are territorial creatures. Choose a playhouse with multiple spots to perch or nap if you have more than one cat. Also, ensure that there are multiple toys and scratching spots. Get a tall playhouse with several levels if your cat is the kind that climbs on everything so that she fully explores.
To get the appropriate playhouse, you need to measure the dimensions of your space. It is also important to take note of surrounding furniture that your feline companion can jump on from the playhouse.
Features
You will want to get a playhouse that has enough features if your cat is playful to keep her stimulated. Look for tunnels, hanging toys, scratching areas and ample space to climb. These will ensure that you have kept the cat interested for a long period.
If your cat is sleepy, get a playhouse with places to nap such as a covered level, carpeted landing, or hammock. Covered levels are also great for cats that are shy or those that like to hide from children and other pets.
Portability
Ensure that you get a playhouse that is light and easy to carry if you intend to move it around. Many indoor playhouses can be folded up or collapsed when not in use thus making them easy to carry around or store. This also saves on space.
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Where Should I Put My Cat’s Play House?
Naturally, cats love to climb up to high places as it makes them feel safe. If you are looking for the best place where your cat can snugly rest and play, a cat playhouse is a perfect place. With a cat playhouse, you easily give your cat a place to rest, climb, scratch and hide. Here are some of the best spots where you can place your cat playhouse.
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Bedroom
If you have a spacious bedroom, it will be a good idea to share it with your favorite furry companion. The perfect place inside your bedroom is at the corner. Having your cat share the bedroom with you increases the chances of your cat spending the night asleep while also saving you from having cat hair all over your bed.
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Living Room
This one is for pet owners with hype-active and social cats. The benefit of having your cat house playhouse inside your living room is that you can easily keep an eye on him when you are in the house. You can also relax on the couch and watch him play, which is very entertaining. Having a cat playhouse in your living room will also make it look more stylish.
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Laundry Room
If you have a shy cat who prefers to have her privacy, you can place his playhouse in the laundry room. A laundry room gives your cat a place to hide away since there is less traffic in there. Furthermore, the dryer makes the laundry room warm and snug, something all cats love especially when they are taking a nap.
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Garage
Outdoor cats require a safe, warm and clean spot to rest after they are roaming around. If you have space in the garage, it would be an excellent place for your cat playhouse.
Read: Best Cat Window Perches
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cat Playhouses
Q: When Should I Replace My Cat’s Cardboard Scratcher?
All cats love to scratch and the best way to satisfy this need is to get them a cardboard scratcher. Cardboard scratchers are made with different materials and the durability of each model will depend on the materials used and the length of your cat’s nails as well as how frequently he scratches it.
Considering the strength of the cardboard only, the most durable scratcher can last up to 6 months with daily use while the weakest one will last for less than a month. This means that the average service time of a cat’s cardboard scratcher should be between 3-4 months. You should therefore make it a habit to replace the scratcher after every 3 to 4 months.
Q: Who Should Buy a Cat Playhouse?
Anyone who wants to keep their feline companion happy and healthy by offering a space that is safe to play and relax. It is also suitable for a cat owner who wants to curb destructive scratching behavior on items in the house such as curtains, furniture and carpets as it provides an alternative scratching surface. This contributes to your overall happiness and peace of mind as the cat parent.
Q: How Big are Cat Playhouses?
Cat playhouses are usually available in various shapes and sizes. How big it should be is determined by the size of your furry friend, where you intend to place it and the features that you want it to have. Consider getting a larger playhouse that provides plenty of space if you have multiple cats so that the cats do not have territorial disputes.
Conclusion
Cats tend easily become bored. A cat playhouse is important as it has lots of activity options that keep the cat stimulated and will capture her attention. So, get a cat playhouse so that she has an area to climb, scratch, rest, play or hide. Any of the above products explained above is certainly a good choice for you.