Most cat owners know that a feline companion can be just as territorial as their canine counterparts. In the wild, a cat is mostly a solitary animal. Although it is not uncommon to see them in defined families, they will vigorously defend their personal space. A cat's instinct is to wander and explore, in search of mental stimulation. Denying them this opportunity can result in a multitude of behavioral issues. Outdoor cat perch houses are a great way to give a safe haven, prevent behavioral problems, and give them a home of their own.
Cat behavior is characterized by periods of intense activity and restful slumber. In fact, most will sleep close to 12 hours a day. When awake, they often yearn to roam their territory. Important psychological factors are the ability to hunt, make friends, play, and have a defined zone that belongs to them. Cat houses offer a type of home base, a safe place where they can return and sleep.
There are dangers inherent to a cat living outdoors. Cars and other animals pose a great risk to their health and safety. A cat's territory is defined by the distance that they must travel to meet their psychological and physical needs. These risks increase based on how far they travel. Outdoor cat perch houses, if well designed, can keep a cat closer to home by providing an opportunity to play and explore their space.
Undesirable behaviors in animals are usually the result of unfulfilled instinctual need. For cats, this is especially true. Owners struggle with inappropriate elimination, property damage resulting from scratching, and aggressive tendencies. Assuming that any medical issues have been eliminated as a cause, many of the "acting out" cats simply need greater mental stimulation. Cat houses address this issue by incorporating fun elements into the design.
Cat houses outdoor advantage is that it is built specifically with feline preferences in mind. Cats love to climb and hide, so elevation is important. The addition of an enclosed house offers a spot where they can sleep away from prying eyes. It should be easy to clean and keep up. Cat houses outdoor weather proofing is also an important issue. It should withstand rain and snow. The roof construction should prevent leaks, and insulation is a nice added feature. Regardless of the style, an outdoor cat perch house is an easy way to do something good for a pet.
