When someone asks about a “cat house,” the term might evoke images of comfy little shelters where felines curl up for a nap. However, the terminology can vary depending on the context and region. Let’s explore the different words used in the US and the UK so you can make sure you’re using the right one (because one of the terms is definitely NOT what you want to use)!
What’s a Cat Home Called?
The term “cathouse” or “cat house” isn’t one you hear as you would “dog house.” Why? The term is used colloquially to mean a brothel. Definitely not the term you were looking for!
However, cat house is sometimes used to refer to a small, often insulated shelter for outdoor cats. “Feral cat shelters” or “feral cat houses” are structures that provide protection from the elements, a place for feral cats to rest, and sometimes a source of food (although food is often kept separately in a “feeding station.”)
What Does Cattery Mean?
A cattery can mean either a place where cats are bred or a place where cats are housed.
We often see shelters refer to their cat building as a “cattery.” Generally, though, in the US a cattery is more often used as a place where a cat breeder breeds and houses cats.
However, in the UK, a cattery often refers to a facility where cats are housed temporarily, especially when their owners are away, much like a kennel for dogs.
What’s an Outdoor Cat House Called?
An outdoor screened house for cats is called a catio (like a patio for cats). It is a place for typically indoor cats to go to enjoy the sights and smells of the outdoors safely.
Catios can be freestanding or, most frequently, attached to a house and accessed through a cat flap or window.
Cat Kennel
The term “cat kennel” isn’t used nearly as often as “dog kennel” but it refers to a similar environment, one where pets are housed in a temporary boarding situation while their family is away.
Cat Condo
A cat condo might sound like an apartment house for cats–but it’s not! A cat condo is a multi-level structure, often with scratching posts, lounging areas, and small hideaways for indoor cats to play, scratch, and rest.
Cat Cage
Like a dog kennel or enclosed exercise pen, a cat cage is an enclosure, typically made of metal or plastic mesh/wire, designed to contain or confine a cat securely. Cat cages can vary widely in terms of size, design, and purpose.
Cat cages are usually considered a temporary home for cats and be used in various settings and for multiple reasons:
- Temporary Confinement: When introducing a new cat to other pets or moving to a new home, a cat cage can be used to keep the cat temporarily confined while it becomes familiar with its surroundings or other animals.
- Recovery: After surgery or medical treatment, a cat might need to be confined to prevent it from moving around too much or accessing areas that might compromise its recovery.
- Breeding: Breeders might use cat cages to separate males and females or to provide a safe space for a mother and her kittens.
- Pet Supply Stores: Some stores use cages to display cats that are available for adoption.
- Cat Shows: During cat shows, participants might keep their cats in cages while waiting for their turn to be judged.
- Outdoor Enclosures: Some cat cages are larger structures, like catios, which allow indoor cats to experience the outdoors safely. These enclosures are often equipped with shelves, perches, and toys.
- Boarding or Shelters: Cat boarding facilities or animal shelters often use cages to house individual cats or small groups of cats, either for short-term stays or until the cats can be adopted.
- Quarantine: In situations where a cat might have a contagious disease, cages can be used to quarantine the cat, ensuring it doesn’t spread illness to other animals.
It’s essential to ensure that any cage used for a cat is appropriately sized, secure, and provides adequate ventilation. If a cat is to be kept in a cage for an extended period, it’s crucial to provide opportunities for play, exercise, and human interaction to maintain the cat’s well-being.
In conclusion, the term “cat house” and its variations can differ based on where you are and the context in which it’s used. Whether you’re looking for a place to house your cat temporarily, seeking a playful structure for your indoor kitty, or assisting feral cats, there’s likely a term to match your needs!
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