Not every cat wants somewhere to hide. Some actively avoid enclosed spaces and always choose an open spot instead. Others can't imagine resting anywhere else.
In more than 14 years of breeding pedigree cats, I've watched hundreds of cats choose - or ignore - a den, and there's a clear pattern behind it.
A den, or enclosed cat house, meets a cat's need for safety and shelter. In the wild, cats rest in enclosed spaces - burrows, hollows, dense undergrowth - places that protect them from predators and let them observe their surroundings unseen.
A den gives a cat contact with its walls on several sides at once. For many cats, that contact brings a real sense of calm, comparable to the effect of gentle, constant pressure.
In my own cattery, I've noticed that dens are most often chosen by:
Cats that feel the cold - a den holds warmth better than an open surface.
More sensitive, easily startled cats - an enclosed space limits stimuli coming from every direction.
Shy cats and new arrivals - a den lets them observe a new environment from a safe distance.
Queens with young kittens - an enclosed nest gives a sense of protection during a particularly vulnerable time.
Cats recovering after illness or a vet visit - a den offers a quiet spot away from household activity.
Confident, sociable cats that like to keep an eye on the room often prefer an open spot. An enclosed den can even feel limiting to them - they'd rather watch what's happening around them than hide from it.
A cat that never climbs into boxes, never hides under furniture and never seeks out enclosed spaces most likely won't need a den. An open, raised bed, or a shelf with a soft surface, will suit it better.
I don't think it's worth forcing a cat to use a den if it doesn't choose one on its own. It's better to watch its natural preferences and match the setup to them - not the other way around.
Hiding in a den by choice - daily, for a few hours, before the cat returns to normal activity - is healthy behaviour. But sudden, constant hiding from a cat that never used to do it can signal a problem.
A cat that suddenly starts spending whole days in a den, refuses food, won't come out to play and avoids contact with the household may be in pain or under stress. In these situations it's worth watching for additional signs and, if in doubt, speaking to a vet.
In my own cattery, a change in how a cat uses its den is one of the first things I pay attention to. A cat that always slept on a shelf and suddenly moves into a den and won't come out - that's information that something's changed.
A den should be matched to a cat's size. Too small, and a cat won't fit comfortably or be able to change position while sleeping. Too large, and it won't hold warmth or give a sense of shelter.
That's why we design PRASKA houses in several sizes - from models for cats around 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) through to dens for large cats up to 22 lbs (10 kg). A cat should be able to lie down, turn around and change position freely, while still feeling its walls in contact with its body - that's exactly what creates the sense of security.
For large breeds like Maine Coons, den dimensions need to be scaled up accordingly. More on what large breeds need in our article on space for Maine Coons and other large cats.
As a breeder, I know how important it is to keep a bed clean. That's why most of our houses come with a removable cushion you can wash without having to wash the whole den. It's a solution that works well day to day - especially in a multi-cat home.
The materials PRASKA dens are made from are tested in pedigree catteries before they go into production. We check their durability, how easy they are to clean, and whether they keep their shape after repeated washing. A den's construction shouldn't sag or lose shape with use.
PRASKA dens are shaped by watching which spots cats choose for themselves - not by what looks best in a photo.
Izabela Praska
Pedigree cat breeder and founder of PRASKA
A den should above all be matched to a cat's size and personality. Cats that feel the cold, calmer cats and more sensitive cats most often choose an enclosed bed.
Yes, as long as the size is matched correctly. Large breeds need more room to lie comfortably and change position while resting.
Yes. Most PRASKA dens have a removable cushion that can be washed without having to wash the whole bed.
Yes. Larger models work very well as a calm spot for a queen raising a litter.
If you're looking for a cat den designed around cats' natural needs and built to last for years, explore the PRASKA den collection.
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