A cat cave is an enclosed space where a cat can rest fully shielded from stimuli - sound, the household's movement, the presence of other animals. PRASKA cat houses are designed on the basis of more than 14 years observing pedigree cats in a breeding cattery. Hand-sewn in Poland from certified upholstery fabric and premium faux fur, with removable cushions washable at 86°F (30°C). The range includes caves for small cats (from 5.5 lbs) and caves for large cats of breeds such as Maine Coon (up to 22 lbs and beyond). Every model comes in PRASKA's color collections: FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, ORCHARD.

Why does a cat need a cave?

Not every cat needs an enclosed space - but the ones that seek it out do so for a specific reason. A closed cave reduces the number of directions stimuli can come from. A cat sheltered on several sides at once doesn't need to monitor its whole surroundings, which lowers alertness and allows for deeper, longer rest.

In my own cattery, I see that cats that seek out hiding places are most often: heat-loving cats (an enclosed space holds body heat), cats sensitive to stimulation (in a home with children, other animals, or a lot of activity), queens with kittens (needing a safe, sheltered spot to care for a litter), and cats that are new to the home (a cave as a secure base in the first days after adoption).

If your cat never climbs into boxes, cabinets, or under blankets, they probably prefer open spots up high. In that case, wall shelves or open beds with raised edges will be the better choice.

Which cat houses does PRASKA offer?

PRASKA houses split into 3 product lines, each suited to a different way of using them.

Fabric caves in the CAT CAB series are soft, stable, round-shaped houses sewn from upholstery fabric and premium faux fur. The CAT CAB line includes several variants: CAT CAB (classic, open at the top), CAT CAB IGLOO (enclosed, with a round entrance hole), CAT CAB FLAP (with a flap at the entrance), CAT CAB ROYAL (raised construction with decorative details), CAT CAB SAD (in the muted tones of the ORCHARD collection), and CAT CAB SWING (hanging, fixed to the ceiling or a hook). CAT CAB caves are designed for cats up to about 11-13 lbs.

HIDE'IN CAVE caves are rectangular, stable fabric houses, open at the front. HIDE'IN CAVE is the smaller model, and HIDE'IN CAVE PLUS is the version with more room inside. The rectangular shape means cats can lie stretched out on their side in them, not just curled into a ball. The HIDE'IN CAVE PLUS also works as a queening box - breeders use it as a safe space for a queen with her litter.

The BONBON cave is a cat house designed with large breeds in mind - Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat. A larger entrance, more room inside, a reinforced structure. Available in 3 variants: BONBON (in premium faux fur), BONBON DELUXE (with decorative details), and BONBON with buttons.

RATTLE CAT CAP caves have a built-in sensory toy (a rattle or a small fur toy). The swinging toy encourages a cat to play at the entrance to the cave, which makes it easier for them to accept a new house.

ARENA houses - a cave and a playground in one

The ARENA line is a plywood structure you fit with a textile cover to create a closed cave. Without the cover, ARENA works as an open playground with a sensory mat. With the cover, it becomes a stable cat house.

ARENA is the standard size. ARENA XXL is the version for large cats or several cats at once. Covers come in the color collections FOREST, GARDEN, AQUA, LOVE NATURAL. You can take them off to wash, and swap them by season.

ARENA BABY BORN is a special version for breeders - it combines a cave, a playground, and a queening box in one. The full range of queening boxes is available in the for breeders category.

How to size a cave for your cat

A cat house should match the size of your cat. Too small, and the cat can't change position during sleep. Too large, and it won't hold in warmth or give the sense of shelter that's the main reason cats choose enclosed spaces in the first place.

A cat should be able to get into the cave without squeezing, lie on their side with their legs stretched out, and change position freely. At the same time, the walls should be close enough that the cat feels contact with the fabric - it's that contact that gives the sense of security.

For cats up to 11-13 lbs, CAT CAB and HIDE'IN CAVE caves work well. For cats 13-22 lbs and up, BONBON or ARENA XXL. If you're not sure, get in touch - we'll help you pick the right model based on your cat's weight and breed.

Why do PRASKA caves have removable cushions?

From experience as a breeder, I know the inside of a cave needs cleaning often - fur, dirt from paws, and a cat's natural secretions build up on the cushion every day. Washing the whole cave takes time and wears the fabric out faster. That's why PRASKA caves come with removable cushions you can wash separately at 86°F (30°C). Waterproof mats are also available for the BONBON and ARENA BABY BORN caves - a protective layer under the cushion, useful in multi-cat households and in catteries.

How to help your cat accept a new house

A new cave has an unfamiliar smell and takes time to be accepted. From what I've seen in my own cattery, some cats go into a new house within a few hours, others need a few days, and some need as long as two weeks. That's completely normal.

It's not worth putting a cat into a cave by force. It's better to place the cave where the cat already rests, and let them decide for themselves. Routine and a predictable environment help with acceptance - once a cave has been accepted, it's best not to move it.

A plywood stand lets you raise the cave to around 16-20 in above the floor. Cats that naturally choose elevated spots are more likely to accept a cave on a stand than one on the floor.

Which cat house should I choose?

It depends on your cat's size and preferences. For cats up to 11-13 lbs - CAT CAB or HIDE'IN CAVE. For large breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll) - BONBON or ARENA XXL. If your cat likes open spaces and never hides in enclosed spots, open beds or wall shelves will be the better choice.

Will a cat house work for a Maine Coon?

Yes, as long as the size is right. The BONBON cave is designed with large breeds in mind - it has a larger entrance and more room inside. ARENA XXL is a plywood alternative that combines a cave with a playground.

What's the difference between the CAT CAB and BONBON caves?

CAT CAB is a cave for smaller cats (up to 11-13 lbs), BONBON is a cave for large cats (13-22 lbs and up). BONBON has more room inside, a wider entrance, and a reinforced structure. Both lines are hand-sewn in Poland from the same certified fabrics.

Can the cushion in a cave be washed?

Yes. The removable cushion can be washed at 86°F (30°C). The silicone fiberfill doesn't flatten after washing. Waterproof mats are also available for the BONBON and ARENA caves, as an extra protective layer.

What is ARENA, and how does it work with the cover?

ARENA is a plywood structure that, without a cover, works as an open playground with a sensory mat. Once you fit the textile cover, it becomes a closed cave. Covers can be taken off to wash, swapped by season, and color-matched to your interior.

Can I choose the color of the cave?

Yes. PRASKA caves are available in the color collections FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, GOODY, PATCHWORK, and ORCHARD. At order stage, you choose the color of the fabric and the faux fur.

How should I place the cave so my cat actually wants to use it?

Put the cave where the cat already rests - a quiet corner of the room, next to a bed, by the couch. Don't put your cat into the cave by force. A plywood stand lets you raise the cave - cats that prefer height are more likely to accept a cave on a stand.

Do PRASKA caves work as queening boxes?

The HIDE'IN CAVE PLUS can work as a queening box. For breeders, we recommend the dedicated queening boxes - BABY BORN PLUS, BABY BORN ROYAL, and ARENA BABY BORN, designed with queens and their litters in mind.