Why does a cattery need a queening box?

A few days before giving birth, a queen starts looking for a calm, dark, sheltered spot. Without a queening box already set up, she'll choose a cabinet, a drawer, the space under a bed, or somewhere else that gives the breeder no control over how the birth goes, or over the kittens' safety in their first weeks.

A queening box gives the queen exactly what she's looking for: an enclosed, warm, stable space with limited exposure to outside stimuli. At the same time, it gives the breeder a way to observe (a plexiglass insert), control temperature, maintain hygiene (removable cushions, waterproof mats), and keep the litter safe (walls that stop newborn kittens escaping).

From my own experience as a breeder, a queen who has accepted her queening box before giving birth stays calmer during the birth itself and through the first weeks of raising her kittens. That's why it's worth setting up the queening box 2-3 weeks before the expected due date - to give the queen time to accept it as her own space.

Which queening boxes does PRASKA offer?

The range includes 5 lines of queening box, each suited to a different breeder's needs.

The QUEEN, PRINCESS, and MADAME plywood queening boxes are PRASKA's flagship models - two-level structures in hardwood plywood. The lower level is an enclosed birthing space with a removable bed. The upper level is a resting platform for the queen, from which she can watch her kittens from above. The models differ in size and build: QUEEN is the largest, PRINCESS is the compact version, and MADAME has a different proportion between the two levels. Every model comes in 2 versions: BASIC (plywood only, no fabric) and PREMIUM (the same plywood covered in your choice of fabric and faux fur). Accessories are available for the plywood queening boxes: plexiglass inserts (let you observe the kittens without opening the box), an LED light (lights the inside without overheating it), replaceable beds, and waterproof mats.

The stable fabric BABY BORN queening boxes (BABY BORN PLUS, BABY BORN ROYAL) are soft, stable dens in upholstery fabric, designed as queening boxes. An internal frame holds their shape without any plywood. Easier to move around than the plywood queening boxes. Internal diameter of around 27.6 in (70 cm) - enough for most breeds.

The ARENA BABY BORN plywood queening box combines the plywood ARENA playground structure with a queening box. Once fitted with a cover (sold separately), it becomes an enclosed birthing space. With the cover off, it's an open playground for growing kittens. It's a 2-in-1 solution that grows with the litter.

The HIDE'IN CAVE PLUS queening den is a rectangular fabric den that can work as a queening box for smaller breeds. Smaller and more compact than the plywood models. Works well as a second queening box, or for a cattery with limited space.

The fabric BONBON queening box is a large, round den in premium faux fur that works as both a queening box and a bed for a large cat. Roomy enough inside for large breeds such as Maine Coon. Available in the BONBON, BONBON DELUXE, BONBON with buttons, and BONBON AQUA variants.

The modular system - a queening box and a playpen in one

PRASKA's plywood queening boxes (QUEEN, PRINCESS, MADAME) can be combined with kitten playpen panels using modular connectors (21.7 in / 55 cm or 29.5 in / 75 cm tall). This lets the queening box grow with the litter: in the first weeks, the queen and her kittens have an enclosed birthing space, and once the kittens start exploring their surroundings, you add playpen panels to expand it.

Panels are available in 5 types: solid (for isolation), slatted (ventilation), plexiglass (full visibility), a gate (for entry and exit), and a panel with your cattery's logo (personalization). The 21.7 in (55 cm) height suits litters up to 6-8 weeks old, and 29.5 in (75 cm) suits older kittens.

Hygiene in the queening box - why it matters so much

In the first weeks of a litter's life, the queening box needs cleaning every day. Birth fluids, kitten waste, leftover food from the queen - all of it builds up on the bedding daily. That's why PRASKA queening boxes come with a system of removable parts: ANANAS replaceable cushions with silicone fiberfill (washable at 86°F / 30°C), waterproof mats under the cushion (protecting the plywood and fabric from moisture), and removable beds (for both the lower and upper levels).

I'd say a double set of cushions and mats is the minimum - one in the wash, one in the queening box. A gap in clean bedding is stressful for the queen and a risk of infection for a newborn litter.

How to prepare the queening box before the birth

It's worth setting up the queening box 2-3 weeks before the expected due date. It should stand in a quiet, calm spot, away from the household's main foot traffic and other cats. The queen needs time to accept the new space - every cat needs anywhere from a few hours to two weeks to accept something new in their surroundings.

Inside the queening box, fit the removable cushion with a waterproof mat underneath it. An LED light lets you watch the birth without switching on the main room light, which could unsettle the queen. A plexiglass insert lets you check on the kittens without opening the box.

Which queening box should I choose?

It depends on the breed, how many litters you're planning, and the space you have. For a long-running cattery, the plywood queening boxes (QUEEN, PRINCESS, MADAME) - a structure built to last for years. For a cattery with limited space, BABY BORN or HIDE'IN CAVE PLUS. For large breeds, BONBON or ARENA BABY BORN.

What's the difference between the BASIC and PREMIUM versions?

The BASIC version is the plywood structure on its own, with no fabric. The PREMIUM version is the same structure covered in your choice of upholstery fabric and faux fur. Functionally identical - the difference is in the finish and the look.

Can a queening box be combined with a playpen?

Yes. The plywood queening boxes (QUEEN, PRINCESS, MADAME) connect to playpen panels using modular connectors. The queening box grows with the litter - you add panels as the kittens need more space.

How do I keep the queening box clean?

The removable cushions with silicone fiberfill can be washed at 86°F (30°C). Waterproof mats protect the structure from moisture. We recommend a double set of cushions - one in the wash, one in the queening box.

When should I set up the queening box before the birth?

2-3 weeks before the expected due date. The queen needs time to accept the new space and mark it with her scent.

Will a PRASKA queening box work for a Maine Coon?

Yes. The QUEEN (the largest plywood queening box), BONBON, and ARENA BABY BORN models are all roomy enough for large breeds. QUEEN PREMIUM is the option most often chosen by Maine Coon breeders.

What is the plexiglass insert?

A clear plexiglass panel fitted into the wall of the queening box. It lets a breeder observe the kittens and the birth without opening the box or unsettling the queen. Available for the QUEEN model and for MADAME/PRINCESS/LADY.

Can I choose the color of the queening box?

Yes. On the PREMIUM version, you choose the color of the plywood, the fabric, and the faux fur. On the BASIC version, you choose the plywood color. Playpen panels are available in natural plywood.