Review of the Madeira Wooden Cat House from Zooplus

What do you do if you’re going away and the cats are staying at home with visits from a pet sitter, when you don’t have a cat flap?  Or if you just want them to have some shelter and a place to snooze while you are out at work?

I might just have the answer, as Zooplus recently sent us this cool wooden cat shelter for our two cats to try out:

The timing couldn’t have been better as we were about to go away on holiday which meant our cats would be able to use it while we were away to relax in or shelter from the wind, rain or sun (depending on what the Manchester summer weather decided to do!)

My parents were coming to feed our two kitties twice a day in our absence, but I was a bit worried about the fur babies getting stuck outside in bad weather, as we don’t have a cat flap (there’s not really a suitable access point into the house) and I had been trying to think of a solution – even looking into getting a cat flap fitted in our glass doors at the back of the house!  But the cost would have been about £270+VAT.  If you need something a little more affordable, these little dens are ideal as they retail at £54.99 and are roomy enough for 3 cats. Although our moggies, Pixie (4) and Jesse (1) get along better than they did last year, they’re never going to be best buddies so I really like the idea that with 3 different compartments they can choose where to go, top level or lower down, so they can have a little bit of space from each other.

The Madeira Cat House comes as a kit and my husband put it together easily, it probably took 20-30 minutes max and the instructions were good and clear to follow.  You just need a screwdriver as all the bits and pieces are there.

I like that you can get easy access at the back of the shelter, with a lockable door to pop some fresh bedding inside and give it a clean out.

It didn’t take long for our cats to suss it out; Pixie was in there first, checking it all out and having a little R & R.

The house is really nice quality and robust – the construction and finish is a lot like you’d get with a decent kids playhouse.  The bitumen roof and sides not only look cute, but will give the house some longevity, protecting it from the elements.  The roof is also apparently a nice place to sit and sun yourself, I’ve noticed!

It looks really smart, don’t you think?  Like a little holiday chalet.  It has a really lovely pale grey/white wood wash and I reckon it could get quite cosy in there with a soft bed or blanket – plus how sweet are the cat shaped entry holes?

I think cats can feel safe and secure in this sturdy little den.  And because it’s built on four feet, its raised up from the ground to protect from damp and chills.

Well, that’s Pixie sold – she loves it.  I’ve seen Jesse in it a few times, too – he seems to prefer the bottom compartments which are connected, so he can choose which side to sit in.  Although he’s also quite keen on the other cat house we were sent by Zooplus, the Prince Cat Den – more on that one next time!

The Madeira cat house is a Zooplus exclusive and here’s a quick rundown of its features:

• For use out doors
• Weatherproof and durable
• Colour: white/light grey
• Material: wood
• Three separate sleeping areas
• Lower sleeping dens are connected
• Practical back door (with bolt) for easy cleaning
• 4 plastic covered legs
• Very cute to look at
• Easy assembly

Dimensions:

• Total: 90 x 50 x 75 cm (L x W x H)
• Roof: 30 x 50 cm (L x W), (inside: L 25)
• 3 entrances: diameter 15 cm
• 2 lower dens: 41 x 42 cm (L x W)
• 1 upper den: 55 x 42 cm (L x W)
• Entrance via connecting lower wall: diameter 15 cm
• Small balcony: 45 x 10 cm (L x W)
• Backdoor: B 29,5 x H 41,5 cm
• Feet: 3 cm

Zooplus recommends keeping the wooden cat house clean and treated regularly to avoid the wood drying out – they recommend applying further non-toxic coats of wood preserver if the cat house is located outside and it should be placed in a sheltered position to prolong the life.

You can shop the Madeira cat house here and check out the other sweet and practical cat houses available from Zooplus.

© Copyright 2017 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife