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The best cat houses for outdoor cats

Keep your adventurer close to home with a cat house for outdoor cats. When the backyard is your cat’s domain, they need a house to stay comfy. Keeping them warm and safe from predators is a good way to care for your curious feline friend.

Sleepless nights worrying about your outdoor cat are stressful and unnecessary. With an outdoor cat house, you always have the peace of mind that your kitten is safe from the elements and predators. An insulated cat house for outdoors keeps your pet warm and dry. Let’s take a look at our favorites.

K&H Pet Products Heated Cat House

Best Overall

When it’s chilly outside, you can keep your outdoor cat warm with the K&H Pet Products Heated Cat House. Insulated to keep outdoor and feral cats cozy, this easy-to-assemble shelter features a plush heated pet bed. Even in sub-zero temperatures, your furry friend will be comfortable and safe. With two removable clear door flaps, your cat can always access their shelter and stay warm.

Kitty City Stackable Cat Cube

Best Indoor/outdoor Combo

Expand and collapse your cat’s outdoor house with the Kitty City Stackable Cat Cube. This water-resistant and sturdy structure features two exits to protect cats from harsh weather. It’s easy to assemble and stow for maximum convenience. The Velcro strips keep it in place and make it easy to change around as needed. Use it outdoors or keep one inside and the other outside for cats who enjoy both spaces.

ecoFlex Outdoor Cat House

Best Weatherproof Cat House

Built for outdoor pets who live in all kids of weather, the ecoFlex Outdoor Cat House is made with the most durable materials. This weather-resistant cat house will never warp, fade, or crack. Its tough construction keeps bugs and water out so you know it won’t rot. Get your cat a lifetime home with this safe and quality house.

Cats who love the outdoor life cannot be forced indoors. If your cat enjoys exploring, you can still provide them with a warm home that keeps them cozy and safe. With the insulated houses on our list, your furry friend enjoys the best of outdoor life while staying protected from the weather.

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With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

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As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

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