​DIY vs Pre-Made: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Outdoor Cat House Options

When it comes to providing a safe and comfortable house for your cat, an outdoor option is an enticing solution.

You'll need to choose between creating your own DIY outdoor cat house or going for a pre-made one—which can be a challenging decision. Mainly because each choice comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the pros and cons of both options, helping you make an informed choice that suits your cat's needs and preferences.

DIY Outdoor Cat Houses: Pros

• Customization

Creating your own outdoor cat house allows you to tailor every detail to your cat's specific preferences and needs, from the size and design to the materials used.

• Budget-Friendly

DIY projects can offer cost savings compared to pre-made options. However, this often depends on the materials you decide to use. If you choose expensive materials, it’s easy to find yourself going above the budget of a pre-made cat house.

The truth is, you can find cheap and durable pre-made cat houses which will save you time. Remember, you can choose materials that fit your budget while ensuring the desired quality.

• Bonding Experience

Crafting an outdoor cat house can be a fulfilling bonding experience for you and your feline friend. Your touch can create a sense of attachment that your feline friend will appreciate.

DIY Outdoor Cat Houses: Cons

• Time and Effort

DIY projects demand your time, effort, and a certain level of skill. If you're not experienced in construction, the process might be more time-consuming and challenging than expected.

• Design Challenges

While you can make a custom cat house, it can be a drawback if you need more confidence in your design skills. A poorly designed cat house might not provide the comfort, warmth, and safety your cat needs.

• Safety Concerns

If not properly constructed, a DIY cat house might pose safety risks for your cat. Ensuring a secure and predator-proof structure requires careful attention. That’s why many cat parents opt for pet houses built by experts who design them with safety and comfort in consideration.

Pre-Made Outdoor Cat Houses: Pros

• Convenience

Pre-made outdoor cat houses are ready to assemble and use, saving time and effort. They are particularly suitable for those with busy schedules or minimal DIY skills.

• Expert Design

Many pre-made options are designed by experts who understand feline behavior and needs. They come in various designs, including double deckers & duplexes, insulated, extended platforms, large, medium, small, and more.

This ensures that your cat will have a comfortable and secure space.

• Quick Availability

You can easily and quickly find various pre-made cat houses in pet stores, giving you multiple designs, sizes, and feature choices.

Pre-Made Outdoor Cat Houses: Cons

• Limited Customization

While pre-made cat houses offer convenience, they may need more customization than a DIY project can provide.

• Price Range

Pre-made cat houses can vary significantly in price. Different cat house types with advanced features may be more expensive.

• Requires Assembly

Your pet house will be delivered unassembled, and that requires effort on your part. However, they also come with straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions that take about 20 minutes to assemble.

The assembling instructions must be followed carefully to ensure a secure and safe structure.

Bottom Line

Both options have their merits in the DIY vs. pre-made debate for outdoor cat houses. DIY cat houses allow creativity, customization, and a budget-friendly approach but demand time, effort, and skill.

Conversely, pre-made cat houses offer convenience, expert design, quick availability, limited customization, and various price ranges.

Ultimately, the decision concerns your circumstances, skills, and preferences. Consider your available time, budget, construction abilities, and your cat's unique needs.

Whether you choose the hands-on satisfaction of a DIY project or the ready-made comfort of a pre-made cat house, your furry companion will surely appreciate the effort you put into providing a cozy outdoor home.