How to Get Your Cat to Use a New Cat Cave: 7 Simple Tips

You bought a beautiful cave, your cat sniffed it once and walked off. Don't worry — that's completely normal. Cats are suspicious of anything new in their territory, and a little strategy goes a long way. Here are seven tips that reliably win them over.

1. Put it in the right spot

Location is everything. Place the cave where your cat already likes to rest — a quiet corner, a sunny patch, or near a window with a view. Cats prefer spots with a wall behind them and a clear line of sight to the room. Avoid busy walkways, the laundry, or right next to the food bowl.

2. Make it smell like home

New objects smell foreign. Place a blanket, a worn t-shirt, or bedding that already carries your cat's (or your) scent inside the cave. Familiar smells tell your cat "this is safe and mine."

3. Use treats and a trail

Drop a few treats leading up to and inside the entrance. Let your cat go in on their own to retrieve them — this builds a positive association without any pressure.

4. Try a little catnip

A light sprinkle of catnip or silvervine inside the cave can turn cautious curiosity into enthusiasm. Use it sparingly so it stays special.

5. Never force them in

Pushing or placing your cat inside almost always backfires — it links the cave with feeling trapped. Let it be their idea. Cats value control above almost everything.

6. Add gentle warmth

Cats are drawn to warmth. Position the cave near a sunny window, or pop a warm (not hot) towel inside for the first few days. Wool holds heat beautifully, so once they're in, they'll want to stay.

7. Be patient — give it 30 days

Some cats claim a new cave in an hour; shy cats can take a week or two. Leave it in place, keep it positive, and resist moving it around. This is exactly why we offer a 30-day cat-acceptance guarantee — cats settle on their own schedule, and most do.

Still not interested?

Check the basics: is the cave the right size (a cat should fit fully inside), is the spot quiet enough, and is there competition from another pet? Small adjustments usually do it. Enclosed dens work with a cat's instincts, so the odds are firmly in your favour.

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