Do cats actually use teepees? What makes a good cat tent, how to pick the right size, and how to get your cat to move in.
Boho Decor · Cat Beds
It looks lovely on Pinterest. But will your cat actually sleep in a little canvas tent, or will it become a very stylish dust collector next to the cardboard box they really love?
Short answer: yes, a cat teepee is worth it for cats that like to hide, nap in boxes or retreat when guests arrive. It gives them walls on three sides and a view out the front, which is exactly what cats look for in a safe sleeping spot. Choose a breathable fabric, a stable wooden frame, a washable cushion and a size that lets your cat stretch out inside.
What Is a Cat Teepee?
A cat teepee is a small tent made of fabric stretched over wooden poles, with a cushion on the floor and an opening at the front. It sits somewhere between an open bed and a fully enclosed cave: your cat is sheltered on three sides and from above, but can still watch the room. That half-hidden position is why many cats who ignore open beds take to a teepee straight away. Our guide to enclosed cat beds explains the instinct behind it.
So which cats benefit most, and what separates a good teepee from a flimsy one?
Is a Cat Teepee Right for Your Cat?
- ✓Yes if your cat naps in boxes, under the bed or behind curtains.
- ✓Yes if your cat is shy, new to the home, or hides when visitors come. See our picks for anxious cats.
- ✓Yes if you want a cat bed that works as boho decor, not something you hide in the spare room.
- ✓Maybe not if your cat always sprawls in the open or sleeps up high. An elevated bed or a hammock will suit them better.
If your cat fits the first three, here is what to look for before buying.
What Makes a Good Cat Teepee
Breathable fabric
Cotton or a cotton-canvas blend lets air through, so the inside does not get stuffy in summer. Avoid thin synthetic fabrics that trap heat and odors.
A frame that does not wobble
Solid wooden poles with firm connectors keep the tent standing when your cat jumps in or rubs against it. A teepee that collapses once is often never used again.
A washable cushion and cover
Fur, dust and the occasional hairball are part of the deal. A removable cover and cushion that go in the washing machine make a teepee easy to live with.
The right size
Your cat should be able to lie fully stretched inside, with a little room to spare. Larger cats and pairs of cats need a bigger floor area. With those points in mind, here is how our boho beds compare.
Cat Teepee and Boho Bed Options Compared
| Product | Type | Shelter | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad Nook | Canvas teepee, pine poles | High | Hiders, boho living rooms | $80–$100 |
| Hana | Woven cattail basket with ears | Medium | Natural-fiber interiors | From $60 |
| Breeze Nest | Woven paper-yarn basket | Medium | Kittens and small cats | From $50 |
| Boho Swing | Macramé hanging hammock | Open | Cats who like height | See product page |
Prices checked October 2026.
Our Pick: the Nomad Nook Cat Teepee
The Nomad Nook is a cotton-canvas teepee on natural pine poles, finished with a pom-pom trim. Inside, a dual-sided cushion has a plush side for cold months and a smooth side for warm ones. The cover and cushion go in the washing machine on a gentle 86°F / 30°C cycle, and the poles wipe clean.
It comes in several colorways, including Champagne, Saffron Gold and Camel, and in three sizes:
- Small (15.7 x 15.7 x 19.7 in / 40 x 40 x 50 cm): kittens, up to 7 lbs / 3 kg.
- Medium (19.7 x 19.7 x 23.6 in / 50 x 50 x 60 cm): average adult cats, up to 15 lbs / 7 kg.
- Large (23.6 x 23.6 x 27.6 in / 60 x 60 x 70 cm): Maine Coons, big cats or two cats, up to 26 lbs / 12 kg.
MeowShelf Tip: When in doubt between two sizes, go up one. Cats like to curl up, but they also like to stretch out, and a teepee that is too snug often gets abandoned for the sofa.
Other boho options
Prefer natural fibers? The Hana is a handcrafted cattail basket with little cat ears, and the Breeze Nest is a woven basket sized for kittens and small cats. For cats who would rather nap up high, the Boho Swing macramé hammock brings the same mood off the floor. Browse them all in Boho Chic & Wicker.
Once the teepee arrives, a little setup helps your cat move in faster.
How to Get Your Cat to Use a Teepee
- Choose a quiet corner with a wall behind the tent, away from doors and noisy appliances.
- Add a familiar scent: a blanket or a worn t-shirt your cat already sleeps on.
- Use treats or catnip near the entrance, then just inside.
- Let your cat explore at its own pace. Never put your cat inside by force.
- Give it a few days. Many cats sniff a new bed for a while before claiming it.
And now, the questions we hear most about cat teepees.
FAQ: Cat Teepees
Do cats actually use teepees?
Many do, especially cats that like boxes, hide when guests arrive or nap in sheltered spots. A teepee gives them walls and a roof with a view out the front. Cats that always sleep in the open or up high may prefer an elevated bed or a hammock instead.
What size cat teepee do I need?
Your cat should be able to lie fully stretched out inside. For the Nomad Nook, Small suits kittens up to 7 lbs / 3 kg, Medium most adult cats up to 15 lbs / 7 kg, and Large big cats or two cats up to 26 lbs / 12 kg. If in doubt, choose the larger size.
How do I wash a cat teepee?
It depends on the model, so check the care section of the product page. The Nomad Nook cover and cushion are machine washable on a gentle 86°F / 30°C cycle and should air dry to avoid shrinking. Wipe the wooden poles with a damp cloth.
Is a cat teepee good in summer?
Yes, if the fabric is breathable. Cotton canvas lets air circulate, and a cushion with a smooth side stays cooler than plush. Place the teepee out of direct sunlight on hot days.
Teepee or cave bed: which is better?
A cave, like a felt cocoon, is fully enclosed and suits cats that want to disappear completely. A teepee is more open at the front, so your cat feels sheltered but can still watch the room. Shy cats often prefer a cave; curious cats who like a hideout often prefer a teepee. Compare them in our felt cave guide.
A little tent, a soft cushion and a quiet corner: sometimes that is all it takes to give your cat a place that is entirely their own.
A hideaway that looks good in your living room.
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