Can You Wash a Cat Cave? (Is Aonetiger The Best or Nah?)

If you are researching cat caves ((click here for my best one, on Amazon #Ad) for your cat, you may be wondering if you can wash them, and if you can, what is required to do this…

Can you wash a cat cave?

A cat cave can be washed. And. most of them are fairly easy to wash. However, they typically need a hand wash, rather than a machine wash. This requires lukewarm, or cold (depending on the label on the cat cave), then washing it with your hands. Then reshaping it and leaving it to dry naturally.

Quick Cat Cave Comparison

So, now you know. But, can you use a paper towel on them? Do cats even like these caves? What is the best cat cave for them? Is Aonetiger any good, or is there a better alternative? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…

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What is a cat cave?

A cat cave is comfortable bedding for your cat. It closely resembles a cat bed. It allows a cat to relax, or sleep in its own soft enclosure. This can be beneficial because they have their own place to sleep, rather than your bed.

These cat caves typically have a collapsable structure. This allows them to be used as an enclosure for your cat to hide in, or flat as a comfortable mat.

Can you use a paper towel to clean a cat bed?

Paper towels should not be used to clean a cat bed or a cat cave. This is because they often break up and leave little bits on the material. Also, you need to be careful with any soap you may be tempted to use because the wrong one can damage the material.

For example, fragranced soap is not recommended. The best way is lukewarm, or cold water and leads to dry naturally. However, with so many variations available, it’s worth checking the label on it before cleaning to make sure you are following their guidance.

Do cats like cat caves?

Many cats do like cat caves. This is because it is an interesting place to hide when they need space. And, they are soft and comfortable for them to relax in when they feel they need rest.

What is the difference between a cat cave and a bed?

The difference between a cat cave and a bed is the shape. The cat bed is usually open, for your cat to jump in. Whereas a cat cave has a hole and is enclosed. This allows your cat to hide inside and feel secure.

They are both beneficial for your cat. But, cat caves, in particular, are fun for your cat and if they are not keen on going inside, they have the option to lay on top of it.

Cat Caves: What you need to know before you buy

Before you consider purchasing one of these cat caves it’s important to understand the benefits and some key features that you should look out for. For that reason, I will share some of them now:

Spacious interior.
Quality material (ideally 100% wool).
Non-toxic chemicals.
Durable (but still soft).
Ability to double-up as a mat.

Spacious interior

It’s important to have enough space in the cat cave. Ideally, it should be flexible enough to support kittens, or even big cats, like Maine coons. That way, if you have a kitten, you can feel reassured that it has the capacity for her to grow and still fit it.

Quality material (ideally 100% wool)

Ideally, the cat cave of your choice should have high-quality material. And, to maintain the ultimate comfort it’s best to be 100% wool. Wool has the added qualities of keeping her warm in the winter, while still keeping her cool in summer.

Non-toxic chemicals

Another great thing about using wool, it’s natural, right? Therefore, you can avoid the toxic chemicals that come along with other material choices.

Durable (but still soft)

The perfect cat cave will be nice and soft, to keep her cozy. But, still durable to last for a long time.

Ability to double-up as a mat

Most of the good cat caves have the ability to be used not only as a cat cave but also as a mat. This is a great feature that you should look out for.

My Best Cat Caves (Twin Critters vs the best Aonetiger alternatives)

What is the best cave for cats, Twin Critters, or an Aonetiger alternative? This is the best cat cave for cats (click here for the reviews on Amazon #Ad), in my opinion, because it is spacious, has 100% wool material, durable, available in many different colors, and can be used as a mat as well as a cat cave.

01. Twin Critters Cat Cave (Best option)

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Pros:

Spacious cave.
Comfortable wool.
It can fit most cats (from small kittens to main coons).
Quality handcrafted in Nepal.
Cozy & warm for the winter (& cool in the summer).

Cons:

Bit flimsy (Top collapses down which can confuse her).
Some cats may use it as a mat, instead of a cave.

What I like about this cat cave

This cat cave is gorgeous, I love the fact that it can accommodate cats of various sizes, ranging from small kittens, right up to big main coons (click here to see why they are so big). The great thing, it does this while maintaining its comfort feeling, are you with me.

While we are on the topic of comfort. Let me comment on the quality of the 100% natural New Zealand wool that it uses. The fact that it is handcrafted by Nepalisian works, with love injected, seems to make a difference in the quality.

One of the great qualities of wool is the fact that you can feel nice and warm in the winter, but then still have the added benefit of keeping cool in the summer. Best of both worlds maybe?

It also helps that this wool, being natural avoids any toxic chemicals, so the manufacturer says, which is reassuring. If you are like me, you may get anxious at the thought of any chemicals coming in contact with my beloved, are you with me?

I love the fact that there is such a range of colors for this thing, too. And, the fact that it can be used as a cat cave primarily, but also double up as a mat for your kitty.

What I do not like about this cat cave

As much as I love this cat cave, it’s not perfect. But, let’s be honest, is anything perfect? Well, on that note, let me comment on the structure of this cat cave. Or shall I say, lack thereof?

Whilst it’s nice to have the option of it being a mat or a cat cave. Because it does not really have a structure, as in, no supporting struts inside to hold any real shape, it collapses easily.

Meaning, your kitty might end up using this as a mat primarily, and maybe as a cave, are you with me?

02. Earthtone Cat Cave (Aonetiger alternative)

Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad

Pros:

Safe & secure.
It can be used as a cave or mat.
Bonus catnip provided.
Warm & cozy for the winter (also cool in the summer).
Hand washable.
It comes in various great colors.

Cons:

If you have an aggressive cat, the wool can be torn up.
Bigger cats may use it more as a mat, rather than a cave.

What I love about this Earthtone cat cave

This cat cave just feels safe and secure. I like the way, like the previous one, that you can use it as a cat cave, but then flip it and use it as a mat. This is helped by the size of it, it is nice and spacious.

Another great bonus is the fact that it comes with catnip (click here to see the wacky effects of this). This is a nice cheeky bonus that some will gladly accept.

This cat cave is handcrafted by Nepalisian workers who appear to love what they do. It is also great to see that it is hand-washable to keep it clean and tidy. It also comes in a nice array of color and design choices.

What I am not loving about this Earthtone cat cave

Whilst it is good that it can be hand-washed, it would be a lot better if it was machine washable. I am sure you would agree this would make life a lot easier.

Finally, some may argue that it is unlikely to happen, but I do feel that if you have an aggressive cat (Click here for best pheromone collars for aggressive cats). Then she may easily rip this woolen item up. Just something to look out for.

03. iPrimio Cat Cave (Aonetiger alternative)

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Pros:

100% natural New Zealand wool (hand-shaped).
Great size (can crawl in & lookout).
Cozy & warm (and cool in the summer).
It can be used as a cat toy.
Can double-up as a cat cave as well.

Cons:

Has no structure (so likely to collapsed and used as a mat).

What I appreciate about this iPrimo cat cave

This iPrimo is another great 100% wool cat cave. It has beautiful soft New Zealand wool. It is a large size, enough so your cat can leap in and peep out, just because she can!

It is really soft and comforting for your kitty. One of the things I like about it is it almosts doubles up as a cat toy. She will love grabbing the soft material, peeping inside, and having fun with it.

As well as a great toy this cat cave can also double-up as a cat mat as well. She will love to sit on it while she keeps warm in the winter months.

Finally, because it’s all-natural and non-toxic, it gives you that reassurance that you are providing her with quality.

What I feel could be improved with this iPrimo cat cave

Like the other two cat caves in this review, you may find that your kitty prefers to use this mainly as a mat, rather than a cave. It’s not a deal-breaker, in my opinion. However, it could be a bit of an annoyance, considering it is purchased as a cat cave, are you with me?

Description	Image	My Rating
01. Twin Critters Cat Cave (Best Option) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
02. Earthtone Cat Cave (Alternative) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
03. iPrimio Cat Cave (Alternative) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad

Can You Wash a Cat Cave? (Is Aonetiger The Best or Nah?)