Do Cat Houses Still Exist?
Yes. If you mean cat houses as shelters or small structures for cats, they definitely still exist. They are available as indoor beds, outdoor shelters, insulated community-cat shelters, and larger structures designed for multiple cats.
If you mean “cathouse” as a slang term for a brothel, that is a different question. Licensed brothels still exist in parts of Nevada, where state law permits prostitution under specific licensing and local-government rules.
Cat houses for actual cats
Cat houses remain common.
An indoor cat house may simply be a covered bed or small enclosed structure where a cat can sleep and feel secure.
Outdoor cat houses are designed differently. They are intended to provide protection from rain, wind, cold, and heat.
Community-cat programs may use insulated shelters to give free-roaming cats a safer place to rest.
Why do cats like enclosed houses?
Cats often prefer places that provide security and allow them to observe their surroundings without being exposed from every direction.
A covered box, cat condo, or enclosed bed can therefore become a favorite resting place.
Some cats prefer very small spaces, while others prefer open beds or elevated perches.
Do outdoor cat houses still matter?
They can.
An outdoor shelter does not replace veterinary care, food, water, or responsible management, but it can provide protection from severe weather.
A well-designed shelter should be waterproof, appropriately insulated, stable, and located in a safe area.
For outdoor cats, the design should also consider escape routes and predator risks.
What does “cathouse” mean?
“Cathouse” has a separate slang meaning: a brothel.
This is the meaning used in the HBO series Cathouse, which premiered in 2005 and documented a Nevada brothel.
That meaning should not be confused with a literal house for cats.
Do legal cathouses still exist?
Yes, in a limited sense.
Nevada law recognizes licensed houses of prostitution, but prostitution is not legal throughout the entire state. State law and local rules determine where licensed operations may exist.
Nevada’s statutes specifically state that prostitution or solicitation is unlawful except in a licensed house of prostitution under the applicable law.
The exact number of operating establishments can change, so current business status should be verified before treating any particular directory as definitive.
Are cat houses common for indoor cats?
They can be, but they are not required.
Many cats are perfectly happy with a cardboard box, blanket, cat bed, or other comfortable resting location.
A cat house is mainly useful when it gives the animal something it values, such as privacy, warmth, security, or an elevated resting position.
Should you buy a cat house?
It depends on the cat.
Some cats immediately adopt an enclosed bed. Others ignore expensive cat furniture and choose a cardboard box.
If you are buying an outdoor shelter, safety and weather protection should be the priorities rather than appearance.
So the short answer is yes: cat houses still exist in both meanings of the term. Literal shelters for cats remain widely used, while “cathouse” also remains a term associated with licensed brothels in certain parts of Nevada.