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With winter beginning, many feral cats will be looking for warm places to hide as the weather gets worse. Even house cats might like outdoor houses so that they can still go outside without getting wet or too cold.
In order to help all cats in your area, you might be looking for a cat house. Although the task may seem simple, it is easier said than done when it comes to picking out the best cat house in Canada in 2023. After all, there are tons of options on the market.
So that you can provide shelter for all the cats around your home as soon as possible, we analyzed 19 products and 534 consumer reviews over 29 hours. This research time allowed us to find the best cat house on the market.
As a sneak peek, our favorite cat house is the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door because it is highly durable, looks cute, and is big enough for more than one cat.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Cat House Comparative Table
Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
TOP PICK
|
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door |
|
8.8/10 | See price on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
UPGRADE PICK
|
K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House |
|
9.3/10 | See price on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK
|
TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed |
|
8.8/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Cat House
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door Review
The Best Overall
Petsfit
Our top pick for the best cat house in Canada in 2023 is the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door. It is large, sturdy, and cute so that it will complement any yard, whether it is used for feral cats or your pet cats.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door Video Review
What We Think of The Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door
Even though there were quite a few great cat houses available, our favorite is the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door. Hands down, this house is the best product in terms of price, features, and stability.
To get started, the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door’s two level design allows the cat to sunbathe on warm days or curl up in a ball on cold days. This is one of the few cat houses designed for both winter and summer use, helping to stretch your dollar.
At the same time, the bottom hide has additional escape routes for complete safety. The safety is furthered by its impeccable construction. It is made from 12 millimeter thick spruce boards and includes extra frame edging, support rods, and waterproof paint. These features create a safe house that can handle multiple cats and extreme weather.
Surprisingly, the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door is affordable too. Unlike many other cat houses of this caliber, its price is completely reasonable and suitable for those on a budget.
Very cute and my kitty loves it. It’s sturdy and easy to put together but still light enough to move. The emergency exit door only opens out. I’m going to paint it with another outdoor-safe paint to protect it even longer. It’s a great value for the price.
leah
About the only downside of this cat house is that it is not specifically designed for intense cold. The manufacturer recommends purchasing an additional heating pad if cats intend to use it during the height of the winter. It is insulated to keep the heat in, though.
Because of how affordable this model is, purchasing an additional heat pad won’t break the bank too much. Especially because of all the other great features of this cat house, we give it two thumbs up.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door Specifications
- Brand: Petsfit
- Dimensions: 76.2 x 55.88 x 73.66 cm
- Material: Wood
- Usage: Indoor, outdoor
- Extra Features: 2 story
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very stylish
- Suitable for summer and winter usage
- Safe and sturdy
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Must buy heating pad separately
Our Final Opinion about the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
We recommend the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door to cat owners who want a stylish, durable, and reasonably priced option. Keep in mind to purchase a heat pad if it is going to be used during the harsh winter.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Cat House
K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House Review
The High Performance Pick
K&H
The K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House is our upgrade pick. Although highly expensive, it is best for winter outdoor use because of its heated and waterproof design.
K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House Video Review
What We Think of The K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House
If you need to use the cat house outdoors during the harsh Canadian winter, you need an upgrade pick that can handle the weather. Our recommended high performance pick is the K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House.
Unlike most other cat houses, this one is specifically designed with durability and warmth in mind. It is completely heated so that the cat can remain warm, even when it is snowing out. Furthermore, the model is waterproof so that the moisture doesn’t seep inside. In terms of waterproofing and warmth, this is the best house, no questions asked.
To further ensure that this house fights the weather and withstands the elements, it comes with a one year warranty. Most other outdoor cat houses do not have this warranty since they have to stand up to such intense scenarios and weather.
The K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House is great for other reasons as well. For example, it comes with two exits so that the cat has an escape route in case it is being chased by a predator. The house does not require assembly either, which is very unique for an outdoor cat house. Most users are very happy about its assembly-free setup.
My feral cats loved this house last winter. I still even use it on cooler nights with the heating pad off. It wasn’t quite as waterproof as I wanted it to be, but I put a trash bag around it, and it worked perfect. They used it so much that the heating pad was filthy by the end of the winter. I would definitely recommend this house.
joe s.
Because of the superior features of this house, its primary drawback is its price. It is one of the most expensive cat houses on this list. Individuals on a budget will likely not be able to afford the model. Plus, this house needs to be plugged into an outlet for its heat. This means that you have to put the house close enough to your home to utilize all of its functions.
Aside from the high price tag and need of an outdoor plug, the K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House is phenomenal and borderline perfect. Especially if you need a cat house for use in the winter, you will love this model.
K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House Specifications
- Brand: K&H
- Dimensions: 55.9 x 48.3 x 43.2 cm
- Material: Polyester
- Usage: Outdoor
- Extra Features: Heated
K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Heated
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comes with a 1 year warranty
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Must be plugged in
Our Final Opinion About the K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.9 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.2]
Because of the superior features of the K&H Manufacturing Outdoor Kitty House, we recommend it to people who need a high performance cat house that can stand up to tough Canadian winters. Although it is expensive, it is one of the only houses suitable for extreme cold.
Our Budget Pick for a Cat House
TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed Review
The Budget Pick
TroppiPets
If you are on a budget, the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed is the best option for you. It is highly affordable and even comes with a comfy pillow, but it is only suitable for indoor use.
TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed Video Review
What We Think of the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed
Most of the cat houses on this list are designed for outdoor use, which makes them very durable and expensive. If you are on a budget or are interested in simple indoor houses, the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed makes a much better option.
Even though indoor cats don’t need the same type of shelter as outdoor cats, getting them a house is still a great choice because it provides the cat a place to hide in case they get stressed or scared. The TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed is a great product specifically for this purpose.
This cat house is made from 100% corrugated cardboard that is safe for cats and super lightweight for indoor use. This cardboard material allows the cat house to be inexpensive and easy to transport around.
To ensure your cat is comfortable while inside this house, it also comes with a comfy pet pillow. The pillow is covered in a washable cover so that you can clean the exterior anytime it’s needed. This addition of a pillow is not common in most pet houses, making it a major benefit to this budget pick.
This is my cat’s bed. All three fit in it at once. I bought this for my old guy who loves to sleep inside tents. He loves it. I recommend this house for cats that like to feel extra secure.
diane
The biggest drawback of this affordable house is that its cardboard material is not very durable when faced with extreme use. For example, this item would not last outside at all. So, this is a terrible choice if you need a cat house for outdoor use specifically. That being said, it is durable enough for indoor use.
Another downside is that it only comes in two patterns, both of which are a bit boisterous. If you want a more subdued color or pattern, you will not find one on this cat house. This is just a minor drawback, though.
For indoor use, the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed is a great pick. Especially because of how affordable it is, those on a budget will love this tent. Just make sure not to put it outside.
TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed Specifications
- Brand: TroppiPets
- Dimensions: 58.42 x 58.42 x 58.42 cm
- Material: Cardboard
- Usage: Indoor
- Extra Features: Pet pillow
TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Comes with a pillow
- Makes cats feel secure
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Boisterous exterior
Our Final Opinion About the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Because of how affordable this model is, we recommend the TroppiPets Large Cat Tent Bed to those on a budget. It can only be used for indoor use because of its cardboard exterior, unfortunately.
Alternative Products to Consider
TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House Review
The Pet Pick
Trixie
The TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House is our pet pick because it is cutely designed and expensive, making it better suited for pets than feral cats. Unfortunately, the quality of the house isn’t superior.
TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House Video Review
What We Think of the TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House
Many house cats love going outside, even when it is raining or not particularly pretty. If that sounds like your cat, you might like the TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House.
The most notable feature of this cat house is its appearance. It is painted with a beautiful pastel blue color and is complete with white hinged windows and doors. This charming appearance will add to your deck or garage instead of taking away from it.
The cat house comes with three stories so that your cat can cuddle up or sunbathe. For easy access, the house comes with two kitty doors and one large back door for maintenance. Over the kitty doors, there are plastic flaps to keep the wind and rain out. These features provide convenience and comfortability that both you and the cat will appreciate.
For further comfortability, the floor is raised. This elevation allows for the floor inside to remain dry and comfortable to the touch.
There are some serious drawbacks to consider before purchase. For example, it is highly expensive. In fact, it is more expensive than our upgrade pick, proving just how pricey this model is. Individuals on a budget will certainly want something more affordable.
Fast delivery and easy to assemble. There was a smell in the beginning, but I let it air out for a couple hours and it went away. The quality isn’t phenomenal, but it is sufficient, and I recommend it because it fulfills its purpose.
bak
Despite its expensive price tag, it isn’t the highest quality of houses. Customers complained that even though it looks good, the craftsmanship is shotty and it doesn’t offer perfect protection against all weather.
At least your pet cat likely won’t need to escape serious snow or conditions with this house. Because of its cute appearance, we certainly recommend this for pet cats that simply need a stylish house to keep entertained in the yard.
TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House Specifications
- Brand: Trixie Pet Products
- Dimensions: 55.88 x 58.42 x 93.98 cm
- Material: Plastic
- Usage: Indoor, outdoor
- Extra Features: 3 stories, raised floor
TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very cute
- Many openings and doors
- Suitable for summer and winter
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best quality
Our Final Opinion About the TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Price:4.0]
We recommend the TRIXIE Pet Products 3-Story Cat’s House to individuals looking for a stylish cat house for their pets. This isn’t ideal for feral cats because it certainly is designed more for appearance than functionality, but your pet cat will likely love it.
EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Review
The Feral Pick
EcoFLEX
The EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House is a perfect pick for feral cats. It does not come with all the frills of some of the more expensive models, but it is warm, safe, and durable enough to help keep your feral cats warm this winter.
EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Video Review
What We Think of The EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
If you have feral cats that you want to keep warm, you are probably looking for a cat house that is functional but not necessarily the most expensive or flamboyant. After all, additional features rack up the price, and feral cats don’t even care about these features.
The best cat house for feral cats is the EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House. It has a simple design, complete with two entry and exit points that are large enough for most cats. Though simple, the house provides good insulation so that feral cats can escape the weather.
In addition to offering comfortable housing for the cats, the house itself is very durable. It is made from a recycled plastic wood polymer material that can’t crack, warp, or split, making it the perfect choice for outdoor houses.
Because this has a simple build that feral cats need, it is reasonably priced as well. It is most similar in price to our best overall pick.
I was pleasantly surprised by how great of quality this is. Just by adding a few pieces of Styrofoam it is insulated enough for the Canadian winters. Snow slides right off the roof and is easy to put together. I am very impressed and would buy this again.
sean
In terms of functionality, there are no drawbacks to this model. The only potential drawback is that it is plain looking and doesn’t come with many features. If you are looking for a house for your pet cat, you might want something a bit frillier, but the simplicity is perfect for feral cats.
Hence, the EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House is the perfect choice if you are looking for a house to keep your feral cats warm this winter. Even though it isn’t great for house cats, you can put this in the corner of your yard to help keep the cats in the area safe and warm.
EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Specifications
- Brand: EcoFLEX
- Dimensions: 56.4 x 48.5 x 51.3 cm
- Material: Not listed
- Usage: Outdoor
- Extra Features: 2 entry/exit points
EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly durable
- Safe and sturdy
- Easy to put together
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- No extra frills or cute features
Our Final Opinion About the EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House is recommended for individuals looking for a house for feral cats specifically. Its minimalistic design covers all the most important bases for a feral cat house without breaking the bank.
PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree Review
The Porch Pick
PawHut
The PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree is our porch pick, meaning it is best for porch placement due to its wood design and single exit. Both cats and small dogs will enjoy this house.
What We Think of the PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree
If you don’t want your pet cat to leave the porch, we recommend putting the PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree on it. As our porch pick, this cat house will look beautiful with your porch because it is made from solid fir wood. The wood allows the house to blend in with your porch, but it also ensures that the house itself is sturdy and stable.
This house comes with a two story design. At the top, there is a deck so that the cat can sunbathe. At the bottom, there is a cute little hide. Even small dogs can use both aspects of the house since there are stairs leading to the top.
In terms of price, this is one of the most affordable cat houses on our list. Aside from the budget pick, this is the most affordable option available. So, those on a budget will love this outdoor pick.
This is very easy to assemble, and I am not even technically inclined. Our Chihuahua loves to stand guard at the top level while the cat stays on the bottom level.
sharp q.
Another reason why we call this a porch pick is because of a drawback of the model’s design. Unfortunately, this house only comes with one exit point. One exit point is a danger for cats since predators can trap them inside. As a result, we only recommend allowing your cat to use this under supervision.
The safety concerns are the only real drawback of this model. Still, the safety concern is a major drawback that needs to be considered carefully. As long as you make sure to watch your cat with this house, you likely won’t run into any issues relating to your cat getting trapped inside.
PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree Specifications
- Brand: PawHut
- Dimensions: 73 x 55.63 x 65.02 cm
- Material: Wood
- Usage: Indoor, outdoor
- Extra Features: 2 stories, suitable for small dogs
PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Looks great on porches
- Sturdy construction
- Suitable for small dogs and cats
- Affordable
Cons
Cons
- Only one exit
Our Final Opinion About the PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Price:4.8]
We recommend the PawHut Wood Pet House Cat Tree to those who want a house that both small dogs and cats can play on. Furthermore, this pick is awesome if you only expect your cat to be playing on the porch and in other areas that you can easily supervise.
We don’t recommend allowing your cat to play on this house unsupervised since it potentially can be dangerous.
Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo Review
The Multi-Cat Pick
Petsfit
The Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo is a perfect pick if you have multiple cats. Because of its three level design and many features, it will keep all cats entertained, but it is very expensive.
What We Think of The Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo
Most cat houses are only designed for a handful of cats at most. In comparison, the Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo is suitable for many cats. It has three levels that are complete with two hides, two roof boards, and three porches. The many features ensure that all cats will be kept entertained.
The house is super attractive too. Much like the other Petsfit house, this one is complete with beautiful paint and white frames so that the house looks beautiful in your yard. At the same time, the spruce wood and painting keeps the house protected from the elements.
The house is even completed with an asphalt roof and stilts to lift the entire model off the ground. These features keep both the bottom and top protected from rain, snow, and other elemental factors.
Exceptional quality and very easy to build. This is a must have for any cat owner.
rvr
Now for the downsides. In terms of price, this is by far the most expensive product on our list. It is even more expensive than our high performance pick. Unless you are willing to spend quite a lot of money on your cat house, you will want to look elsewhere.
At the same time, the model does not come with any type of heating. The manufacturer recommends placing a heating pad inside the hides during the winter. Given how expensive this model is, we wished it came with heating.
If you have multiple cats, you may have no other option but to choose the Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo. After all, it is very tall and has plenty of features that all of the cats can enjoy.
Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo Specifications
- Brand: Petsfit
- Dimensions: 76.96 x 72.9 x 143.26 cm
- Material: Wood
- Usage: Indoor, outdoor
- Extra Features: Many escape holes, 3 stories
Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Extra large
- Many features and play places
- Sturdy
- Attractive look
Cons
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Not heated
Our Final Opinion About the Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.0]
We recommend the Petsfit Kitten Playhouse Condo to cat owners with multiple felines in their home. It is extra-large and offers enough space for all cats, but it is expensive. You might want to save up a bit before purchasing this house.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Cat House
Can cat houses be put inside?
Some cat houses are ideal for indoor use whereas others are better for outdoor use. It really depends on the size and design of the house. Indoor houses will often be lighter, smaller, and made from fabric, whereas outdoor houses are large, hefty, and resistant to the weather.
Where should I put an outdoor cat house?
The location of an outdoor cat house depends on your intended use. If you have a house cat that likes to go outside, put the outside house somewhere that the cat frequents often, such as in the garage or on the back porch.
If you are getting a cat house for feral cats in the area, you will likely want to keep it away from your door and other high frequent areas. That way, you don’t scare away the cats from your regular comings and goings while still providing them shelter.
Other factors to consider about outdoor cat house locations include additional shelter around the house and elevation so that the bottom doesn’t get ruined.
Is it safe to provide an outdoor cat house for feral cats?
Yes. It is safe to invite feral cats to outdoor cat houses as long as your cat does not intend on using it. Both your family and the feral cats will be safe and sound.
Does an outdoor house need to be heated?
Ideally, outdoor houses should be heated, especially for the wintertime. Even feral cats would prefer a heated house to protect them from the harsh Canadian winter. If you can afford it, opt for a heated outdoor cat house. At the very least, ensure that the house comes with good insulation.
Are multi-level cat houses safe?
Multi-level cat houses are safe. Often, multi-level houses are big enough for more than one cat and allows the cat to be as comfortable as possible.
How to Properly Choose Your Cat House
Choosing a cat house is a difficult task. Even when you know which cat houses are the best, you still might be confused about which of the best offerings are right for your cat, home, and uses. In order to properly choose the best cat house, consider the five factors below:
Location
Most people like to put cat houses outside so that feral cats and house cats alike have a warm and safe location to relax during the winter. Still, there are indoor options you might be considering too. It’s important to know the end location of the cat house before you purchase it to ensure it comes with the needed necessities.
Houses located outside must be durable and offer insulation and other features to keep the cat warm. It will also need elevation to be protected from rain and flooding. For indoor houses, the only thing that really matters is cat preference and comfortability.
After you know the general location of the house, consider exactly where you will put it to make sure you have enough space. For example, measure the area you expect it to be placed and then look at cat houses that have that dimension.
Size
As mentioned above, the size of the house matters a lot. How big of a house you will need depends on two factors: the space available and the cats intended to use the house. Once again, measure the area of the space to learn how big the house can be.
Additionally, make sure that the house is big enough for the number of cats that intend to use it. If you only have one cat, just about any cat house will be big enough. For several feral cats, you will likely want a big house that the cats can all share.
Durability
No matter where you place the cat house, you want it to last sometime. Indoor houses don’t need to be as durable since they don’t see as much wear and tear. Still, make sure the material is good and stitching correct so that your cat can enjoy the house for a long time.
Durability of outdoor houses is even more important. These houses will need to stand up to the elements, including extreme cold, heat, rain, shine, and snow. Be sure to read through the description carefully to see if the house is designed for weather in your area. Then, read reviews to make sure the house actually lives up to its claims.
Escape Options
Escape options aren’t that big of a deal for indoor houses since the cat will likely not need to escape in the first place.
For outdoor houses, multiple escape options are absolutely necessary. Whenever the cat house is outside, dogs, predators, and other cats may chase the cat inside. You always want the cat to have more than one escape option so that it has the best chance of survival.
With only one escape route, the cat may be trapped and have no option but to go straight towards the predator. In a more extreme scenario, the predator could potentially get into the house, corner the cat, and kill it. Having more than one escape option ensures that the cat has ways to protect itself if needed.
Additional Features
Once you’ve got all the most basic aspects covered, it’s time to move on to additional features. Additional features should be tailored to the location and intended usage of the cat house.
Most importantly, make sure that the house comes with superior insulation and heating if it will be used outside. Even if you are only getting the house for feral cats, heating and insulation ensures all the cats are protected.
Check out other additional features – like beds and appearance – to allow the bed to meet both the cat’s and your preferences.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of cat houses allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.