A few winters ago I had a feral cat hanging out in my backyard. I bought this insulated, heated house for her to withstand the cold nights. To use it, keep it plugged in. When the cat's weight is registered on the heating pad floor, the heating pad automatically comes on and goes off when the cat leaves the house. She moved on in the Spring and it's been in my garage ever since. Used very little. Great condition, except a little dusty, paid approx. $40