Handmade wool felt dog beds and felt cat caves are not just pet accessories, they're cozy havens specially made to make your pets feel comfortable, safe, and satisfied. All felt pet caves and beds at Whiskers Home are hand-stitched in Nepal by skilled women artisans with 100% natural wool and environmentally friendly methods.

But in the recent past, the majority of pet parents may have noticed that prices for eco-friendly cat caves and dog beds have gone up in the U.S. The main reason? US tariffs on imported wool felt products.

In this blog, we’ll break down how tariffs affect the price of our handmade pet products, why they’re still worth every penny, and what makes Whiskers Home’s felt cat caves and dog beds a truly unique choice.

What Are US Tariffs and Why Do They Matter for Pet Products?

Tariffs are import taxes. Nepalese goods entered to the United States duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for decades. This made Whiskers Home`s handmade felt cat houses and wool dog beds affordable without sacrificing artisan pay or sustainable manufacturing.

The De Minimis threshold provision of U.S. imports allows goods valued at $800 or less to enter the country without any duties or taxes. Only the goods exceeding $800 was subjected to 6% tariff under the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code Felt and Yarn was using. 

Due to the revocation of De Minimis all shipments irrespective of the value will need to pay 6% tariff with additional 10% custom duties. Those are unavoidable costs and ones that directly affect the final retail price.

How Tariffs Affect Handmade Felt Cat Caves?

Our handmade felt cat caves are a popular choice among our customers. Warm, cozy, and temperature-controlling like a natural fleece, they're the perfect retreat for cats who love to hide and snuggle.

Before tariffs: In the United States, a felt handcrafted cat cave would cost around $60.

After tariffs: The same cat cave constructed from eco-friendly materials would cost around $70–75.

This increase does not reflect the product changed, it remains handcrafted, sustainable, and designed to keep your cat cozy. The price difference comes from added import charges, not reduced quality.

How Tariffs Affect Handmade Felt Dog Beds?

Dog beds are harder hit by tariffs because they're larger and bulkier, thus more costly to ship in the first place.

Before tariff: A wool felt dog bed could be sold for $120.

After tariff: The same environment-friendly dog bed could now cost $140–150.

Even with the tariff, Whiskers Home wool dog beds remain a smarter investment than synthetic beds. They're durable, odor-resistant, eco-friendly, and naturally comfortable; giving your dog a long-lasting bed while reducing waste.

Why Whiskers Home Handmade Felt Pet Products Are Still Worth It?

Even with tariffs, Whiskers Home cat caves and dog beds offer unbeatable value:

✔️ Handmade craftsmanship – Carefully hand-felted by Nepali women artisans.

 ✔️ Eco-friendly and sustainable – Made from pure wool and biodegradable materials.

 ✔️ Pet-approved comfort – Naturally breathable and temperature-regulating for comfort throughout the year.

 ✔️ Fair trade support – Your purchase empowers women and helps to maintain traditional Nepali craftsmanship.

The Bigger Picture: Supporting Artisans Through Conscious Choices

Even if tariffs make eco-friendly and sustainable dog beds a little more expensive, your purchase is about more than a product. Every purchase helps:

• Women artisans in Nepal, with fair pay and networking.
• Sustainable materials, turning the tide away from relying on synthetic, plastic-based pet products.
  
• A healthier lifestyle for pets, providing them with secure, toxin-free comfort.

Despite tariffs, Whiskers Home handcrafted felt pet products are the choice for conscientious pet owners who value quality, sustainability, and tradition. A means to support artisans in Nepal while indulging your pets in the snuggle comfort they deserve.