Based on field investigations and simulations of stress and displacement characteristics of loess cave dwelling under different water content conditions of loess,this paper studies the sensitive parts of loess cave dwelling and their deformation and destruction processes. The process of the deformation of loess caves is summarized into four stages. It is concluded that the resistance of the loess cave dwelling comes mainly from the loess' own structure and the resistance provided by the arch structure of the cave. Finally,the economically feasible protective measures are put forward.