The Best Heated Cat Houses
When seasons change and temperatures drop, many cat owners worry about keeping their furry friends warm enough. Heated cat houses can be a great solution for both indoor and outdoor cats. They can help stabilize their body temperature and provide shelter from harsh weather. There are plenty of styles, sizes, and features available among heated cat houses, so we've gathered a few suggestions to help you find the best one to meet your cat's needs.
What to Look For
Heated cat houses should be easy to set up, heat consistently at appropriate temperatures, and be durable in cold weather, so we looked for models that fit the bill. K&H Pet Products offers a spacious cat house that can accommodate two or more cats, so there’s no more fighting over the heating pad. If you have an indoor cat who needs a little extra TLC, you may appreciate the size and function of the foldable heated cube by PETNF. For more possibilities, see the rest of our top picks below.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House
Double duty
This extra-wide heated cat house by K&H is great for accommodating larger cats or more than one cat at a time. It’s water resistant, so it can be used outside as well as inside. And it features a fleece heating pad that turns on when your cat lies on. The house is sturdy, and you can easily remove the roof and door flaps if you like.
Pros:
- Put the house together anywhere without tools, just velcro and zippers.
- The two exits are covered by clear plastic, so your cat is protected from the elements but can get out easily.
- It’s lightweight, making it convenient to move or travel with.
Cons:
- It isn’t fully airtight and is best in out-buildings, a porch, or other sheltered structures.
Furhome Collective Elevated Heated Cat House
Elevated comfort
Furhome Collective’s cat house is uniquely designed with an elevated base with five sturdy feet. It sits two inches above the ground so that water can run underneath rather than pooling in the bottom. This cat house also has a waterproof roof. The walls are held together with strong velcro, making the frame fairly sturdy. There’s a separate insulated bed pad on the floor of the house in addition to the heating pad. Plus, the faux fur cover is washable for easy maintenance.
Pros:
- The heating pad has a timer, so you can set it to run when most needed.
- You can anchor the house to the ground using the safety straps.
- We appreciate that the cord is chew-proof.
Cons:
- The house is made to use in an outdoor space that’s not fully exposed to rain or storms.
Marunda Easy-to-Assemble Heated Cat House
Stress-free assembly
Marunda’s heated cat house requires only a two-step assembly, so you can set it up for your cat in no time. It’s held together with velcro, so you don’t need any tools. It’s recommended for pets under 25 pounds. The structure is made of durable materials to keep your cat safe, including stable, five-millimeter MDF boards and a soft felt lining. It comes with a bed pad, heating pad, and faux fur cover. All in all, we think it’s a good value for the price.
Pros:
- The chew cord and ball at the front offer your cat entertainment and may entice it to enter.
- It’s sturdy enough to handle frequent use.
- You can add additional stability by weighing down the bottom of the house beneath the bed.
Cons:
- This model works best within protected indoor or outdoor areas.
K&H Pet Products Two-Story Heated Cat House
Dine and unwind
This cat house by K&H is a two-story structure that accommodates more than one cat at a time. It also features a dining room, which cats can access through a doorway inside the house. The dining area’s roof is removable so that you can refill your cat’s food and water bowls with ease. Also, the roof can help guard your cat’s food against larger pets. The bottom level houses a fleece-covered heating pad, and the top has a cushioned floor.
Pros:
- The heating pad cover is machine washable.
- The house is sturdy enough to handle multiple animals using it in sheltered outdoor areas.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, only one cubby contains a heating pad.
PETNF Foldable Heated Cat House
Compact convenience
This inexpensive, foldable cat cube is handy for packing up and rebuilding as needed. It has an attractive faux-wood design and fits nicely in smaller spaces. There’s room on top for your cat to perch, or they can crawl into the heated cubby below. Due to its design, two cats can use the house at once. And the waterproof, flame-retardant PVC coating and washable heating pad cover are easy to clean.
Pros:
- This house can support cats up to 31 pounds.
- The heating pad has six temperature settings and timer settings.
- You can build a larger multi-compartment structure with more cubes.
Cons:
- The product may smell of packaged vinyl at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heated houses safe for my cat?
Although there are a few safety issues to be aware of when using cat houses with electrical heating, they can be great tools to help keep your cat healthier and more comfortable. Shelter from colder weather can help keep cats’ immune systems strong. Pet heating pads are made to maintain a safe temperature for cats, unlike heating products intended for humans. If using an electric heating pad in a cat house, you should ensure that the power cord is kept dry so that it functions safely. Many cords come with chew-proof protection, but monitoring that the cord doesn’t become worn or broken is another wise precaution.
Do heated cat houses work for outdoor cats?
Many heated cat houses work well both indoors and outdoors. However, most outdoor cat houses with electric heating are recommended for sheltered areas only, such as a garage, barn, shed, or patio, as the electric elements should be kept safe from excess moisture. Self-heated cat houses offer some protection from the elements. These structures retain cats’ body heat in an enclosed area but do not add heat from another source, so they may not provide adequate warmth in extreme temperatures. Generally, any cat house offering shelter from wind, rain, and snow is a good start to help cats maintain healthy temperatures, especially when placed in a roofed, semi-protected area.
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