The Best Outdoor Cat Houses
Outdoor cat houses are perfect for keeping your pets or local ferals happy and healthy, no matter the weather. They provide shelter from storms, freezing temperatures, and scorching sunlight. Cats can also hide inside to stay away from predators. The trick is figuring out which kitty shelter will work best for your situation.
What to Look For
If you want to ensure your cats stay safe and cozy, we recommend focusing on the size, warming features, and durability of the cat houses you’re considering. For example, the weather-resistant K&H Pet Products outdoor cat shelter helps you keep a couple of kitties toasty using a heated pad. On the other hand, if you need to house a family of ferals or keep your outside crew safe, the two-story outdoor cat house from Rockever may be your best bet. And if you’d like to see a few more of our favorites, we have you covered with the list below.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Shelter
Cozy convenience
The K&H Pet Products outdoor cat shelter is well-insulated and easy to assemble, allowing you to get your outdoor cats safe and warm in a flash. Clear flaps help retain heat, while the weather-resistant materials keep rain, snow, and cold out. It also includes an electric warming pad for thorough heating, even in sub-zero temperatures. Best of all, you can add the heated feeding bowls and dining room to prevent their food and water from freezing.
Pros:
- Effortless assembly plus sturdy Velcro make it easy to set up and move
- Heating pad wires are sturdy and hold up well to daily use
- Fits cats of any size
- Clear flaps hold in heat while making it easy for cats to enter and exit
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Cat House
Sturdy shelter
This cat house features ecoFLEX, which is a non-toxic material made of recycled plastic and wood. It doesn’t crack, rot, or warp, and bugs can’t eat or infest it. That’s why the New Age Pet’s Albany outdoor cat house New is such an excellent choice. Once you have it assembled, it protects kitties from all of the elements. And because it includes two doors, they always have an escape from predators or other cats.
Pros:
- Tool-free assembly makes set-up a breeze
- Optional heating pad helps add extra warmth in cold weather
- Fits two cats comfortably
- Sturdy enough to last for years
Cons:
- Door flaps are flimsy and easily fall off
Petyella Heated Cat House
Raised for safety
If you have no choice but to put your outdoor cat house somewhere exposed to the elements, the Petyella Heated Cat House has you covered. The legs raise it off the ground to keep it away from puddles and wet grass, while the waterproof base and roof add an extra layer of protection. During cold days, you can also plug in the handy heating pad to create a soft, cozy space for your felines.
Pros:
- The heating pad has a long, chew-proof cord
- Legs keep moisture and bugs out
- Enclosed space helps cats feel safer
- Fun designs look cute and add style to your outside space
Cons:
- You need to weigh it down to prevent wind from blowing it over
Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter
Super spacious
This heavy-duty wooden cat house from Rockever comes in one- and two-story options, allowing you to get all the space you need for your outdoor pets. Each has a locking wall you can open up for easy cleaning and feeding and an extra door in case your cat needs to escape. A two-story house easily fits four or five cats, making them perfect for larger colonies.
Pros:
- Assembly is easy, and all the parts are included
- Asphalt roof keeps rain and snow at bay
- Color options and an attractive design give it a high-end look
- Designed with a hole that allows you to put a cord through for a heating pad
Cons:
- Not very insulated out of the box
Love’s Cabin Outdoor Cat House
Affordable choice
Whether you’re on a tight budget in general or looking for a way to get several houses without spending a fortune, you may want to check out these cat houses from Love’s Cabin. They’re super easy to assemble, and the outer waterproof oxford fabric keeps your feline friends safe from rain and snow. As a bonus, cleaning is as easy as wiping them out with a damp cloth, and they come with a soft sherpa cushion for extra comfort.
Pros:
- The sturdy fabric is hard for cats to tear or damage
- Folds down for compact storage when you don’t need it
- Keeps moisture out while holding in heat
- Velcro holds up well to wind and rough play
Cons:
- Only fits one average-sized cat comfortably
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my outdoor cat house lasts a long time?
To keep your outdoor cat house looking great while maintaining its structure, we recommend keeping it in a covered area. You can set it up on a covered porch, in a shed, barn, or under a carport. It’s also essential to clean it regularly and check for tears or rot, depending on the material.
How can I get cats to go inside a new cat house?
You can entice cats to try out a new house using things like catnip, treats, and wet cat food. If your cat house has door flaps, you may want to remove them until the cat seems comfortable since they can seem like a scary barrier.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.