The Best Cat Houses For Cold Weather
Cat houses are a great choice when you're trying to create a safe, warm space for outdoor felines. They help them feel secure and enclosed while protecting them from other animals, nasty weather, or touchy kids. Plus, they're cute and give a unique touch to any area. We've even found a few great options to help you find one that fits your needs and style.
What to Look For
If you want to ensure your outdoor kitties stay as safe and warm as possible when the weather turns chilly, we recommend choosing a cat house based on size, insulation, and durability. For example, the elevated Furhome Collective heated cat house offers enough space for a couple of kitties to cuddle up. Even better, the heated, waterproof base keeps them toasty, even when it snows. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more permanent fixture for a group of ferals or several pets, you may want to check out the Petsfit outdoor cat condo. It can comfortably shelter up to five cats from icy winds or weather. Keep reading for more details.
Furhome Collective Heated Cat House
If you need to place your chosen shelter in an area that tends to get wet and muddy when it rains or snows, you may want to check out the Furhome Collective heated cat house. It’s raised off the ground and waterproof, keeping your precious pets dry. Meanwhile, the included heating pad adds extra warmth, which can help cats survive the most frigid temperatures.
Pros:
- Assembly is a breeze
- Attractive designs and colors keep your space looking nice
- Plastic legs don’t rot or mold like wood
- Multiple heat settings regulate the temperature based on the weather
Cons:
- The cord needs a cover
Toozey Heated Cat House
The Toozey heated cat house is easy to assemble and warms up fast, making it an excellent choice when you need to get a shelter up and ready quickly. But don’t let the fast installation fool you. It’s still super durable. We also appreciate the extra safety features, like the chew-proof cord and regulated heating pad, which allow you to rest easy knowing your cats are protected from accidents and injuries.
Pros:
- Plastic flaps add extra insulation and warmth
- Two sizes to choose from
- Long cord for easier placement
- Folds for compact storage and fast assembly
Cons:
- Only one heat setting
K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter
High-quality insulation
An effortless zipper assembly, fluffy, heated bed, thick insulation, and domed shape all work together to make the K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod kitty shelter one of our favorite cat houses. We also like that, unlike most heated models, this one only heats half the floor. That means your cat can regulate their body temperature without choosing between too hot or freezing cold.
Pros:
- Roomy enough for two or three cats
- Flap adds additional insulation
- Heavy-duty outer fabrics hold up to weather and active animals
- Zippered construction allows for easy cleaning and reassembly
Cons:
- Hard to secure to the ground
Petsfit Outdoor Cat Condo
Multi-level living
Whether you have several pet and barn cats or a colony of ferals, you may struggle to house them all in standard cat houses. That’s where the Petsfit outdoor cat condo comes in. It offers elevated, multi-level living, with two enclosed cat houses, a waterproof asphalt roof, and several platforms for active felines to lounge on when the weather permits.
Pros:
- Lasts for years with regular maintenance
- Heavy enough to withstand strong winds and storms
- Looks great anywhere
- Allows large groups of cats to sleep together for extra warmth
Cons:
- No included heating pads or beds
Petyella Heated Cat House
Fold and go
This cozy heated cat house from Petyella folds almost flat for easy transportation and storage, making it one of the best choices for travel or for quick set-up around your town to keep feral colonies safe from inclement weather. Removable feet keep it off the ground, and the waterproof material keeps the inside dry. There’s also a heated pet mat with a soft cover you can plug into an outdoor outlet to make it extra warm.
Pros:
- Heating pads constantly work to ensure the house stays warm
- Easy to wipe clean
- Spacious enough for large or multiple cats
- Works in subzero weather
Cons:
- Velcro wears down with repeated assembly and disassembly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to plug in heated cat houses outside?
While most heated cat houses use special plugs rated for outdoor use, you can do a couple of things to ensure your feline’s safety. First, we recommend covering the plug/outlet section with a waterproof bag or cover to prevent water damage. The second is to periodically check on all connections, wires, and padding so you can repair or replace any damaged pieces.
Where should I put my outdoor cat houses?
As you assemble and place your cat houses, we recommend choosing spots that stay as dry as possible. You especially want to avoid areas that fill with puddles or stay muddy when it rains. If possible, put them on a covered porch, under a deck, or against a building. That can help keep the cats as sheltered as possible while minimizing damage to the cat house during storms.
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