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Outdoor cat houses are more common than many people imagine. With an estimated 95.6 million pet cats and about 70 million stray cats in the US, the market for outdoor cat houses has exploded over the past decade.
All outdoor cat shelters, though, are not created equal. With a variety of models, designs, materials, and uses, it can take ages to find the right fit for you and your cats.
Luckily, we decided to do the homework for you. We tested over several dozen models, and aggregated many online reviews, to provide you with our picks for the best outdoor cat houses on the market.
Our Top Pick
One of the most popular cold weather cat houses on the market with over 5,500 happy customer reviews. This insulated light-weight design comes with a heating pad floor to keep cats warm and safe even in sub-zero temperatures. It also boasts one of the more affordable price tags, giving it the indisputable top slot on our list.
Other Great Picks
Kitty City Large Stackable Cat Cube
The highly affordable and versatile cat cubes by Kitty City, rank high on our list. They work great indoors or outdoors, require almost no assembly, and are much sturdier than they appear. With over 1,300 glowing reviews and an impressive 4.7 star rating you can’t go wrong with this cat shelter.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame
This A-Frame outdoor cat shelter is both adorable and functional. With its insulated frame and heated bottom, it can keep one or more cats safe during harsh weather. Over 1,200 reviewers can’t be wrong – it’s an amazing outdoor cat house.
Kitty Tube The Outdoor Insulated Cat House
This utilitarian outdoor cat house is the priciest on our list, but satisfied consumers agree it’s worth the money. It’s extremely sturdy, has a ventilation switch that can be changed for warm and cold temperatures, and is made in the US from recycled materials. It will outlast many other models by years due to its hard plastic body and it comes with a washable pillow bed for the comfort of your cats.
Petyella Heated Cat House For Outdoor Cats
Petyella’s adorable design and affordable price make this heated outdoor cat house a high ranking model on our list. Nearly 1,000 consumers have weighed in and the consensus is, this shelter is easy to assemble, a cinch to clean, and highly recommended.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Extra-Wide Kitty House
This is another super affordable outdoor cat house that comes with a heated or unheated option. It is water resistant and its extra-wide design allows a comfortable fit for up to 3 cats. With over 800 positive reviews you can’t beat this kitty shelter.
Petsfit Outdoor Triangle Cat House
The fashionable triangle cat house by Petsfit boasts a 4.6 star rating. Consumers love the look and cats adore the cedar wood materials. This is not insulated so it is best for warmer climates. If you need a great outdoor cat house and do not experience harsh winters this is a perfect choice for you.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House With Stairs
If you are looking for a stylish outdoor cat house for multiple cats, this cat house with stairs is a great pick. It is made of solid wood, has a waterproof asphalt roof, and is raised to keep kitties dry during wet weather.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House With Scratching Pad
Another Petsfit model makes our top ten list with its adorable design and ingenious addition of the scratching pad. This is the perfect shelter for multiple cats. They’ll love being able to hide in the room, bask on the porch, or scratch away on the scratching pad. Owners appreciate its waterproof roof and durability.
Petsfit 2-Story Weatherproof Outdoor Kitty House
The last of our top ten outdoor cat houses is this 2-floor house with shelves for cats to perch on. It’s a sturdy easy-to-assemble model with a hinged roof that allows owners to easily clean the inside. You and your kitties will love this deluxe outdoor cat house.
What Is An Outdoor Cat House?
An outdoor cat house is a shelter intended to keep pets or strays safe from the elements and predators. According to veterinarian, Chris Miller, there are many benefits to allowing cats outdoors – “but it’s up to you to make sure they have the most protection possible.”
Outdoor cat houses come in all shapes and sizes with various features, such as: heated/non-heated, insulated/non-insulated, and one room/multiple rooms. The best outdoor cat house for your situation will depend on factors such as the climate you live in, the amount of cats you need to shelter, and your budget.
Should Outdoor Cat Houses Have 2 Doors?
While each model is slightly different most of the outdoor cat houses are equipped with two doors, unlike indoor cat houses. The reason is practical – it helps them escape if a predator enters their abode.
If you intend to use your outdoor cat house simply as a place for your pet to hang out when you are outside, a 2 door model may not be necessary. If you are looking to provide shelter overnight, however, a model with dual doors is highly recommended.
Do I Need An Insulated Outdoor Cat House?
Insulation is recommended for extreme temperatures and harsher climates. A well insulated cat house may be slightly more expensive than a non-insulated model, but is necessary if you live in an area prone to sub-zero temperatures or extremely hot periods.
Many people buy insulated outdoor cat houses to help stray cats survive the winter months. A small investment can save many homeless kitties over many years.
How To Insulate An Outdoor Cat House
Maybe you need an insulated outdoor cat house, but you fell in love with a non-insulated model. Insulation can always be added. Fill the floor with a thick pile of straw, a natural insulator. Place a Mylar blanket atop the straw for additional warmth and comfort.
You can also cut foam board insulation to fit along the inside walls and floor of the cat house. Then add a pile of towels or blankets for bedding. Placing the cat house against a wall will help shelter it against winds.
Raising the cat house off the ground will also provide insulation from cold weather as well as stop rain from getting inside. Also add flaps to the doors to prevent cold gusts of wind or snow from entering.
Are Heated Cat Houses Safe Outside?
Heated cat houses use heating pads or heated pillows to provide warmth for cats. They require access to an outlet to work. If a house is advertised as an outdoor heated cat house it should be safe to use outdoors.
Outdoor heated cat houses will be either waterproof or water resistant. The best way to ensure safety is to place the outdoor heated cat house close to the outlet (avoid use of extension cords), elevated to prevent water from seeping in, and preferably under a covered area (porch, barn, garage, etc.).
What’s The Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistant?
Waterproof means no water can get through, no matter how long the object is subjected to water. Water resistant on the other hand, means water will not soak through unless it is subjected to a lot of water or a long duration in wet conditions.
Most outdoor cat houses are water resistant, not waterproof. It is important to place water resistant outdoor cat houses on platforms or atop objects to prevent water from entering. Finding a spot that has a covering (like a porch) will also help keep it dry.
What Do I Put Inside An Outdoor Cat House?
Bedding is the number one item placed inside outdoor cat houses. This can be a pet pillow, a pile of old towels, or warm blankets. For non-insulated homes placing a layer of straw or insulation on the bottom is common before putting bedding in.
Other items you may want to place inside are cat toys. Toys cats can chew on can easily be thrown in to entertain kitties. A scratching pad or tying a dangling toy from the ceiling are also great additions that keep cats busy.
Are Wooden Outdoor Cat Houses Better Than Plastic Ones?
When deciding on a wood or plastic outdoor cat house, there are several things to keep in mind. Cost, durability, weather, and weight will all be factors you will need to consider.
Wood is generally a better insulator from heat and cold than plastic. Wooden cat houses tend to be very stable, but will weigh more than a plastic model.
A plastic outdoor cat house is often more cost efficient, easier to clean, and more durable than its wooden counterparts. You will need to weigh the pros and cons to each before making your decision on a wooden or plastic kitty shelter.
Can House Cats Become Outside Cats?
Sometimes you have to make the decision to transition your house cat into an outdoor cat. Whether it’s due to an allergy someone in your household develops or your housing situation changes and cats are not allowed, turning a house cat into an outdoor kitty can be stressful.
Providing an outdoor shelter is the best way to foster a sense of safety for your new-to-the-outdoors kitty. The outdoor cat houses on our list will protect your beloved cat from predators and weather extremes and give your pet an environment similar to their former indoor home.
Can Outside Cats Become House Cats?
Many people have been successful in making outdoor cats into house cats. However, a cat’s unique personality will determine whether or not it can adjust to an indoor lifestyle.
According to the Humane Society, moving an outdoor cat inside should be done very gradually. You can begin by feeding them inside a garage or enclosed porch and slowly move the food inside the house. During the winter when weather is cold, slowly moving an outdoor cat house closer to the house and then eventually inside can also help with the transition.
Do Indoor Cats Live Longer Than Outdoor Cats?
Indoor cats have a life expectancy of 12 – 20 years, whereas outdoor kitties have a much shorter average lifespan of 1-5 years. Sometimes, however, you can not get a cat to live indoors or are not allowed to have cats inside.
Providing a safe enclosed space, such as a outdoor cat house, can greatly improve the odds for an outdoor cat. With protection from predators and weather, an outdoor cat can escape many of the dangers that shorten their lifespan.
How Do I Choose The Best Outdoor Cat House For Me?
Choosing the best outdoor cat house for you involves a few different factors. You’ll first want to determine how many cats you wish to shelter. Will you need an insulated or non-insulated model? Should it be heated or non-heated design? Do you value durability over style? Are you looking for something small and inconspicuous or larger and a conversation piece?
Your climate should be the deciding factor for the type of outdoor cat house you choose. If you live in a harsh climate, look for waterproof, insulated, and heated designs. If you live in more temperate conditions you can look at the stylish shelters that offer great architectural designs and less weather features.
Personal preference will definitely play into your final decision, but remember to choose something that can be used in your environment and will accommodate the amount of cats you are protecting. One this is certain – there is a best outdoor cat house out there for everyone.
The Best Outdoor Cat House
There you have it – our picks for outdoor cat houses. If you are looking to own the best pet products on the market – be sure to take a look at our other top picks in the pets section.