| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K&H Pet Products Heated Cat House |
| Best Weatherproof | PETYELLA Heated Cat House |
| Best for Energy Efficiency | K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame |
| Best Budget-Friendly | K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed |
Most cats typically have warm enough fur coats that you don’t think that they might get chilly. You may think that only short-haired and hairless cats need a little extra support, but the truth is even long-haired cats can benefit from an outdoor cat house. A heated outdoor cat house can make a huge difference in the well-being of your pet. During cold weather, especially if you let your cat venture outside, they need a warm place to cozy into. If you’ve ever leaned in to give your cat a kiss and felt their ears cold to the touch, that means the temperature — whether it’s inside or outside — is too cold for them.
You may even be the type of person who likes to keep the AC on a cold blast year-round. If that’s the case, you should also have a heated cat house that your cat can retreat into. Just because you’re comfortable with cooler temperatures doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat is as comfortable as you are. Even if you’re not shopping for a heated cat house to use indoors, you should definitely invest in a heated outdoor cat house for any cats that roam around your house.
There are different types of outdoor cat houses, and some have more durable materials than others. Some may be more budget-friendly, while others are more of a splurge item. No matter which type of outdoor cat house you’re looking for, you’ll find a model that suits your needs and your budget while making your kitty feel super cozy, warm, and well cared for. Below, we outline the best overall outdoor cat house, the best weatherproof, the best for energy efficiency, and the best budget-friendly options. We also share the features to look for and provide you with some verified reviews from real cat parents who have tried and fallen in love with these heated outdoor cat houses.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Heated housing structure keeps cats warm and toasty
- Heating pad is fleece-lined for maximum softness and comfort
- Various colors and patterns available
- Requires access to electric outlet
- Fits up to two cats
Check Amazon- Made with weatherproof and waterproof material
- This heated cat house has two doors
- Features printed windows, a house number, and a sign that says "Home Sweet Home"
- Easy to assemble
- The included heating pad has a timer for scheduled heating
Check Chewy- The energy-efficient, heated orthopedic floor uses only 20 watts
- The removable fleece cover is machine-washable
- Two exits with clear door flaps for safety
- Will keep your cat warm even in subzero temperatures
- No tools are required for assembly and it folds up for easy storage
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Thermostatically controlled
- The heating pad automatically warms to your kitty's normal body temperature
- Energy-efficient
- Features a privacy hood
- Easy to assemble
Top Picks: The Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses Today
#1 Best Overall: K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House
The best overall heated outdoor cat house is the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House. This cat house is available in several fun designs including a solid-colored olive green version to keep it straightforward, a log cabin design for a camping feel, a cottage design for a quirky look, and a barn design perfect for a farm cat! It’s weather-resistant, so your cat can remain comfortable, no matter the outdoor climate. However, it is not waterproof, so you should place this house in a barn, garage, or under some type of covered area.
This outdoor cat house weighs only 5.84 pounds and provides your cat with plenty of protection. It measures 19 inches by 22 inches by 17 inches and can fit an average-sized cat comfortably. However, it might be a bit snug for an extra-large cat who wants to stretch out inside.
It also features a 21 MET safety-listed plush, heated cat bed inside the house to keep your cat warm — even when the temperature dips below zero. Your cat may not only face weather disturbances while outdoors, but they may also encounter predators or other feral cats. To protect them even when they’re lounging inside this warm enclosure, this kitty house has two exits to provide multiple escape routes. It also includes removable clear door flaps to protect your cat from harsh outdoor elements.
You could use this in a garage, on a porch, in a barn, or even indoors where there are cold spots. Simply set it up wherever you want your kitty to snuggle and get warm, insert the heated pad that comes with a removable, washable fleece cover, and set up the double doors with the removable flaps so your cat never gets trapped.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It comes in several different color options. | This house is not waterproof; it will get wet it you expose it directly to rain or snow. |
| It is weather-resistant. | Customers reported that the interior may be a bit snug if you have an extra-large cat who likes to stretch out. |
| The house weighs less than 6 pounds and fits an average-sized cat comfortably, or a mama cat and her kittens. | |
| The plush, heated cat bed inside the house keeps your cat warm. | |
| It has two exits/entrances. | |
| The house is easy to set up. | |
| The double doors have removable flaps. |
- Heated housing structure keeps cats warm and toasty
- Heating pad is fleece-lined for maximum softness and comfort
- Various colors and patterns available
- Requires access to electric outlet
- Fits up to two cats
2. Best Weatherproof: PETYELLA Heated Cat House for Outdoor Cats in Winter
The PETYELLA Heated Cat House for Outdoor Cats in Winter is made with weatherproof and water-resistant material. The base uses PVC and it has two removable waterproof doors. However, rain can still get in through the door flaps, so it is best to place this house in a protected area.
The brick design mimics a real home with painted windows on the side, a home number, and a sign that reads “home sweet home” above the door. You can also get this house with a tiled or wood design that also resembles a home with painted windows on the side. This house is easy to assemble and measures 18 inches wide, 21 inches long, and 10.5 inches high.
Customers rave over this perfect outdoor house! Your cat can cozy into this cat house and rest easy on the heated pad with a comfy cover (with a zipper for easy removal) that sits on top of a 100% waterproof base. The walls and roof are insulated and keep out the elements. The heating pad has a timer for scheduled heating, and it reaches a max temperature of 122°F, which means it can’t overheat. The cord is chew-proof for extra safety as well.
Pros and Cons of the PETYELLA Heated Cat House for Outdoor Cats in Winter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This house is weatherproof and water-resistant. | The exterior is waterproof, but rain can still potentially get in through the open flaps. |
| The two waterproof doors are removable. | |
| It is cute and comes in three different designs. | |
| It is easy to set up. | |
| The heated pad has a soft cover with a zipper, so it can easily be removed. | |
| The base of the house is 100% waterproof. | |
| The walls and roof are insulated for warmth. | |
| The heating pad has a timer, as well as a maximum tempture so that it won’t overheat. | |
| The cord is extra thick and chew-proof. | |
| Customer reviews are extremely positive. |
- Made with weatherproof and waterproof material
- This heated cat house has two doors
- Features printed windows, a house number, and a sign that says "Home Sweet Home"
- Easy to assemble
- The included heating pad has a timer for scheduled heating
3. Best for Energy Efficiency: K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House
When you need to provide your cat or stray with a warm shelter but are concerned about energy efficiency, the the K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House is the best outdoor cat house you can purchase. It’s equipped with a heated, orthopedic floor that only uses 20 watts. The removable fleece cover is machine washable and there are, of course, two exits with clear door flaps for safety.
This A-frame cat house is warm enough to keep your cat safe even in subzero temperatures. Use this outdoors or indoors, wherever your cat needs a cozy place to cuddle into. You don’t need any tools to assemble the cat house and when you need to store it, just flatten it and put it away. The patented heated floor is super cushiony, weatherproof, and thermostatically controlled so it adjusts to your cat’s internal body temperature.
This cat house is 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches, so it is warm and cozy for small to average-sized cats, but may not be the best fit for larger breeds. In addition, be sure to place the house in a protected or covered area so that it doesn’t get too wet and doesn’t blow away.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This cat house is energy efficient and only uses 20 watts. | This house is a bit small and may not work for larger cats. |
| The removable fleece cover is machine-washable. | |
| There are two openings/exits with clear door flaps. | |
| You can use this house indoors or outdoors. | |
| It is easy to assemble; it is also easy to fold up and store when not in use. | |
| The floor is weatherproof and super cushiony. | |
| The heated floor is thermostatically controlled and adjusts to your cat’s body heat. |
- The energy-efficient, heated orthopedic floor uses only 20 watts
- The removable fleece cover is machine-washable
- Two exits with clear door flaps for safety
- Will keep your cat warm even in subzero temperatures
- No tools are required for assembly and it folds up for easy storage
4. Best Budget-Friendly: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
The budget-friendly K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hodded Cat Bed provides your cat with a warm shelter, even outdoors. It’s thermostatically controlled and uses just 4 watts! It is also equipped with a privacy hood for ultimate sleeping comfort. Or, if your cat prefers, you can also remove the hood and use it simply as an open cat bad.
This isn’t a heavy-duty, weather-resistant cat bed, however. Instead, it offers you an affordable option for keeping your kitty warm in covered areas like your garage, your porch, or your balcony. It can also be a great option indoors if you like to keep your house a bit colder than your kitties like.
The heated pad is thermostatically controlled and automatically warms to your cat’s normal body temperature only when your kitty is in the heated pet bed. It’s super energy-efficient and can be used in all seasons. Easily wash the bed in your washing machine, using the easy-care setting. It is easy to assemble and you can have it ready to go in under five minutes!
The bed comes in two similar colors (mocha and tan), both with a cute cheetah-print interior. It is also available in two different sizes: large (20 inches by 20 inches by 14 inches), or small (16 inches by 16 inches by 14 inches). Many customers with large-breed cats reported that this bed fits their kitties well. The soft foam walls are 6 inches thick with a soft material covering, so you know your kitty will be nice and cozy. Customers reported that after washing the bed filling can be flat and lumpy; however, they also said that this can be remedied by pulling and kneading it back into place.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This bed is thermostatically controlled, so it only turns on when your cat is in it, and it automatically warms to your cat’s body temperature | This bed is not made for extreme weather conditions. It can only be used in covered, protected areas. |
| It is energy efficient and only uses 4 watts. | Customers reported that the filling can get lump and/or flat after washing, so you may need to pull and knead it back into shape. |
| There is a privacy hood for cats who prefer caves, but it can also be removed for an open bed style as well. | |
| You can use this bed indoors or outdoors. | |
| It is machine-washable. | |
| It is super easy to set up. | |
| There are two colors and two different sizes available, so it can fit even larger-breed cats. | |
| The soft foam walls are 6 inches thick. |
- Thermostatically controlled
- The heating pad automatically warms to your kitty's normal body temperature
- Energy-efficient
- Features a privacy hood
- Easy to assemble
Choosing the Best Heated Outdoor Cat House: What to Look For
There aremany different models when it comes to heated cat beds. Some are extremely weather-resistant while others should be kept somewhere covered like in a garage or underneath the porch awning. There are some basic features that outdoor cat houses share, like having multiple escape routes and water-resistant materials. When selecting the best outdoor cat house for your needs, consider the following:
- Material
- Style and size
- Price
Material
The material is everything. If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain, for example, you must have waterproof materials, or the cat house will get soaked. A soaked cat house when it’s cold, even with a warming pad, is not a comfortable place for a cat. You may just need an outdoor cat house to place next to a front door, next to your garage, or even inside your garage to take care of a neighborhood stray. If your environment isn’t dipping into subzero temperatures and you’re not getting a lot of rain, you can place a weatherproof cat house outside and it’ll remain intact.
The budget-friendly option on this list isn’t meant to be left outdoors uncovered. It could do well inside a garage, underneath a covered porch, or indoors where your cat can get some warmth. That one has much softer material, isn’t weather-resistant, and is not waterproof. Consider your needs when purchasing a heated cat house and select the materials that work best for your environment.
Style and Size
The style is a fun aspect of cat houses that you get to choose. Your cat probably won’t notice the difference or care much for the outward design, but you can select something that complements your environment well. You may also want to consider how big the cat house is. Are you looking to just house one cat, two cats, or maybe a cat and some kittens? This will help you decide how ample the space needs to be. Some outdoor cat houses are smaller and meant for a single cat while others are more spacious and can house more than one cat.
Another important safety feature when considering the style is ensuring it has multiple exits. Having a front door and back door is ideal so that your cat has an escape route should predators attempt to reach them.
Price
You can typically find a good outdoor heated cat house around the $70 dollar range while others may cost more than $100 dollars, depending on the materials and style. However, you can find a budget-friendly option at around $50 dollars, but keep in mind that a lower-priced option likely won’t have many of the features that a higher-priced option has.
The Different Types of Heated Outdoor Cat Houses: Pros and Cons Compared
Weatherproof Heated Outdoor Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The roof and walls are typically insulated. | Although they are weatherproof, not all of these outdoor cat houses are fully waterproof. |
| They are made to protects cats from the elements. | They may not come in as many designs and styles, and can be more expensive. |
| These houses can be used in subzero temperatures. | |
| Weatherproof outdoor cat houses have a sturdy construction and are made with water-resistant materials. |
Energy-Efficient Heated Outdoor Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy-efficient cat houses require a lower wattage and help you save on energy costs. | These types of houses usually do not warm up to higher temperatures like other cat houses do. |
Verified Review: User Experience
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House
The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House is loved by a cat mom who has purchased several of these to set up around her home. She shares:
“I absolutely love these houses we have had 2 of the original versions and they have been on our front porch which is covered but not screened in or sealed by glass. It’s still wide open to all elements besides the roof. They have held up extremely well! We have had 2 neighborhood cats with kittens find their way to our house and lived in them and still currently do. I just purchased 2 new log cabin designs and as the UPS guy dropped them I had them unboxed and set up in 5 minutes and the cats love them as do we! It provides good heat for them during winter and or colder months. I will continue to use these and order more as more and more keep showing up at our house. Possums and Raccoons even love these houses. Thank you for a great product! I will say I highly recommend this product to anyone wanting to provide outdoor warmth and shelter to an outside pet. We have 9 total that come to our house every day and every night to stay in these houses and they have held up extremely well couldn’t be happier with my purchase!”
PETYELLA Heated Cat House
The PETYELLA Heated Cat House is a favorite for a man who calls himself “a steward” and is concerned about a feral kitty he encountered. He shares how they met and how the house is holding up:
“I found a sweet little feral kitty on my patio one night during a cold, rainstorm. Poor little thing was soaked to the bone and shaking. Being feral, he didn’t allow me to pick him up and wouldn’t come in the house. He’s not “mine” – I’m simply a steward looking after him, making sure he gets food every night. I couldn’t stand the thought of this beautiful kitty being harmed or shivering out in the cold & rain during the winter, so I bought this little “kitty condo” for him and set it up on my patio, near an outlet where I could plug it in. It’s an adorable little house and only took a few minutes to assemble. The roof is the most difficult part as it’s a bit tricky lining up the Velcro to attach the roof to the body of the house, but again, it wasn’t too hard. The heating pad timer was very simple to use as well. I set it to turn on at 6:00 PM every evening, and turn off at 6:00 AM every morning, then plugged it into the outside outlet. The cord is long enough that I could plug it in and still have enough cord length to set the house a very safe distance away from the outlet. My little feral cat found the house the first night but was hesitant to go in. So, I removed the plastic door flap, and voilà! been using it ever since. I have it outside on my patio, set up against the sliding glass door to my bedroom so I’m able to peek out the glass and see if he’s in there. It warms my heart to see him curled up inside his little condo all warm and comfy. The price is good… But knowing the cat is safe and warm, to me, is priceless. I’d recommend this house aka “kitty condo” to anyone looking for an outdoor cat shelter.”
K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House
Many customers reported that the K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House worked out splendidly for skittish, outdoor cats:
“This is Fantastic! I have a feral cat living in my yard who hates people with a passion, and I’ve tried all kinds of ways to keep him sheltered and warm when it’s cold. He rejected them all. But he likes this one! I set it up on a pallet, covered it with a tarp (which it probably doesn’t need) and plugged it in. It’s warm and dry and he clearly feels safe. A+!!”
“Concerned this enclosed house would scare my skittish outdoor cat, I kept the house open so he could get to the heated pad and discover it without being freaked out by the roof or flaps. He took to it last night; when he bounded out of the garage, I checked the pad and it was nice and toasty where he had been laying. Eventually I will try to close in the house, especially as it gets colder, but if you have an extra-skttish cat, this option may allow for a slow acclimation. Of course, this would only work if you can put it someplace that is enclosed.”
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
This cat bed was loved so much by one cat, that the owner had to buy a second!
“I originally got just one of these for my lykoi kitty (sparse coated, needed a little extra warmth during a NY winter) but my other cat kept stealing it, I ordered a second one and they are both content! Fabulous! perfect temp!”
Up Next:
- The Best Cat Beds: Reviewed and Ranked — Find the very best cat bed to go in your cat house!
- The Best Indoor Cat Houses: Reviewed and Ranked — Check out the best indoor cat houses here.
- The Best Cat Doors: Reviewed and Ranked — Keep your dog out of the kitty litter and cat food by installing a cat door that only your feline will fit!
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K&H Pet Products Heated Cat House |
| Best Weatherproof | PETYELLA Heated Cat House |
| Best for Energy Efficiency | K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame |
| Best Budget-Friendly | K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed |
The Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the best way to heat an outdoor cat house?
When you’re looking to heat an outdoor cat house, the best method to use is a warming pad. These pads are electrically powered and can deliver the heat your cat needs when it gets too chilly. You may need an extension cord, depending on how far away you place the cat house from an outlet, but it’s a great way to keep your cat warm, especially during winter. However, make sure that you use an outdoor, heavy-duty extension cord to keep your cat and your home safe.
Are heated outdoor cat houses safe?
Yes, so long as the electrical cord is waterproof and the cat house is weather-resistant, your kitty can enjoy warmth when the temperature dips. Aside from the heating element, outdoor cat houses are also equipped with multiple escape doors, so your cat never gets trapped by a predator. These doors also allow your cat to enter and exit with ease, only accessing the warmth when they need it.
Can I put a heating pad in an outdoor cat house?
That depends. Some cats are spoiled babies that love cuddling up with their pet parents in bed, sharing warmth under plush covers. But the reality is that some cats don’t enjoy staying indoors, either because they’re feral, strays, or indoor/outdoor cats that prefer fresh air over staying in. For those cats, a heated cat house meant for outdoor use can absolutely be just what they need during cold seasons. The warming pad helps them recover from the elements and any added extras like blankets can aid with getting them even cozier. If you’re caring for a stray or feral, you can leave fresh water and food out as well. However, just by providing shelter, you’re already ensuring any cats that need to warm up have a safe place to retreat to.
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