| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K&H Pet Products Heated Shelter |
| Best for Multiple Cats | Petsfit Outdoor Cat House |
| Best Wood | K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor |
| Best for Multiple Cats | Kitty City Outdoor Cabin |
| Best for Keeping Warm | The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House |
Do you have a feline friend that loves to spend time outdoors? Perhaps you’ve got a big heart and help strays and feral cats near your home. Whatever your situation is, an outdoor cat house can provide safety, warmth, and a place for cats to relax.
Most pet experts believe that keeping your cat inside is the safest way to protect our feline companions. And most outdoor cat homes aren’t designed to protect a cat during the wintertime. If you do decide to let your indoor cat enjoy the outdoors, ensure they return home every time and avoid letting them out when the weather is very cold or rainy.
The best outdoor cat houses protect your kitty from the environment as well as other potential threats in the outdoors. Even if you simply intend to offer shelter to cats, they may not be the only animals in need this winter.
During harsh weather, bothersome rodents can crawl into cat shelters, and hungry predators can surround cats that are essentially trapped in enclosed places. Several of our preferred cat homes, thankfully, include escape doors or entrances that are specially designed to keep the shelter safe for felines.
We’ve scoured the web and found a handful of the best outdoor cat houses on the market! Whether you’re looking for something that’s affordable and easy to assemble or you have a bigger budget and want one that will keep your furry friend warm and toasty, we have multiple options for you! Complete with a buyer’s guide and real-life reviews, here’s our ultimate guide for outdoor cat houses!
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Heated for your kitty's comfort
- The heating element is a fleece-lined MET-listed heating pad
- Must be plugged into an electrical outlet
- Choose from a variety of colors and patterns
- This outdoor cat house is not waterproof or insulated
Check Chewy Check Amazon- This unheated cat house is built to withstand snow and rain
- Constructed of wood
- Well-built to keep your cat warm and dry
- Features a scratchpad roof and ramp
- Two stories accommodate several cats
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Constructed from UV-protected birch wood
- Available with a detachable electric warming cushion
- Features two entrances with transparent door flaps
- You may paint this house to give it a custom feel
- Not completely insulated or watertight
Check Amazon- Double-layer insulation keeps cats warm
- Great for indoors or out
- Water-resistant fabric keeps cats dry
- Folds up for storage when not in use
- Can be stacked
Check Amazon- Specifically designed for outdoor use
- Insulated and weatherproof
- Sturdy dome shell made of recycled plastics
- Very easy to clean
A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Outdoor Cat Houses
1. Overall Best: K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House
According to our findings, the best outdoor cat house is the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House. As the name implies, this 22″x18″x17″ cat home is heated, making it an excellent choice for cats who enjoy spending time outside.
The heating element is provided by a MET-listed heating pad that is fleece-lined for your cat’s enjoyment. The fleece cover is machine washable, and the pad is detachable for easy cleaning. To utilize the heating fixture, this miniature house should be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Put this olive-colored cat house in a protected place, such as under a deck or in a garage, because this cat shelter isn’t waterproof or insulated. You can waterproof or insulate it on your own if you want to add an extra layer or durability.
The hut is powered by low-voltage electricity, which keeps it from catching fire.
Two cats can fit within comfortably and snuggle close to one another. The cat shelter is made of vinyl-backed nylon and is extremely easy to put together. It’s lightweight and simple to clean thanks to the detachable zippered roof.
A number of reviewers reported that this outdoor heated kitty house isn’t waterproof or even very water resistant and needs to be placed under a roof and/or a waterproof cover.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This heated outdoor cat house measures 22″x18″x17″. | Some reviewers said that this outdoor heated kitty house isn’t waterproof or even very water resistant and needs to be placed under a roof and/or a waterproof cover. |
| The house is heated by a fleece-lined, MET-listed heating pad. | |
| The heating pad’s fleece cover is machine washable and the pad is detachable for easy cleaning. | |
| This cat house must be plugged into an electrical outlet to work. | |
| It’s powered by low-voltage electricity, which keeps it from catching fire. | |
| It’s large enough for two cats to fit inside comfortably. | |
| This olive-colored cat house is made of vinyl-backed nylon. | |
| It’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and simple to clean thanks to the detachable zippered roof. |
- Heated for your kitty's comfort
- The heating element is a fleece-lined MET-listed heating pad
- Must be plugged into an electrical outlet
- Choose from a variety of colors and patterns
- This outdoor cat house is not waterproof or insulated
2. Best for Multiple Cats: Petsfit Large Outdoor Cat House
The Petsfit Large Outdoor Cat House is designed specifically for cats who spend a lot of time outside. One of the most appealing features of this option is that it can withstand snow, rain, and other inclement weather.
With this house-like wooden condo, just about any cat will quickly fall in love with its new home. The enclosed area’s walls are constructed with perfect angles to keep your kitty companion warm and dry when inside.
On the two-story cat home with a scratchpad roof and ramp, there’s plenty of room for several cats. There’s the main door for the cat to access the condo, as well as an escape door for them to rush out of if there’s a scary predator nearby. This second door blends in perfectly and seems to be a standard flap cat door.
It’s worth noting that the two-story condo cat housing doesn’t have any heating. For further insulation, consider placing a cat bed, straw, or shredded paper inside. As a result, the house is built to withstand a variety of weather conditions. The wood shingles are painted with a non-toxic, water-based paint that will not peel or chip.
Some reviewers said that this outdoor cat house isn’t really waterproof or weatherproof. Others reported that the holes weren’t drilled in the correct position.
Pros and Cons of the Petsfit Large Outdoor Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This outdoor cat house is designed for cats that spend lots of time outside and it can withstand snow, rain, and other inclement weather. | This cat house is unheated. |
| The angles are designed to keep cats warm and dry. | Some reviewers said that this outdoor cat house isn’t really waterproof or weatherproof. |
| This two-story wooden cat house has a scratchpad on the roof and ramp. | Others reported that the holes weren’t drilled in the correct position. |
| It can accommodate several cats. | |
| There’s a main access door as well as an escape door for use in case a predator traps them inside. | |
| The wood shingles are painted with non-toxic, water-based paint that’s chip- and peel-proof. |
- This unheated cat house is built to withstand snow and rain
- Constructed of wood
- Well-built to keep your cat warm and dry
- Features a scratchpad roof and ramp
- Two stories accommodate several cats
3. Best Wood: K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor
The K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor was designed for one cat, but it may be able to fit two. It’s simple to put together and comes in both heated and non-heated versions.
The heated version has a warming cushion that heats up as you use it. The pad is entirely detachable and fulfills electrical safety regulations. Only the K&H cover should be used with the pad.
Cats are protected from the weather and predators by two entrances with transparent door flaps. The second door will keep cats from being trapped inside if you’re worried about intruders in your neighborhood.
This charming home is made of UV-protected genuine birch wood and may be customized and painted in any style you choose. This shelter should be kept in a shed, garage, or barn as it is not totally insulated or watertight.
Several reviewers reported that the heating pad didn’t heat the cat house efficiently or work at all. Some pet parents commented on the fact that the wooden house wasn’t insulated, which should be clear from the manufacturer’s description.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s designed to accommodate one cat, but may be able to fit two. | Several reviewers reported that the heating pad didn’t heat the cat house efficiently or work at all. |
| It’s easy to assemble. | Some pet parents mentioned that the wooden house wasn’t insulated, which should be clear from the manufacturer’s description. |
| It’s available in heated and unheated versions. | |
| The heating pad is detachable and meets electrical safety regulations. It should only be used with the K&H cover. | |
| The house has two entrances with transparent door flaps. The second door can serve as an escape route in case your cate is trapped inside by a predator. | |
| It’s made of unpainted UV-protected birch wood. | |
| You should keep it in a shed, garage, barn, or similar building because it is not insulated or watertight. |
- Constructed from UV-protected birch wood
- Available with a detachable electric warming cushion
- Features two entrances with transparent door flaps
- You may paint this house to give it a custom feel
- Not completely insulated or watertight
4. Best With Insulation: Kitty City Outdoor Cabin Cat House
The Kitty City Outdoor Cabin Cat House is a nice home where multiple cats can relax and enjoy some time to themselves. You could even add a second stackable cat house (sold separately) to accommodate an extra kitty.
For maximum convenience, each cube has its own entrance and exit. This shelter may be used both inside and outside your home. It is kept warm all year because of the double-layered insulating walls. The external fabric is water-resistant (not waterproof), which protects cats from cold and rain. Pets and their owners adore this feature and so do we!
It takes only a moment to put up and folds up effortlessly when not in use. The outside is decorated to look like a cabin vacation, equipped with a “gone fishing” sign and windows that reflect a pond with all the fish a cat could dream of!
Some reviewers said that this kitty cabin isn’t waterproof or weatherproof.
Pros and Cons of the Kitty City Outdoor Cabin Cat House
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can purchase a second level separately to stack on this cat house. | Some reviewers said that this kitty cabin isn’t waterproof or weatherproof. |
| Each cube has its own entrance and exit. | |
| It’s designed for indoor and outdoor use and has double-layered insulating walls. | |
| The external fabric is water-resistant to help protect cats from the cold and rain. | |
| It’s easy to assemble and folds for storage. | |
| It’s decorated on the outside to look like a cabin complete with a “gone fishing” sign and windows that reflect a pond filled with fish. |
- Double-layer insulation keeps cats warm
- Great for indoors or out
- Water-resistant fabric keeps cats dry
- Folds up for storage when not in use
- Can be stacked
5. Best Weatherproof: The Kitty Tube With Pillow
In all seasons, the Kitty Tube With Pillow will provide shelter to wild and neighborhood cats. It’s made exclusively for outside usage, and it’s great quality, easy to assemble, and big enough for two cats.
Because this outdoor shelter is well insulated, a heating element is rarely needed. For those looking for a heated cat house, you can purchase a round heating pad from the manufacturer separately.
The Kitty Tube doesn’t have multiple access points for cats to escape. The company has a good reason for this. They say the house still protects cats from harmful predators since the door is too small for them to get in, and cats are safer within the shelter than outside trying to flee a band of predators.
The Kitty Tube is constructed of recyclable materials in the United States. Its round form serves to keep the wind at bay, while the black hue helps to keep kitties warm. Flow-through foam is used to insulate the flooring, walls, and roof, and it can be removed for maintenance.
To prevent moisture from getting into the sleeping space, the foam layer on the floor is elevated. The lid may easily be lifted to add straw or clean the interior. Built-in handles can open in the summer for ventilation or stay closed in the winter to keep the heat in.
Buyers said that feral cats refused to use this product because there’s no second exit. Some reviewers reported that it was difficult to assemble.
Pros and Cons of the Kitty Tube With Pillow
| Pros | Con |
|---|---|
| This shelter is made exclusively for outdoor use. | Buyers said that feral cats refused to use this product because there’s no escape route. |
| It’s easy to assemble. | Some reviewers reported that it was difficult to assemble. |
| It can accommodate two cats. | |
| This shelter is well insulated, so a heating element may not be needed. | |
| You can purchase a round heating pad from the manufacturer separately. | |
| It’s made of recyclable materials in the U.S. | |
| Removable flow-through foam insulates the flooring, walls, and roof. | |
| The foam layer on the floor is elevated to prevent moisture from accessing the sleeping space. | |
| You can open the lid to add straw or clean the interior. | |
| You can open built-in handles in the summer for ventilation and close them in the winter to keep heat in. |
- Specifically designed for outdoor use
- Insulated and weatherproof
- Sturdy dome shell made of recycled plastics
- Very easy to clean
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
There are many uses for outdoor cat houses. Some people use them for their own cats, while others like to provide a warm space for feral cats to rest. No matter your reasoning, it’s essential to know which features make a great outdoor cat house. Let’s take a look at some of the most important characteristics you’ll want to consider.
Waterproofing
As you’ve read in the reviews above, a lot of outdoor houses for cats have some type of waterproofing element. These are often based on the material the house is made out of, whether that’s wood, plastic, or water-resistant nylon. Even if you have an outdoor house for your feline friend, it doesn’t hurt to place it under a porch, deck, or in the garage.
Out of all the materials used for feline homes, plastic is the most waterproof, all while blocking harsh wind and freezing rain. Its one downfall is that it’s susceptible to aging from excessive heat and sunlight.
Wood is another durable material as long as it has waterproofing If not, it will likely rot when exposed to a lot of moisture such as snow in the winter. Fabric cat houses are another option. These are the easiest to set up and are often water-resistant, not waterproof.
Insulation
Insulation is essential in an outdoor cat house, especially if you live in an area that has colder seasons. Insulation works hard to keep felines warm when they’re inside a cat house. Thankfully, the insulation won’t overheat cats inside the house during warmer months.
It’s important to note that in order to keep insulation dry and operational, you’ll need the water-resistant materials that are mentioned above.
Design
Any cat house you buy will require assembly. Some use clips, zippers, and Velcro, while others use screws or simply pop up. The design and assembly of the house are aspects you’ll want to consider.
If you’ve ever put furniture together in the past, you’ll know how quickly it can become frustrating. If you’re inexperienced with assembling, consider an easier option, like a fabric or pop-up cat house.
Size
Ask yourself, “How many cats are you trying to shelter?” You can get away with a smaller (and cheaper) cat house if you’re just housing one feline. Small cat houses still provide plenty of warmth and comfort.
If you need a house for several cats, you’ll want something more spacious. Cats are territorial animals, no matter if they’re pets or strays. Because of this, it’s better to have several cat houses available for multiple cats.
The breed of the cat(s) is something to keep in mind as well in terms of the size of the home. Some breeds are much larger than others. Whichever house you decide, it’s better to have too much room than not enough.
Heating
One of the most important, if not the most important, features in an outdoor cat house is heating elements. While some houses have insulating materials, that may not be enough depending on the environment.
You’ll want to think about adding bedding and heating pads for those blustery winter days. Heating pads can make some people nervous, especially when used outdoors, because they’re electrical. Straw bedding is a great alternative!
Straw allows cats to burrow, it keeps in warmth, and repels moisture. Shredded paper works as an alternative if you don’t want the mess that comes with using straw.
Multiple Doors
Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about entry points. Using a cat house outdoors can cause your cat to be in danger if a predator comes near. Whether you’re buying a cat for your pet or strays in the area, they need a way to escape from animals such as coyotes.
When there’s just one entry and exit point, cats become vulnerable and will have a much harder time escaping a predator. Cat shelters with at least two entry points are best to provide an escape route for our feline friends.
The Different Types of Outdoor Cat Houses: Pros and Cons Compared
There are a handful of different styles of cat houses that you can use outdoors. Let’s take a look at what makes each one desirable and what they could improve upon as well.
- Cat Condos: Cat condos are often designed with high-quality materials, such as wood or thick plastic. They’re spacious and are great for multiple cats. This style of cat shelter does tend to cost a bit more than alternatives.
- Pop-Up Cat Houses: If you’re looking for easy assembly, a pop-up cat house is great. These are best for use as a temporary outdoor cat house due to their open-top design and lack of insulation.
- Heated Cat Shelters: As the name suggests, heated cat shelters have warming devices implemented in the house in one way or another. This is a fantastic choice for those living in colder climates.
Up Next
We hope that you enjoy these related articles.
- The Best Indoor Cat Houses: Reviewed and Ranked
- The Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses
- The Best Cat Hut: Reviewed for You
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K&H Pet Products Heated Shelter |
| Best for Multiple Cats | Petsfit Outdoor Cat House |
| Best Wood | K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor |
| Best for Multiple Cats | Kitty City Outdoor Cabin |
| Best for Keeping Warm | The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House |
The Best Outdoor Cat Houses: Read Before Buying FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it safe to let my cat outdoors in the winter?
The answer depends on where you live. Californians wouldn’t have too much of an issue letting their feline friends outside in the winter. On the other hand, Minnesotans should think twice. A general rule of thumb is that temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit are too cold for cats. If it’s cold or snowing, do what you can to keep your cat indoors.
What can I use instead of straw for insulating an outdoor cat shelter?
While straw is the top choice, there are several alternatives you may have lying around the house. You can use pieces of newspaper, old blankets, cat beds, insulated tiles, packing peanuts, memory foam, and even cardboard. Any of these materials will help keep felines a bit warmer while sleeping in an outdoor cat house. Just be sure that they remain dry since damp or wet materials will make cats feel colder, not warmer.
Is it important for outdoor cats to have a heated bed?
Provide warmed food and water, as well as a dry, warm shelter that is protected from the weather, to assist outdoor cats to survive the winter. Cats’ average body temperatures vary from 99.5°F to 102.5°F, but the amount of heat they require to live comfortably depends on their size and hair type.
Is it necessary to have two entrances on an outside cat house?
Many people believe that cat homes should have two doors so that a cat can easily flee from predators. The second door can provide a safe haven for outdoor or communal cats by allowing them to flee from dangers such as other cats, canines, wolves, coyotes, and snakes.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
