Published Dec 18, 2024
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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Outdoor Cat Houses
An outdoor cat house doesn’t guarantee your outdoor cat or feral’s safety, but it can provide shelter from cold or stormy weather and offers some privacy. The best outdoor cat houses are strong, sturdy, and protective.
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Heated Shelter Great for Outdoor Cats
- Well-insulated for winter weather
- Has a subtle design that fits into the yard and garden
- The small entry hole is designed to prevent larger predators from accessing inhabitants
The K&H Pet Products has a number of thoughtful design features that set it apart from other cat houses for sale, especially for cold weather use.
The entire tube is insulated and is excellent at containing heat during cold weather. It comes with enough bulk straw to create up to two layers of fresh bedding.
The house has handles that can remain open for full ventilation or closed to trap warm air inside of the Tube. While the majority of customers describe it as a waterproof, weatherproof cat house, some say that water can collect on the lid and seep into the house.
Unlike other houses with an entry and exit door, the K&H Pet Products has only one small entrance hole.
The inventor of the K&H Pet Products says that this design feature is intentional, explaining that “the true predators of a cat (dogs, coyotes, etc.) cannot get their head inside the special sized and shaped door opening of the Kitty Tube. Coyotes especially know how to catch cats. If your cat escapes out a second opening, there is a good chance your cat will be caught and killed. Your cat is safe inside the kitty tube in an attack, as the predator cannot get inside like it could with an Igloo or similar product. Also, the single door dramatically keeps the heat inside the Kitty Tube.”
However, raccoons and aggressive cats will be able to get into the Trixie and things could turn ugly. No outdoor cat is entirely safe, so you’ll have to decide what tradeoff you’re willing to make.
Every K&H Pet Products is made in the United States and guaranteed to never chip, crack, or fade.
What We Liked:
- Well-insulated for winter weather
- Has a subtle design that fits into the yard and garden
- The small entry hole is designed to prevent larger predators from accessing inhabitants
What We Didn’t Like:
- Water may get into the Tube if it pools on the roof
- Lacks an escape door
- Expensive
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
- Small size helps to lock in warmth
- Well-constructed for longevity
- Attractive design
This cat house is constructed from ecoFLEX, a non-toxic recycled polymer of wood and plastic. It’s designed to resist the cracking, warping, and splitting that other houses may experience. The house has both an exit and entry hole, ensuring that occupants aren’t trapped. The doors are covered with flaps for added security and warmth.
The entryways don’t have awnings, so if there is a heavy snow, your cat may be snowed in. To prevent this from happening, some people place a lawn chair over the entryway to keep snow from falling directly in front of it.
The house is small, measuring 21.8 x 19.1 x 20.2 inches. The small size helps to keep the interior warm and, in most cases, restricts occupancy to just one cat.
The house is covered by the manufacturer’s 10-year warranty.
What We Liked:
- Small size helps to lock in warmth
- Well-constructed for longevity
- Attractive design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Costs over $95 and may be too expensive
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame Heated Cat House
- Water resistant
- Has a heated bed
- Comfortable design that cats enjoy
This heated cat house includes a power cord and uses 40 watts of electricity to gently warm an included 19″ x 24″ warming cushion. There’s no temperature control and the bed is not warm to the touch—the warmth is only noticeable when something is lying on the bed. When a cat lies on the bed, it reaches a warm temperature of around 102 degrees F.
According to the company, the K&H A-Frame house is waterproof and weather resistant and can be used anywhere outdoors. That said, some customers said that the house can’t handle heavy rain and should be covered with a tarp or placed underneath a porch or eave. The house has two exits to ensure that your cat isn’t trapped inside.
It’s covered by a one year warranty.
What We Liked:
- Has a heated bed
- Water resistant
- Comfortable design that cats enjoy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Most reviewers say that the house can’t handle serious precipitation
Petsfit 2-Story Outdoor Weatherproof Cat House Cat Condo
- Adorable wood-sided house for cats
- Two doorways
- Protective awning on the front doorway
If you’re not extremely concerned with keeping cats warm in cold weather but want an attractive, decorative little house, this weatherproof house might be a good choice. While it doesn’t earn many points for warmth or protection, it’s one of the nicest-looking outdoor cat houses on the market. Some reviewers said that they even painted the house to match their own—how adorable is that?
It has two doors, both of which are covered with flaps. The front door has a protective overhang, which helps to keep rain out of the house and discourages the entryway from being snowed in.
The house comes with either a scratching ramp or a little set of stairs for your cat to climb up and down. The ramp or steps provide access to the covered roof area, which is a nice spot for cats to lounge during good weather.
According to the company, the wood siding will last at least 3 years outdoors.
What We Liked:
- Adorable wood-sided house for cats
- Two doorways
- Protective awning on the front doorway
- Scratching ramp for freshening up claws
- Covered roof area for lounging
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the warmest cat house
- Relatively expensive at $129.99
PawHut 2-Level Elevated Waterproof Outdoor Wooden Treehouse Cat Shelter with Balcony
- Great for indoor cats who need a safe way to experience the outdoors
- High-quality construction
- Weatherproof
This house is a bit different from the others on this list. Instead of being a small, protective shelter for ferals and other outdoor cats, it’s a large enclosure designed to give indoor cats a safe way to experience the outdoors.
This enclosed playpen measures 28.75″ L x 20.5″ W x 25.75″ H and weighs 17 lbs. It includes both a house and balcony. It has a multi-tier main house and a yard enclosed with wire fencing. The main house has two stories for multiple cats and is complete with a paned window, sliding door, small hinged door, and ramp for easy access.
In addition to small doors in the main house, the enclosure has a large, fully functional front door that allows you to easily access your cats.
The roof is coated with asphalt, protecting it from rain and other precipitation. The main body is constructed from weather-resistant fir.
What We Liked:
- Great for indoor cats who need a safe way to experience the outdoors
- High-quality construction
- Weatherproof
- Made for multiple cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- The most expensive item on this list at $389.99
Summary
When testing outdoor cat houses, we evaluate their design, durability, and ease of assembly. We also assess how well the houses protect against weather elements, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, as well as their comfort and insulation. Our cats help test by exploring the houses, and their behavior indicates preferences for certain features like spacious interiors or multiple entry points.
Based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert insights, we’ve selected the K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Heated Shelter Great for Outdoor Cats as the best outdoor cat house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for an outdoor cat house?
Outdoor cat houses should be made from durable, weatherproof materials such as solid wood, heavy-duty plastic, or insulated composites. These materials can withstand harsh conditions like rain, snow, and strong winds. Look for houses with waterproof coatings or roofs to prevent water seepage. Additionally, materials that are easy to clean and maintain, like plastic or treated wood, are ideal for long-term use.
How can I keep an outdoor cat house warm in the winter?
To keep an outdoor cat house warm, use insulation such as foam panels or Mylar blankets to retain heat. Heated pads specifically designed for outdoor use are a great option, as they provide consistent warmth. Ensure the entrance is covered with a plastic flap or heavy fabric to block cold air and prevent heat from escaping. Adding straw (not hay) as bedding can also help cats stay cozy and dry during cold months.
What size should an outdoor cat house be?
The size of the house should be large enough for the cat to move around comfortably but not so spacious that it loses warmth. A typical size of 18x18 inches is sufficient for one average-sized cat. If you’re housing multiple cats, choose a slightly larger design, but avoid oversized structures as they can become too cold in winter. The interior should also allow the cat to curl up snugly, as this helps conserve body heat.
Where is the best place to position an outdoor cat house?
The ideal location for an outdoor cat house is a quiet, sheltered spot that’s away from heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions. Placing it against a wall or under a porch provides extra protection from rain, wind, and snow. Ensure it’s in a shaded area to prevent overheating during warmer months. For added safety, choose a spot that’s easily visible to you but not too exposed to potential threats.