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Since this cat house isn't made of wood or asphalt but rather polyester, the brand notes that the roof can't hold a kitty's weight — this house isn't for climbing or sunbathing. This three-story cat condo has a weatherproof finish, with hinged shutters and peek-a-boo holes so cats can easily watch what’s going on around them. The inside raised floor also allows for air to circulate, keeping the floor dry and comfortable for cats that just want to relax inside. Yes, high-end cat furniture is a thing and it’s just as ridiculous as you’d imagine.
DIY “Smart” Outdoor Cat House
While some of this is due to the size, even when you consider the two-story feature, it’s still more expensive than the competition. Therefore, in high winds, they’re liable to slam open and shut (which cats probably won’t like that much). A cat house will offer the most protection to cats when placed under an overhang, inside of a shed or barn, or in a location where predators can't go. Ninnemann says a fenced-in area may work best, and facing the opening against a wall may help your cat feel safer.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Outdoor Cat Houses
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. 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.
Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter
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The slightly elevated floor helps promote air circulation while keeping cats off cold or wet ground. But at just 2 inches off the ground, the entrance is also low enough for most cats to easily hop inside. Cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia the same way humans are.
The ramp or steps provide access to the covered roof area, which is a nice spot for cats to lounge during good weather. 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.
Fit-to-Size Cat Shelter
The house has a slightly elevated door with an awning to prevent water from entering. For those who live where it gets cold in the winter, cat houses with door flaps help keep a cat cozy and dry. If you live where it gets hot, a light-colored cat enclosure can best maintain a good temperature inside. Phillips says heated cat houses can be an excellent option, especially in regions with frigid temperatures.
How to Choose an Outdoor Cat House
While this outdoor cat house may look a little strange — kind of like an outdoor grill — it can keep cats warm and dry all winter long. The Kitty Tube is made of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, according to the brand's website, and it's designed to protect your cat from the elements. Unlike other outdoor houses, this one only has a single door to ensure the inside retains as much heat as possible. When purchasing, you can choose to add a double insulation layer, custom pet pillow or pet heating pad to keep your furry friend toasty and warm. The best outdoor cat houses can keep felines warm and dry in the worst conditions.
The 10 Best Outdoor Cat Houses
You can use the door flaps or not (a useful feature if your cat refuses to use door flaps). Your cat won’t be trapped by predators due to the double entrance. The roof is made with composite asphalt, which helps with durability. The roof can also open up if necessary, and the floor is removable for easy cleaning. When it isn’t in use, you can fold it up and latch it, which makes storage much more straightforward. These provide added protection against all sorts of weather, which is often essential during heavier storms.
Heated vs. Unheated
Lindsey Wolko is the founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety in Reston, Virginia. In her work, Wolko advocates for the safety of pet products and the pets who use them. Wolko helped us better understand the best types of bedding materials and how to safely use electricity in these shelters. This cat house by Trixie features an entrance ramp that gives older kitties easy access inside. Petsfit's two-level cat house features a shady porch where cats can take refuge from the heat.
We considered stability, ease of assembly, texture, materials, escape doors and more when choosing our top picks. We also considered houses for different climates and looked at weatherproofing and insulation factors. 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. Some are well-constructed, while others won’t last long in a storm.
It’s also resistant to the elements, thanks to a roof with asphalt shingles and acrylic protection on its doors. Though not fully insulated, its walls and flap doors are designed to contain as much heat as possible. The Petsfit cat house can also withstand a lot of wear and tear from excitable cats, thanks to its sturdy wood design. It’s also easy to maintain, since the two floorboards can both be removed for cleaning.
These best outdoor cat houses that are heated are warmed with low-voltage electricity. Since these structures aren't waterproof or insulated, you'll want to place them in a sheltered location near a house. There are tons of different outdoor cat houses that can keep your feline dry and warm. Among these reviews, we recommend the New Age Pet Ecoflex Outdoor Cat House. It works well for many cats, as long as you don’t need a heated cat house. Trixie Outdoor Wooden Cat House also works well despite being quite a bit less expensive than many other options.
Heated cat houses also have more parts that can break, which often limits their lifespan. However, if you live somewhere very cold, that might not matter much. The ideal size will depend on your cat's height and weight, as well as the number of cats you want to shelter. But according to Quandt, one cat typically needs around four to six square feet of space. "For reference, the area of a medium-sized dog crate per cat is about right," he says.
This double-decker cat house is a multi-functional option that provides space to store food and water bowls and shelter for outdoor kitties. It can be customized to fit any space and painted or stained to match your outdoor décor. The plans are fairly detailed, but they’re not specific about how to measure and cut the wood you need. They also don’t spell out exactly which tools you need, but they don’t seem to be anything specialized. This project should be easy for those with DIY experience but probably not impossible for a beginner.
During the winter, cats that live or play outside face freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, rain, and wind. These weather conditions can be dangerous since cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. A cat's age, coat type, and certain medical conditions will determine what types of weather they can handle and which type of cat house is best for them.
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If you live in a climate where the weather gets cold, look for a small, insulated house that will contain body heat. This two-door cat house is simple, inexpensive, and designed to warm outdoor kitties during a Canadian winter. The double doors offer the cat an escape route if a wild animal tracks them inside.
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