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I know what you’re thinking: do cats really need or want outdoor houses? The short answer is yes. In fact, there are a variety of situations when a cat house is actually super useful to have.
For example, outdoor cat houses are great for stray or feral cats. That is, kitties who hang out by your house, enjoy grabbing snacks from you, but don’t necessarily want to venture inside your abode (even during the coldest/rainiest/grossest weather). Instead of just sadly peering through the window and watching them struggle with the elements, you can help them stay warm and dry by leaving them a nice place to take shelter. It’ll definitely give you some peace of mind.
You also may just have a kitty on your hands who loves the outdoors. We all know how much cats love to explore. If you’ve got yourself an especially adventurous cat, you’ll need to come up with a way to keep them warm if they refuse to come in. Enter the outdoor cat house. Keep them cozy and cared for while also nurturing their natural curiosity and wanderlust.
Choosing an Outdoor Cat House
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Via Pixabay
When it comes to an outdoor cat house, not just any structure will do. These are the features to look for.
- Durability: It should be able to withstand inclement weather and other issues in the great outdoors. Make sure crafted from something sturdy.
- Insulation: If this house is truly going to be a cozy hideaway for your kitty, it should be insulated enough to keep them warm during even the craziest weather. You’ll also want to ensure that warming pads, blankets, etc. are able to fit inside.
- Ease of Assembly: Nothing’s worse than receiving a much-anticipated package and then having to spend hours assembling the product.
- Safety/Security: Whether it has protective door flaps, a second (emergency) exit in case of unwanted guests, or just extra-sturdy walls, make sure the house will keep your favorite feline safe from the elements and neighborhood predators.
The Best Outdoor Houses for Cats
To make things a little easier for you, we’ve gathered together a list of some amazing outdoor cat house options.
1. K&H Pet Products A-Frame
Want to keep things simple yet provide an effective outdoor shelter? This A-frame house is cozy and surprisingly sturdy. The fabric is waterproof and wind resistant and the heated bed inside ensures that kitties are comfortable even in freezing temperatures (though you can also get an unheated version). This house can comfortably fit two to three cats (depending on their size) and has two exits so that they never feel trapped inside.
Buy Now on Amazon for $68.322. ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Double wall panels make this little cat shelter an extra cozy escape for feral or outdoor kitties and help regulate the temperature inside. Sturdy and durable, you won’t have to worry about this house cracking or rotting. Plus, the two entry/exit points mean that cats feel secure coming in, knowing that they’ll be able to make a quick exit if necessary. Another bonus—assembly is quick and tool-free.
Buy Now on Amazon for $64.993. K&H Pet Products Heated Kitty House, Olive
This extremely popular outdoor cat house is simple but super effective in keeping your outdoor kitty warm and secure. It features a heated bed, two exits with removable clear door flaps, and is easy to assemble. Made from 600D polyester, it’s water and weather resistant—and portable in case you need to take it on the go.
Buy Now on Amazon for $63.104. Petmate Kitty Kat Condo
This USA-made cat igloo is a cinch to put together (so long as you can snap two pieces together). It’s pretty cute to boot. The shape ensures that rain and snow simply run off the sides, and the durable, non-porous plastic surface keeps things mold and bug-free. There’s even a carpeted floor inside for cats to scratch and cuddle up on.
Buy Now on Amazon for $81.995. Kitty Tube Insulated Cat House
This shelter is environmentally-friendly and made in the USA from post-consumer recycled content. It features built-in lifting handles that allow ventilation in the summer and has fully insulated walls, roof, and floor to keep kitties warm in the winter. It can fit up to three cats and has a unique door design that keeps them safe from predators. Also—it’s guaranteed for life, so if you do have any issues, don’t be shy about bringing them up.
Buy Now on Amazon for $164.996. PawHut 2-Story Wood Cat House
Looking for something a little more luxurious? This outdoor cat house has a lounging patio, fancy stairs, and a sturdy roof to keep the kitties dry. This cat condo is made from fir wood and sits on feet that keep it clear of water, bugs and other animals on the ground. Before we scare you away: assembly is fairly easy despite all of the bells and whistles.
Buy Now on Amazon for $84.997. Outdoor Cat House with Lounging Deck & Extended Roof
Handcrafted and carefully constructed from cedar, these houses are known to be extremely waterproof and warm. A second door can be added to the design if needed, and the covered front porch is a nice place for felines to lounge.
Buy Now on Amazon for $195.838. Heated Outdoor Cat House
Cheerful and cute, this house fits well on covered balconies, porches, or even tucked away in a garage. This shelter has two removable flap doors and fits cats up to 25 pounds. It also comes with a heated mat (with a chew-proof cord) and an extension cord with a timer to keep your cat extra cozy.
Buy Now on Amazon for $64.959. Petsfit Cat Shelter with Stair
This good-looking cat house is weatherproof and made of sturdy cedar that’ll stand up to the winds. The feet on the bottom keep it from flooding, and the two doors mean that kitties feel safer knowing they have an escape route. Large enough to fit around three medium-sized cats, this house may look complex but is actually a cinch to put together.
Buy Now on Amazon for $139.99
