Whether you’ve welcomed a cat that prefers spending most of its time outdoors or found yourself adopted by a feral cat, ensuring the appropriate housing setup is essential for their year-round comfort. In colder climates, heated cat houses equipped with door flaps provide a cozy sanctuary, while lighter-colored houses are more suitable for warmer regions, aiding in temperature regulation. While having an outdoor cat alleviates concerns about litter boxes (despite the availability of convenient self-cleaning options) and finding a vacuum that effectively tackles shedding fur, it’s still important to invest in high-quality cat food, a selection of engaging cat toys, and water bowls.
Our team of experts meticulously examined numerous top-rated choices, carefully evaluated customer reviews, and consulted with pet professionals to compile a list of the best outdoor cat houses in 2024, as endorsed by veterinarians and reviewers.
Our top picks:
Petsfit Cat House with Scratching Pad
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Cat House
K&H PET PRODUCTS Outdoor Heated Cat House
At the conclusion of this guide, stay tuned to discover further insights on factors to consider when selecting the ideal cat house, our methodology for choosing our recommendations, and additional features worth contemplating.
6 Best Outdoor Cat Houses to Keep Cats Warm All Winter Long
Best Overall Outdoor Cat House – Petsfit Cat House with Scratching Pad
This cat house is designed to keep your cat and their friend warm and dry. It features a scratching pad and a roofed-in porch on the second floor. The house is made of sturdy materials, including weatherproofed wood and an asphalt roof, which are recommended by Dr. Conrad for durability and protection against the elements. It includes an escape door that allows cats to go out but prevents other critters from entering. The windproof front door flap and raised floor help keep the interior protected during bad weather. Online reviewers have found the house to be sturdy and easy to assemble.
Pros:
- Escape door prevents critters from entering
- Made of wood with an asphalt roof
- Sturdy and easy to assemble, according to online reviewers
Cons:
- Heating pad needs to be purchased separately
Best Value Outdoor Cat House – New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Cat House
If you have a feral cat that has adopted you, this outdoor cat house from ecoFLEX could be a suitable home for them. The house is made of a plastic-wood polymer composite that is resistant to rot, warping, and cracking. It is also designed to deter bugs. Cleaning the house is easy as it can be rinsed with a hose. The cat house has multiple doors, but they can be accessed from both the inside and outside, unlike a dedicated escape door. According to one online reviewer, the assembly process is quick and simple, and the house has an attractive appearance that won’t be an eyesore in your garden. Some users have noted that certain cats may not like the vinyl door flaps, and additional insulation may be needed for extreme weather conditions.
Pros:
- Resistant to rot and warping
- Easy assembly
- Attractive appearance
Cons:
- Insufficient insulation for extreme wind or snow
Best Heated Outdoor Cat House for Winter – K&H PET PRODUCTS Outdoor Heated Cat House
This heated cat house is designed to keep cats warm, even in snowy conditions. However, it’s important to be cautious about heavy snowfall that could block the entrance and trap the cat inside. The house has two exits with removable door flaps and includes a heated cat bed with a washable cover. The walls and roof made of water-resistant nylon and vinyl help protect against harsh weather, although they can become saturated if the house is left exposed. It is recommended to place the house on a covered porch or in a garage, considering that access to an outlet is needed. According to online reviewers, the house feels sturdy and holds up well during winter months when placed under some form of covering.
The heating pad inside the house automatically warms up when the cat is inside and turns off when they leave. It is designed to match the cat’s body temperature and prevent overheating. If you have multiple cats or larger cats, there is a larger version of the house available suitable for their needs. However, it’s important to note that the roof of this house cannot support the weight of a cat, so it may not be suitable if your cat enjoys lounging on the roof.
Pros:
- Heated for warmth
- Washable bed cover for convenience
- Suitable for winter conditions
Cons:
- Roof cannot withstand cat’s weight
- Not elevated, so it can get wet on saturated ground
Best Outdoor Cat House for Multiple Cats – Petsfit Outdoor Cat House Shelter
This multilevel cat house is designed to accommodate an entire cat family and provide them with warmth and shelter. It features various cozy cubby holes, secondary escape routes, and perches for sunbathing, making it an attractive option for cats in the neighborhood. Dr. Conrad recommends cat houses made of sturdy wood paneling and an asphalt roof, both of which are present in this cat mansion. The raised design ensures that the floor remains dry by preventing it from getting damp due to rain or snow.
The roof boards can be easily removed for convenient cleaning. The brand suggests adding cat heating pads for winter weather and placing the house under some sort of cover in areas with heavy rain. According to online reviewers, the cat house feels sturdy and offers ample space for multiple cats to relax. In regions with extreme seasonal weather, some reviewers suggest applying weatherproof paint, especially if the house is not located under cover.
Pros:
- Features a variety of hide-aways and relaxation spots
- Made of sturdy wood with an asphalt roof
Cons:
- Requires additional weatherproofing for extreme weather
Best Insulated Outdoor Cat House – Keg A Tube & Kitty Tube LLC The Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House
While the appearance of this outdoor cat house, known as the Kitty Tube, may seem unusual, it is specifically designed to keep cats warm and dry during the winter. The house is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, as indicated by the brand. It features a single door to maximize the warmth inside and is intended to protect cats from the elements. Optional accessories such as a double insulation layer, a custom pet pillow, or a pet heating pad can be added for additional warmth.
Although the house is not raised off the ground, it has thick bottom insulation to prevent excessive coldness. The brand mentions that up to three cats can be accommodated in each Kitty Tube, and lid vents help ensure a dry interior throughout the year. Online reviewers have noted that the door effectively prevents rain from entering, and the top of the tube can be easily removed for cleaning or air-drying.
Pros:
- Suitable for extreme weather conditions
- Strong insulation
- Can accommodate multiple cats
Cons:
- The flat section on top may collect rain or snow
- No second exit
Best Outdoor Catio – Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House Catio Enclosure
If you have indoor cats who enjoy some fresh air, an outdoor catio can be an excellent solution. It’s important to note that catios are primarily designed as outdoor enrichment environments and do not provide protection against rain, wind, or snow, as explained by Dr. Conrad. This particular catio features an asphalt roof that provides some protection from the sun and light drizzles. It includes two cozy sleeping homes and multiple platforms for lounging, jumping, and playing. The mesh walls allow cats to experience the outdoors while keeping them safe from wandering away, encountering predators, or getting into dangerous situations. Online reviewers have mentioned that the enclosure is well-packaged and, when assembled correctly, remains sturdy without any issues of breakage.
Pros:
- Suitable for multiple cats
- Provides multiple levels and hideaways
- Mesh walls ensure the safety of cats from predators and getting lost
Cons:
- Cats cannot access the catio on their own without modifications
- Not fully weatherproof
Read Also:Top 7 Cat Carriers Tested and Approved by Pet Experts
How we choose outdoor cat houses
In order to provide our readers and their feline companions with the finest options, our team of experts conducted an extensive search, thoroughly examining top-rated selections and customer reviews. We took into account various factors, including stability, ease of assembly, texture, and materials, among others, when determining our preferred choices.
Additionally, we carefully considered outdoor cat houses designed for different climates, paying attention to weatherproofing and insulation features. To gain further insights, we consulted with a veterinarian to understand the appropriate materials for outdoor cat houses, methods of safeguarding against extreme weather conditions, and additional features worth considering. Our selection comprises the favorites of our product professionals and the veterinarian, as well as reputable brands that have garnered enthusiastic feedback from genuine pet owners.
What to consider when shopping for outdoor cat houses
✔️ Number of cats: Ensure that you consider the recommended capacity of the cat house in terms of the number of cats mentioned in the product information. Dr. Conrad emphasizes the importance of selecting a house that is spacious enough to accommodate all the intended occupants. While smaller houses may be cost-effective and suitable for a single cat, it is advisable to opt for a larger option if you have multiple felines.
✔️ Climate: In warmer climates, Dr. Conrad advises opting for a lighter-colored cat house as it helps to reflect heat and maintain a cooler interior. For colder climates, she suggests considering houses with flaps on the doors to retain heat and protect against moisture, rain, and snow.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: Considering that cats residing in outdoor houses may require regular cleaning, it is beneficial to choose houses with features that facilitate easy maintenance. Some houses offer removable roofs or materials that can be conveniently hosed down. Dr. Conrad also recommends houses with removable floors, which make cleaning up after your cat much simpler.
✔️ Additional features: Dr. Conrad recommends looking for outdoor cat houses that include perches for cats that enjoy observing their surroundings. Heating pads are a great addition for keeping cats warm during colder nights. Some houses even feature multiple exits to prevent cats from being trapped inside if a predator enters through the front door.
