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Most cats enjoy being outdoors.
Ours likes exploring her territory. Walking the fences between houses, chasing off the wild birds at the feeder and sunning her little potbelly in the sunshine.
Staying active and curious is important to cats, but so too is having a safe and sheltered place to rest and relax.
Of course, some cats don’t have the luxury of coming inside. Feral cats, for example, and strays relying on the kindness (or carelessness) of strangers may seek out the garages, crawlspaces, porches and gardens of potential guardians when they need to get out of the weather or from other animals and predators.
Perhaps there’s nothing suitable or safe in your garden, and you’re looking for an inexpensive way create a comfortable spot for them to retreat inside.
Cheap outdoor cat houses are one way of providing shelter to outdoor cats.
Some are simple plastic boxes. Others are more ornate, resembling a child’s playhouse. Some are expensive. That’s fine. How much you’re willing to spend is up to you. Cheaper isn’t always better.
We’re naturally cautious with buying things like this because our cats often seems to enjoy the cheap cardboard packaging of a new toy or bed than the product itself. We don’t mind spending money on her, but she seems so easily satisfied that it can feel a little pointless.
There’s a fair amount of choice and plenty of cheap outdoor cat houses for sale online, but not all will be suitable for the cats in your life. We’re listing 5 popular ones sold on Amazon. At the very bottom of this post, we’ll also show some of the more expensive products for comparison.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Outdoor Cat Houses
Asking yourself some questions can help you to focus on what features and benefits are important when picking your outdoor cat house.
- Do you need the shelter for extreme weather conditions or everyday precipitation and sunshine?
- Does it need to offer practical protection or is it just a bit of fun?
- How many cats do you think will be using it at once?
- Are there predators or other animals to worry about?
- What’s your budget? Cheap means different things to different people.
- Who’s the house for? A much-loved and well-balanced domestic cat that you own or a feisty stray or skittish pregnant feral?
- Measure the height of the cat to ensure it will fit inside comfortably and then compare the measurements to the products dimensions. Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s sizing alone as what they consider to be small, medium or large may not match the reality. For strays and ferals, use a tape measure to map out the house’s length, width and height and then use your best judgement. Cats do tend to prefer smaller spaces so don’t always assume you have to buy them a much bigger house.
- Some cat houses have multiple entrances. One entrance means a predator is less likely to sneak up on a cat, but it also means there’s only one way out. Cats like having the option to flee and a single exit may put some off from entering.
- Think about the types of weather the house will have to withstand. Some are not suitable for heavy rain or snowfall. Others may have an open front which will make it easier for cold air to get in.
- Not all outdoor houses are suitable for the great outdoors. You should always read the product’s guide. Some are classed as outdoor but may actually be designed for under a porch or inside a garage.
- Most houses are self-assembly. Some are easier to build than others. Reading the reviews is one way of getting a better idea of what level of effort and which tools you’ll need to put it together.
- If you need the house to be durable under certain weather conditions, check the components and the materials used. Read the reviews, too. You can’t trust everyone to give an honest appraisal but read enough and you’ll spot common themes which will help you may a more rounded decision. If build quality is important, you may need to up your budget from cheap outdoor cat houses to something more durable.
- Check to see how easily each one is to clean. The insides will need brushing out and the exterior wiped down. Some let you lift the roof off or slide away the floor panel for easy access. Others may be more restrictive.
- Some cats need some encouragement to get inside. You might want to encourage them with some treats inside or a familiar smelling item. You could even spray a synthetic pheromone spray like Feliway or Thunderease to help them recognise the space as being safe. Don’t give up straight away if your cat doesn’t take to its outdoor cat house, they’re stubborn creatures.
How we choose the 5 outdoor cat houses…
We’ve selected some of the best-rated cheap outdoor cat houses available on Amazon.
Your budget may dictate which ones are more relevant than others, but we’ve tried to list a good mix of options. We’ll add a selection of cat houses that didn’t make our list at the bottom of the post in case there’s something more to your liking. We always recommend reading the reviews as genuine customers can give you a real insight into a products suitability. Often, they include videos and photographs along with their star rating, too.
PETYELLA Heated cat Houses for Outdoor Cats in Winter
- ✅ The best cat house on the block! Our heated cat houses for outdoor cats tops the charts in quality, beauty, and innovation. It makes a great water resistant shelter for all cats and dogs under 25 pounds.
- ✅ Help in the humane effort. Even with their thickened fur coats, feral and stray cats need a warm and insulated shelter to sleep at night. You can feel great knowing you are providing a heated cat bed.
- ✅ The perfect gift for cat lovers! Do you know someone that loves cats? Our outdoor cat shelter makes a thoughtful & unique gift! It can be used in barns, porches, garages, or balconies!
- ✅ Keep your cats warm & dry: the house comes with a heated pet mat with 1m chew proof cord and 4m extension cord. A plug in timer is also added so you can save time and money. When weather turning colder at night, your cat will love the benefits of having a heated shelter to snuggle up in during the chilly fall and winter months.
- ✅ Enjoy our 100% “cozy cat” guarantee— our premium heated cat houses come with everything you need to protect your cute cat from the elements. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, we will provide you with a full refund! ❗warning do not put the house under the stars - rain will get through the opening flaps!❗
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for: Outdoor cats who can’t be brought inside during the dry and colder nights or for those cats who prefer sleeping in garages or barns BUT This cat house shouldn’t be exposed to the elements. It’s designed for use in garages and sheds or outdoors when it’s not raining or snowing.
This is a very cute little house that will brighten up any garden. It’s heated, too, so is ideal when the temperature is set to drop. Unfortunately, it isn’t waterproof so it needs to be kept underneath overhands, in garages or barns or brought inside when the weather gets wet. Some customers have set it onto cinderblocks to keep it off the floor which will make it warmer and protect the bottom from the cold ground.
This is cheaper than many of its competitors so it’s a budget-friendly option for anyone taking care of strays or ferals in more temperate areas. It’s super-easy to assemble as well as it uses Velcro strips.
There are three designs to pick from including, “modern cabin”, “cottage charm”, and “American classic”.
KEY FEATURES
Product Dimensions : 17.3 x 13 x 17 inches; 6.7 Pounds
Manufacturer: FXswede AB
Its heated pet mat warms up to between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius.
The bottom is waterproof
The roof is water-resistant rather than waterproof. This is important as it means that a slight sprinkling of rain is fine but that it’s not suitable to use during persistent or heavy rain and snow.
The mat is made from padded fabric for comfort and will help maximise the cat’s bodyheat.
The safety strap keeps it secured
There’s a front and back entrance.
The door flaps can be removed if necessary.
PROS
It’s made from padded fabric which means no sharp corners for the cat to hurt itself on. This also helps to make it more comfortable especially with the padded mat.
The warming pad means it’ll keep stray and feral cats warm even when the temperature dips outside.
The timer means you don’t have to leave the warming blanket on all day or night – just when its needed.
There is a two-way entry and exit which some cats will prefer. It helps them escape from predators if necessary. Both doors are covered by door flaps to keep the cold out but can be removed if necessary.
It’s very easy to assemble and can be done in four easy steps by using the Velcro strips along each corner.
Customers on Amazon have praised the seller’s customer service and problem-solving skills when dealing with any issues.
You can also buy this house in other designs so you can have a nice set of three houses together if you need to buy multiples.
CONS
The biggest problem is that this isn’t suitable for being outside in the wet weather unless it’s protected from the elements. This is frustrating as that’s often why owners and guardians want outdoor cat houses. If you do have a place where it can be sheltered or if you live somewhere without much rain and snow, then this won’t be so much of a problem,
This does come up a little small, but if you measure your cat first then you can compare these numbers to the product dimensions. This may be difficult for strays or ferals that you can’t get close too but perhaps measure out the sizing and then see if you think the cat would fit. It is worth mentioning however, that most cats prefer smaller spaces to sleep and this will also help keep them warm.
If you’re buying for multiple large cats then you may need more than one.
The timer is only suitable for indoor use which is frustrating. You’d need to buy an outdoor timer for it to go outside. You could always heat it up inside and then take it out. Or keep the bed in a shed or garage and away from the elements.
We do like this cat house but it’s a bit frustrating that it’s not 100% outdoor ready. That being said, there are over a thousand reviews on Amazon with the vast majority very happy with the purchase. Most seem to use it for strays and ferals and that’s really heart-warming to see so many people helping out vulnerable cats.
ROCKEVER Cat House
- 【Fit small animals only】 Fit one fat cat and two small to medium size cats/rabbits. Please check the photo for more size details.
- 【Easy to clean】: It's easy to gain access to the inside by opening the roof and the bottom floor can be removed for daily cleaning.
- 【Protect your pets against bad weather】: The wooden small animal house is leak proof and the bottom floor is elevated, the roof is slanted so rainfall will not sit on top. It will survive in heavy rain/snow to keep your pet warm and dry inside.
- 【Pet friendly design】: The bottom slab gaps allow for proper ventilation with the door closed. Door opens as a slope for reptile amphibian conveniently move in or out.
- 【Easy to assemble】 With all necessary parts included, the pet house can be easily assembled with pre-drilled holes. Once correctly assembled, the stable structure will never split or fall apart.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best For Small cats with owners that are looking for a discrete but cute outdoor house.
This is also designed for rabbits and small pets so it’s not very roomy. Although it will provide a nice shelter for your pet. This cat house is elevated off the ground and has a sloping roof to keep the rain off.
This is a small house that would easily blend into an attractive garden. It’s also designed for rabbits and small pets so it’s not very roomy, but will provide a nice shelter for your pet.
FEATURES
Internal dimensions: 15″ in length 18″ in width and 10″ in height.
Outer dimensions: 16.5″ in length 20″in width and 17 in height.
Weight: 14.1 Pounds
It’s UV resistant, rainproof and anti-rot
Its metal support rod on a hinge allows the roof to be lifted up and down
It’s made from natural wood: cedar or fir
Both the bottom and the top open up
The door opens upwards as an access ramp and is secured on the front
The plastic flap on the door keeps heat inside
Its elevated bottom and sloping weather proof roof is designed to keep the bad weather out
It has adjustable feet to keep it off the ground
There’s a ventilation gap in the bottom
And it comes in blue, pink and grey
PROS
It’s easy to clean as both the top and the bottom of the house can be removed.
The legs keep the house off the ground and the slanted roof means that rainwater is easily kept out. This will keep your pet dry and warm inside during poor weather conditions.
The secure latch means you can keep other animals out when your cat isn’t around to use it.
The pre-drilled holes mean it’s relatively easy to assemble
You can paint over the wood to brighten it up or pick from three colour choices: pink, blue and grey.
It’s compact but there’s enough space to add in bedding.
It’s an attractive if a little plain house that will blend into the garden without taking up much space.
CONS
One of the biggest disadvantages is that this is compact. It’s not suitable for bigger cats There is a larger version made for cats specifically which you can find here:
Equally, this is probably only going to be suitable for one cat at a time.
There’s only one entrance and exit for the cat when the roof is down. This will be too boxed-in for some cats who prefer two exits.
We really like how this is outdoor ready and that it’s sloping roof can stand up to the rain. It’s not designed for large cats, however, so this wouldn’t work for Maine Coons.
Love’s Cabin Outdoor Cat House
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE & NO TOOL NEEDED: The cat house can be easily disassembled and installed in a matter of seconds. No tool needed. Durable and sturdy. With high-quality materials you have only the best for your cat. No matter where you set up your outdoor cat house (in the garden, in the barn, in the forecourt or in the house), it won't make any difference to your cat.
- MAKE WITH HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Our outdoor cat shelter made with durable and Waterproof Oxford material and the enclose space to make your cat feel comfortable and safe. With a removable comfortable sleeping mat inside the out cat house for winter to make your cat feel warm and relax all day.
- EASY CLEANING: Use non-abrasive soap and warm water to keep your indoor / outdoor cat house clean. Our removable mat can be machine washed and dry at low temperature. Our small dog house is perfect for cats, small dogs , rabbit and other pets up to 15 lbs.
- NON-SLIP SAFETY & USE TIPS: Non-skid bottom keeps the cat bed in place for worry-free placement on tile and hardwood floors in the home. When first get the outside cat house, please wash the surface with cold water and dry in the wind, in order to give your friends a ultimate rest experience.
- DEDICATED CUSTOMER SERVICE - Love's cabin Trademarked Products - NO risk shopping. Love's cabin strives to provide 1-Month return and replacement service & life-time free customer service - We want our customers to be 100% happy and satisfied!
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for its super easy assembly
This is very affordable and the cheapest cat house that we have on this list. Its simple design will blend into the garden and keep your cat dry.
This comes with a soft and comfortable matt that fits into the bottom of the house and can be machine washed.
FEATURES
Dimensions: 13″x17″x16.25″
Weighs: 3.15 Pounds
Made from Oxford material
A removable and comfortable sleeping mat is included and can be machine washed. The mat is also non-slip.
Its suitable for cats up to 15 pounds
Has a waterproof base and roof
Its hook and eye fasteners allow for easy assembly
PROS
It’s very easy to set up – literally flatten the frame out, put up each wall, and add the roof.
The bottom and the roof are both waterproof so your cat will stay nice and dry no matter what’s going on with the weather.
A comfortable and soft cushion is included
We love that you can machine wash the cushion and that the exterior is easy to clean.
CONS
This is lightweight and we’d be worried about it in high winds.
It only has the one door.
This is the most affordable option on this list and could be a good shout if you’re on a budget and just need something simple. There’s space to add additional bedding and a food bowl, too.
ROCKEVER Outdoor Cat Shelter
- 【Fit small animals only】 recommend for cats under 18lbs, small dogs under 15lbs, rabbits, hens, ducks and other small animals. Please check the photo for more size details if you want to put litter box / heating pad inside.
- 【Easy to assemble】 With all necessary parts included, the house can be easily assembled (All you need is a Phillip's screw driver). Once correctly assembled, the stable structure will never split or fall apart.
- 【Easy to clean】The bottom floor can be removed and it's easy to gain access to the inside by opening the roof for daily cleaning.
- 【Cat friendly design】With two openings cats can get away quickly if needed.
- The emergency opening on the back is covered with acrylic flap door. The front opening is sheltered by asphalt rain stoop.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for owners looking for a larger and more durable cat house
This is a very cute outdoor house and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of any visitors. It looks like a chicken coop and comes in two varieties: one storey and two. We’ve listed a few smaller houses already in this we want to be fair to anyone with a larger cat or with multiple cats.
This is a waterproof and weatherproof cat house so unlike some cat houses, you can keep it outside throughout the year.
FEATURES
Dimensions: 34.8 x 22.6 x 8 inches;
Weighs: 36.6 Pounds
Recommended for 3-4 cats or 15 pounds or under
It has adjustable feet
It’s made from cedar wood
And is able to fit 3 (15lbs) or 4(10lbs) cats
Both the top and middle floors can be removed
The window is covered by acrylic plastic
2 mats are included
You have different color options to choose from.
PROS
You only need a screwdriver to assemble it which is good because we worried it would be a little complicated (given that it’s two levels).
It’s easy to clean because the middle and bottom floor are removable.
This has two entry points so the cat is able to escape from a predator
The asphalt on the roof will keep the rain off
There’s a balcony for your cat to poke its head out of
The windows are also covered with plastic but they’re transparent to allow the cat to see out, allow light in but to keep the heat in.
Being off the ground keeps the house dry and warm and makes it suitable for different types of terrain.
There are mats for your cats to sit on comfortably
Lots of indoor space means that cats can cuddle up together – ideal if you have more than one pet or if your looking after a family or group of strays or ferals.
CONS
Some reviewers have said that they’ve put the house under an overhang so that there’s some protection from the weather which should mean it lasts longer.
It’s more expensive that some of the other cat houses on this list.
We really like that this has space for more than one cat and that there’s more than one exit. Often in cheaper houses you lose those options which is one reason why we included this in our selection of cat houses. Don’t forget that there’s also a smaller house in this same style.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House
- Keep your feline friends warm and cozy with our ideal shelter size! Measuring 20"L x20"W x21"H outside and 18"L x17"W x20"H inside, this house is perfect for 2 small cats or 1 adult cat. Plus, its compact size helps them conserve body heat and keep warm air inside.
- Protect your furry friends with our waterproof house design! Equipped with extra escape doors to prevent any trapping, the pitched roof is made up of precisely milled boards and insulated walls to keep water out.
- Our sturdy Finnish spruce wood construction ensures your cat's safety in any weather. With thicker panels and an original "A" frame structure, our house is built to last and won't wobble in any case.
- Convenience is key with our easy-to-clean design! Featuring 2 removable floor boards with small holes for easy handling, as well as pre-drilled screw holes and precise fitting parts, assembly has never been easier.
- Keep your house in top condition with our helpful tips! For heavy rain areas, consider caulking the pitched roof joints before adding the ridge piece and placing the house under eaves or bushes. And for severely cold winters, add a cat heating pad with its cord through the floor board holes for extra warmth.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for cats that are more comfortable with two entrances.
This A-frame cat house looks a little different to the others on our list. It’s smaller than some of the others but it does have that secondary entrance which makes it suitable for feral cats who may need an additional exit. Its pitched roof will help keep the rain out.
FEATURES
External dimensions: 20″L x20″W x21″H. Internal dimensions:18″L x17″W x20″H. The front and back door: 7.8″Hx5.5″W
It fits 2 small cats or 1 adult cat up to 15 pounds
It has 2-ways in and out
And is made from Finnish spruce
It’s a sturdy A-frame
There are 2-removable floorboards for cleaning
It’s easy to assemble as holes have been pre-drilled in the wood
Asphalt awning over the doorway
PROS
It has room for bedding
Ventilation comes in through the rear exit door
The A-frame roof should help keep the rain out
It is an attractive design that would suit smaller gardens
CONS
The roof doesn’t open up so cleaning it out may be more difficult than some of the other options.
There’s no cover over the front door which means cooler air can flow in more freely.
The manufacturer recommends that you caulk the joints of the house if you live in areas where they’ll be a hard winter or lots of rain.
Dibea Lodge Cat House
- Stylish & cozy, Wooden cat house with veranda, dimensions 77 x 50 x 73 cm (30" x 21" x 29" inch), see sketch
- A great view and cozy resting place - the lodge has a covered porch / terrace
- Rain, Sun and wind protected - the roof is covered with asphalt mats. The door has PVC slats (easy entry and exit)
- The wood is varnished with wood protection paint.
- Easy self-assembly, assembly instructions are included
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This one is best for UK audiences. If you’re in the US and like the look of it, you can find something similar by following this link through to Amazon.
This has a terrace and stairs and will look so attractive and quirky in a garden or outdoor space. It’s also suitable for rabbits, too. It would be the perfect place for any cat to do some sunbathing on the hot days or to curl up inside when it’s cooler.
One thing we’d suggest is look at the sizing dimensions that we’ve included below as some reviewers are saying that it was smaller than they’d imagined.
FEATURES
Dimensions: 77 x 50 x 73 cm (30″ x 21″ x 29″ inch),
Weighs 11 Kilograms
Asphalt slats on the roof to keep the rain out
It’s been varnished to protect the house from the elements but you could also add your own wood stain or varnish to keep it fresh and protected.
There’s an inside space for the cat to get inside and then over the top is a terrace that’s accessible by a ladder.
PROS
This is a very cute little house and would look adorable in the garden. It will be a real talking point for any visitors that you have coming to the house.
It’s small enough to fit a balcony or tiny yard.
It’s easy to assemble
And easy to vacuum out so there are no stresses about cleaning.
CONS
Not suitable for big cats so check the internal and external dimensions before buying.
A few reviewers have said that their cats are a little unsure about the bottom section as they need to go through the flap. If your cat isn’t used to using a cat flap then you may need to tempt them in with some treats or consider removing the flap entirely.
Additional Cat House Options
We hope you’ve found this list helpful 🙂
At the very least, we hope that it’s given you some ideas about the types of things that are available online. And in case you haven’t seen any cheap outdoor cat houses that you liked, we’ll add a selection of other products on Amazon that may be closer to what you’re looking for.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
