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Most cats enjoy spending time outside in the garden or roaming the neighborhood. In the cold weather though, many prefer to be curled up inside on a cushion or a lap in front of the fire.
But what if your cat spends almost all of its time outside or what if you’re worried about the stray or feral cats that come into your garden?
When the temperature drops, an outdoor cat shelter can provide a safe and warm space for your pet to sleep in.
And outside cat houses don’t have to take up much room in your garden, and they’re relatively inexpensive. You might see them advertised as outdoor cat kennels but there’s a wide range of options available and some even have the option of heating.
In a hurry? Here are two of the best-selling cat shelters but keep reading for a short buyer’s guide and a list of our favourites with details and links.
If you purchase something from one of our links we may make a small commission at no cost to you 😊
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How to choose the best outdoor cat house
- Think about the weather where you live and if you need to buy a shelter that’s heated, insulated or waterproof.
- Some shelters are built to be out in the open and exposed to the elements but some (including a couple that we’ve listed) are designed to be put under a porch, in a garage or barn so check the details before purchasing.
- Check the dimensions so that your cat has space to get comfortable inside. If you’re adding in bedding and toys, include that, too.
- Some outdoor cat houses have micro-chipped entrances like cat flaps to stop other neighborhood cats getting inside.
- If your garden has other visiting cats then it’s useful to get one with two entrances so that your cat won’t be trapped inside by a neighbourhood bully or a predator.
What is the best outdoor cat house?
Below, we’re going to list some of the most popular cat kennels for the outdoors.
We’ll add a link to each one where you can find out more and check pricing and reviews. We’ll add the pros and cons of each one as well as giving you some of the features and benefits so your cat can have its independence but enjoy some creature comforts, too.
Best Heated Outdoors Cat House – K&H Kitty Products
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This includes a really cosy heated bed so it’s perfect for cats that like to be warm when they’re sleeping in porches, barns or garages. It also comes in unheated outdoor versions, too.
Key features:
- 18″ W x 22″ D x 17″ H outside dimensions
- 13″ W x 16.5″ D x 16″ H external dimensions
- MET safety listed
- Electrical cord length is 5.5 feet
- 20-watt heated mat
- two entry/exit points
- made with 600 denier nylon with a vinyl backing
- Removable door flaps
Pros:
- Safe for indoor use, too.
- Waterproof
- Easy to assemble
- Has been tested to exceed US and Canadian electrical standards
Cons:
- The heated mat only turns on when the cat’s sitting on
- It’s designed to be used in porches, barns or garage rather than directly outside.
Best Weatherproof Outside Cat House – ecoFLEX Albany
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We really love how sturdy and tough this product is. It’s weatherproof, bug-proof and rot proof so it’s ideal for anyone looking for a cat kennel that can stand up to the
elements.
Key Features
- 21.80 x 19.10 x 20.20 inches on outside
- 16.9 x 16.9 x 16.7 inches on inside
- Made from plastic-wood polymer composite
- Two entry and exit points
- Lasts 4-times as long as a wooden house
Pros:
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- No-tools assembly
- Easy to clean
- 2-exits
- Double-wall panels provide some insulation
- 2-flaps included for the doors
Cons:
- Not insulated
This has a lot of positive reviews about how durable it is. If you’re looking for additional insulation it would be easy enough to add yourself. A lot of reviewers have purchased this for feral cats, so it could be a great option for anyone who’s a caretaker for neighborhood strays.
Best Outdoor Cat House for Ferels and Strays – Petmate Barnhome III
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This is a robust and durable plastic cat kennel that’s simple but effective at providing shelter for outdoor cats.
Key Features
- Rear air ventilation
- Mold-resistant finish
- Rot-resistant
- Roof guard rim
- Comes in 2-pieces
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Holds cats up to 15 pounds
- Assembles in seconds
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- There’s only one entry/exit.
- Rain can get inside the entrance so you may have to add a flap.
Best Budget Outdoor Cat Shelter – Kitty City Outdoor House
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This is a plain and simple cat cube that you can use outside. You can buy a second cube and stack them on top to make it two-storeys, too. This has over 1000+ reviews so you can make an informed decision based on verified customer reviews.
You can set this up in 10-seconds so it’s ideal for anyone looking for something quick and easy to assemble.
Key features:
- Dimensions: Size: 19.5 W x 22.5 L x 21.5 inches
- Two entry/exit points
- Insulated Walls
- Water-resistant
- 20 lb maximum weight on top of cube
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Option of one or two levels
- Removable clear door flaps for when the weather is bad
- Easy to store when not in use
Cons:
- It says water-resistant but that’s not always the same thing as waterproof.
FAQs
Do Outdoor Cats Need Shelter?
It depends on where you’re living and how long or how often your cat stays outdoors. If your cat spends long periods outside even in the cold weather, then a shelter is a good idea. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just somewhere the cat can curl up out of the elements. Shelters can also provide protection from predators, too. Cats that come inside regularly might not need a shelter so much but they might enjoy having somewhere comfortable to relax.
How can I keep outdoor cats warm in winter?
Providing a shelter is a great way of keeping cats warm in the winter. As we’ve shown above, there are plenty to buy at a range of different prices and styles. You don’t have to buy one if you have a suitable covered area where a cat can get inside and bed down in blankets or bedding. You could also leave a garage or shed door ajar so that cats can go inside and stay warm and dry. If you’re feeding stray or feral cats, make sure the food is under a shelter, too, so it doesn’t freeze.
How cold is too cold for a cat to be outside?
Cats are resilient and adaptable creatures and that includes being out in the cold weather, but they can be vulnerable in extreme cold weather or if they’re outside in the cold without shelter. Cats can get hyperthermia just like humans do. According to yourcat.co.uk, ‘an early experiment showed that cats can die if their body temperature falls below 16°C (60°F)’. So, if it’s too cold for you to be outside, then it’s probably too cold for your cat, too.
We hope you found the information on outdoor cat shelters useful but if you haven’t found what you’re looking for then you can head over to the relevant product page with other buying suggestions by clicking the link below.
Check More Outdoor Cat Shelters on Amazon
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