Setting up the right weatherproof outdoor cat house will keep cats comfortable all year long, regardless of whether you’ve adopted a cat that likes to spend its time outside or a feral cat has chosen to adopt you.
Cats who spend the winter outdoors have to cope with wind, rain, sleet, snow, and cold temperatures. As a result, cats are more vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Provide a safe and comfortable outdoor cat house for your feline friend to improve their quality of life. We have compiled a list of the top 6 outdoor cat houses for your ease. Our favorite is VEVOR Outdoor Cat House, but we’ll leave it up to you to choose your ideal one.
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Why Invest in a Cat Outdoor House?
Cat owners are focusing on giving their feline friends the ideal outdoor living area as the weather becomes cool and the days become shorter. They are looking for creative, fashionable, and useful outdoor cat houses that meet all of their pet’s needs. The days of plain cardboard boxes or plastic shelters are long gone.
Benefits of an Outdoor Cat Home
We can’t always cage our cats to stay inside because they’re wild animals who want to roam the streets, no matter what the conditions outside. Getting an outdoor cat home will protect your little one from the harsh weather conditions and predators out there. Additionally, it promotes natural outdoor behavior of roaming, scratching, and climbing for your cat.
Enhancing Your Cat’s Outdoor Experience
When your cat has a safe space to roam around knowing that there’s a comfortable sleeping area to relax after a tiring day, it will help with their mental stimulation. The cat will listen to new sounds, look for new sights, and roam new areas freely. This will also help them socialize with other cats and humans around.
Key Features to Consider in the Best Outdoor Cat House
Before you go on a shopping spree to get cat houses for outdoors, you must keep in mind a few factors to buy the best one for your cat.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The quality of an outdoor home depends on how well it is weatherproofed. Feline and roaming cats might not want to use a cat house that provides minimal weather protection. The outdoor cat shelter should be made with waterproof materials that can protect the cats from rain and snow.
The cat outdoor house should also be insulated. Insulation helps prevent a cat’s core temperature from falling to dangerously low levels on chilly winter nights. Additionally, insulation helps keep heat out of the cat home during the summer, keeping the shelter’s animals comfortable all year long. You can choose cat houses with insulation already installed or ones that are simple to assemble using preferred insulators, mylar, styrofoam, and straw.
Comfort and Space in a Cat House Outdoors
Check to see if the house can hold multiple cats. Smaller homes can be more affordable and ideal for a single cat, but if you have multiple cats, you should invest in something a little larger. Additionally, the door of the outdoor cat home should be big enough for large cats to enter.
If a predator arrives through the front entrance, having one or two other exits helps you prevent unintentionally trapping a cat inside. If the cat outdoor shelter has vinyl or plastic door covering, think about leaving the door off initially so that the cat doesn’t pass through anything.
Make sure the size of the house is big enough for movement and includes multiple lounging areas for different cats. We know how territorial these little beings are.
Ease of Assembly and Maintenance
Prefabricated outdoor cat shelters are simple to assemble and come with clear, simple instructions. You should prefer shelters that could be quickly put together using just one or a few tools. VEVOR cat home’s DIY installation is quick and easy. Additionally, the house’s materials are easy to clean and maintain.
Top 6 Best Outdoor Cat Houses in the Market
Once you have considered all the factors before buying cat houses for outside, it’s time to look at the best options on the market.
1. VEVOR Outdoor Cat House
VEVOR’s cat home has multiple outside cat enclosures with ample space to fit cats and other small animals. Its 71.2 x 34.6 x 66.5 inches size provides a large space for cats to roam around and play.
This 7-tier home is made up of metal wire and fir wood, which makes it a durable house that can withstand up to 30 lbs per tier. Additionally, it is easy to install and includes all the installation tools required to set it up.
The VEVOR outdoor cat home has a waterproof roof that can protect cats from rain and sun. It has become one of the most popular cat homes because it is quite easy to clean and maintain.
Recommended For Your Project
Key Features:
- Durable construction
- Extra large door
- Safety latch
- Insulated walls
- Elevated base
| Pros | Cons |
| Weather resistant | Premium price point |
| Easy assembly | |
| Spacious interior |
2. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Kitty House
This house feels solid and endures well over the cold months. With a heated cat bed and a washable and detachable cover, this cat house will keep kitties toasty warm even in the winter.
You will have to keep an eye out for heavy snow, as it may block the entrances to the two exits with detachable door flaps. Although the house can become saturated if left open, the water-resistant vinyl and nylon walls should keep severe weather out.
The good thing about this cat house is that when the cat is inside, the heating pad heats up; when it leaves, it goes off. It is adjusted to the cat’s body temperature so it won’t overheat the animal. Its multi-kitty version of this house is ideal for two cats, a larger cat, or cats who like their own area if you have multiple feline friends.
Key Features:
- Waterproof fabric
- Heated options available
- Washable covers
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Not as sturdy compared to other options |
| Easy to assemble | The roof cannot support the cat’s weight |
| Good for colder regions | |
| Motion-activated heating pads |
3. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House
This roofed cat house comes with a second-floor porch that’s ideal for bird watching and keeping your cat warm. We value the sturdy materials, which should make this house more resilient to cold conditions. Like other cat houses, this one is also waterproof to keep your cats clean and dry.
The fact that this pick has two doors may be noteworthy. The “escape door” keeps other animals from entering while allowing a cat who is inside to exit. It ensures that your feline won’t become stuck inside. The elevated floor keeps the interior dry, and a front door flap can help protect against wind and other weather conditions. This house is fairly easy to assemble and takes about an hour for the process.
Key Features:
- Solid wood construction
- Asphalt roof
- Scratching pad
- Two entrances
| Pros | Cons |
| Attractive design | Requires periodic maintenance |
| Durable | Uninsulated |
| Includes an escape door | |
| Asphalt roof keeps the rain out |
4. Petmate Kitty Kat Condo
Petmate’s Kitty Kat Condo is shaped like an igloo. It features a rounded hood that protects your little pet from direct rain and snow. The inner floor is carpeted to provide warmth and insulation. It also encourages scratching. The igloo cat house has a non-porous plastic surface to prevent the growth of fleas and mold. The cat house is also easy to set up.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Rear ventilation
- Easily snaps for setup
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent insulation | Limited interior space |
| Resists rain and snow |
5. Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House
This outdoor cat house, which resembles an outdoor grill, may seem a little odd, but it can keep cats dry and comfortable throughout the winter. According to the company’s website, the Kitty Tube is constructed of recycled plastic bottles that have been post-consumerized and are intended to shield your cat from the weather.
This outdoor house has only one door, in contrast to others, to keep the interior as warm as possible. You can choose to include a double layer of insulation, a personalized pet cushion, or a pet heating pad when you buy this house for extra comfort.
Key Features:
- Eco-friendly materials
- Fully insulated
- Spacious enough for multiple cats
- Weather-resistant
| Pros | Cons |
| Good ventilation system | Assembly can be tricky |
| Moisture-resistant | No second exit |
| Adjustable handles | |
| Unique door design to keep out predators |
6. CozyCatFurniture Outdoor Cat Houses
CozyCatFurniture is known for its custom designs. They make sure that every cat house is perfect for a particular cat. Their outdoor cat houses have water-resistant wooden roofs that keep your cats tumble dry. The house is also insulated with thick thermal ply placed under the floor, inside the walls, and over the roof. Their choice of wood is also great for long-lasting outdoor use.
Key Features:
- Cedar construction
- Multiple designs
- Extended roof for protection
| Pros | Cons |
| Chemical-free wood treatment | The entrance is a bit small |
| Customizable options | |
| Easy assembly |
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Cat Home for Your Pet
Not all cats will like the same cat house. So, you need to make sure that the cat house you select is ideal for your cat’s needs.
Assessing Your Cat’s Specific Needs
The first thing to do is to check what your cat’s specific needs are. You need to consider their size and breed to make sure that the house’s door is big enough for your cat to enter and exit easily. You also need to consider their indoor and outdoor habits. If they like to scratch a lot, you must make sure that the cat house has a strong scratching pad.
Balancing Budget and Features
This goes without saying that highly-priced cat houses are the best. You need to match the price with its features and determine whether you even need all those features. Once you know what your cat needs, you can find the ideal house without all the unnecessary features at an affordable rate.
If you are in a dilemma about buying a highly-priced one with great features, you should think about the long-term benefits. If you feel that the features would be worthwhile once your kitty grows up a bit, then the high price can be justified.
Tips for Setting Up Your Cat House Outdoors
Now that you have decided which cat house is the best for your little pet, you need to make sure that you set it up in a good location.
Optimal Placement for Safety and Comfort
You need to place the cat house in the right location in your yard. You need to make sure that the house is not vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. The house must not be placed near too many bushes from where predators can easily jump in. After all, the main reason for buying a cat house is to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Maintenance Practices for Longevity
Here are some tips to keep your cat house a safe haven for your pets for a long time:
- When all your pets are busy playing outside the house, make sure you clean it well to welcome them into their beautiful home.
- Ask a professional to take a look at the house once in a while to make sure all the parts are fixed properly.
- Prepare the home for the seasons. Make sure the insulation is in good working condition before the winter starts. Check all the ventilation points before the hot summer days start to suffocate the cat house.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Cat Houses
Can These Cat Houses Be Used in All Weather Conditions?
Yes, most outdoor cat houses are weatherproof to some extent. They include features such as waterproof roofing, raised floors, and weather-resistant material to keep the wind and sun out. Get insulated houses with heated pads to keep your cat warm in cold climates. Make sure they are well-ventilated for those hot summer months.
How Do I Encourage My Cat to Use Their New Outdoor Home?
Place the cat house in a familiar spot to start. Add some treats, use a toy, or place a blanket with their scent inside so that it is a little more inviting for them. Once they get used to the cat house, you can place it outside.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Cat’s Outdoor Life with the Best Cat House
Don’t compromise anything when it comes to choosing your cat’s house. Make sure all their requirements are met and that it is a cozy corner for them. VEVOR’s outdoor cat house is the perfect companion for cats with its weather-proof and spacious design. You can take a look at other cat house options here on VEVOR’s website.
