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10 Best Outdoor Cat Houses to Keep Your Kitty Safe, Warm and Dry
If your cat needs a humble abode outside, these are your best bets.
Does your adopted cat love to go outside? Whether your domesticated kitty spends time both indoors and out, or you have a feral feline friend who likes to visit, it's important to provide cats with a secure place to seek shelter in your backyard or other outdoor space. Choose one of the best outdoor cat houses to help keep cats safe and comfortable when eating, sleeping, and playing outside. If your cat is trying to escape a predator and needs a hiding spot or if your area is experiencing extreme weather, a protective cat house can be their saving grace. Or, if you have a feral cat colony outside tugging at your heartstrings, you may be in the market for a cat enclosure to help them survive.
Not familiar with an outdoor cat house? It's similar to a dog house for the outside, made to withstand rain, snow, and everything in between. It will typically have two openings so the cat won't ever be trapped inside. Cats always need a good escape route in order to feel safe.
In addition to being weatherproof, many outdoor cat houses also come with some really cool features, from heating to multiple levels. These are some of our favorites on the market right now.
The best outdoor cat houses to buy in 2023:
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For more of the best products for cats, browse our top guides:
Best Cat Harnesses | Best Water Fountains for Cats | Best Flea Treatments for Cats
K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House
K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House
Pros
- Heated cat house will keep your cat safe in cold temperatures.
- Two exit points won’t trap cats inside and gives them the opportunity to escape potential predators.
- Easy to assemble with no tools required.
Cons
- Some reviewers note that they have concerns about using it when the ground is wet or has snow.
The cream of the crop in outdoor cat houses, this cozy home is actually heated. It heats up using a 20-watt MET Safety Listed plush heated cat bed inside. Weather-resistant and insulated, this cat house’s structure will keep your cat comfortable year-round. Two exits allow your outdoor cat escape routes should they decide to step out for some exploration.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 22" x 19" x 17" |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
Wooden Outdoor Cat House
Pros
- Cat house has a removable floor if you don’t want to separate the two levels.
- Weatherproof and waterproof with moisture-proof flooring, plastic feet, and PVC curtain.
Cons
- Assembly required, though reviewers note it is easy to assemble.
Not only do we love the way this large structure looks, we appreciate its size, different sections and entry points. Boasting a large balcony, a couple of jump platforms and top level deck, a small cat colony can easily stick together with this home. And the best part is, the fir wood is sturdy, waterproof, and weatherproof.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 29.5" x 29.5" x 33.5" |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
Solid Wood Feral Cat Shelter With Waterproof Roof
Solid Wood Feral Cat Shelter With Waterproof Roof
Pros
- Fully ventilated.
- Has multiple exits.
- Looks great in a yard.
- L-shaped offset entrance design won't allow for larger animals to enter.
Cons
- Only one color offered.
You and the cats in your neighborhood will appreciate this feral cat shelter. It is fully ventilated so multiple felines can stay cool inside on hot summer days. This house will also protect cats from the elements, like rain, because while air and sunlight can come through the surrounding slats, water cannot.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 19" x 31.9" x 23.6" |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
Wooden Outdoor Cat House With Escape Door
Wooden Outdoor Cat House With Escape Door
Pros
- Has escape door.
- Beautiful to look at.
- Multiple platforms.
Cons
- Not small, so you'll need some space.
This weatherproof, two-story cat enclosure earns our award for best looking. The design reminds us of a modern farmhouse style home. But don't let its style fool you; this cat house will also work for feral cats who don't want frills. Any cat will appreciate the openable asphalt roof, plus its jumping platforms for play and lounging. Multiple access points will keep your cat feeling confident because they can easily escape.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 30.75" x 21.75" x 35.75" |
|---|---|
| Material | Fir wood |
Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Pros
- The material it’s made of is meant to last.
- It's nicely designed.
- Boasts two openings that also have a covering that cats can easily go in and out of.
Cons
- Only meant for one or two cats maximum.
This cat house is made with ecoFLEX, which is super-durable. It won’t fade, warp, splinter, crack, rot, or succumb to bug infestation. We love that this one has a nice design, and features two points of entry or exit for the cat’s convenience and safety.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 21.8" x 19.1" x 20.2" |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic-wood polymer |
Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Pros
- Completely enclosed so cats won’t go astray and predators won’t have access in.
- Comes with 7 large platforms.
Cons
- Splurge price point.
- Depending on the cat, you might have a hard time getting them out.
- Not truly an outdoor cat house for cats who are indoor/outdoor or exclusively outdoor.
An outlier on this list, this outdoor cat house landed on our list for cats that are just supposed to be indoors who want to experience being outdoors. They are enclosed in completely — with durable fir wood and wire mesh — because this structure is essentially a cage, but there’s plenty of room and platforms for fun play. A large front door stays shut using latches.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 71" x 38" x 71" |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy steel |
Petsfit Outdoor Cat House With Scratching Board
Pros
- Comes in 2 different size options and 2 colors.
- Reviewers say assembly is quick and easy.
- Includes windproof plastic door flap.
Cons
- Needs to be disassembled for cleaning.
This two-story outdoor cat house has all the bells and whistles, without the price tag. It's spacious and cute, and you can choose between one with a scratching post incline and one with a ladder that may be better suited to less agile cats.
| Dimensions | 12.9" x 25.9" x 32.9" |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Cat House
K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Cat House
Pros
- Large enough to accommodate multiple cats.
- Uses a 20-watt MET Safety Listed plush heated cat bed inside.
- Provides two exit points.
Cons
- Walls connect with Velcro, which some reviewers said made them feel like it wasn’t that stable.
This heated cat house is one of the larger ones we’ve found. Made for cats who prefer to sleep in garages, porches, barns, and colder parts of the house, this structure gives cats a cave-like feel. Two exit points mean they will never feel too trapped inside. This one is made of heavy denier polyester, which makes it water-resistant and weather-resistant.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 26.5" x 21.5" x 15.5" |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester |
Large Heated Outdoor Cat House for Winter
Large Heated Outdoor Cat House for Winter
Pros
- Made of insulated PVC.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- Material is one of the less durable ones on the list.
- Has a heating pad, so you'll need to plug it in.
Cats love warmth. That's why they sleep under the sun a lot. To keep your kitty comfy while they're out in your backyard, this cat house will offer plenty of protection for one cat or two during cold nights. Weather-resistant and made of insulated PVC, this shelter also comes with a heated cat bed for maximum comfort. A padded fleece cover adds more coziness. And the best part is, you need zero tools to set this up.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 19.68" x 16.53" x 18.11" |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
Petsfit Triangular Cat House
Petsfit Triangular Cat House
Pros
- 2 bottom floor boards are removable for easier cleaning and ventilation on hot days.
- Bottom boards have corner holes to feed a cord through.
- Front door has awning covered with asphalt to keep inside dry.
Cons
- You may need to add a blanket or heating mat for colder weather.
- Not suitable for larger cats.
This highly-rated cat house is also budget-friendly, with a price tag below $60. Its unique triangular shape is chic and stylish, while also making it easy to clean. Plus, it's made of durable, weatherproof materials.
What to look for when shopping for an outdoor cat house
Consider the following criteria to find the best shelter for your cat.
✔️ Location: Where are you putting this outdoor cat house? (Don't forget to measure the space!)
✔️ Size: Will the cat house need to accommodate just one cat or multiple? Make sure the outdoor cat house is large enough to accommodate your cat or cats (and perhaps your cat’s friends).
✔️ Insulation: Does your cat need protection from cold weather?
✔️ Weatherproofing: Will the cat house need to be weatherproof through all four seasons? If an outdoor cat house needs to be plugged into an outlet, for instance, make sure it will stay dry. Confirm that rain or melting snow will not be a factor.
✔️ Price point: How much do you want to spend?
How we chose the best outdoor cat houses
These are the most important things to consider before you buy an outdoor cat house.
- Multiple exit points: So a cat never gets trapped inside by a predator. That means, look for a cat house that has a front opening and a back opening, giving them the opportunity to walk in one side and out the other.
- Materials: Will they actually withstand the elements? Are they durable? PVC and wood are good options. If it’s a fabric, it likely won’t last.
- Safety: The outdoor cat house should not look or feel like a cage. It will need to be inviting to a cat, and they won’t want to feel trapped. No matter what, always consider safety.
- Positive reviews: Buying things online is not always easy, and the buyers who have been there and done that are your best source of info. We looked for reviews with thoughtful comments that considered use case.
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
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