Outdoor cat houses are the most ideal way to shelter your feline friend while offering them the right amount of heat they need for comfort. It doesn’t matter if the house is meant for your pet’s playtime or feral cats, these homes are extra comfortable when used for rest or as a playground outdoors. The materials used in the construction of cat houses vary greatly, ranging from the use of plastics, composite fabrics, and even to wood and are dependent on the intended use of your cat house. In this article, we present some the very best cat houses out there, along with some tips and tricks guiding readers on their selection of models for their furry friends.
The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Kitty House promises water and weather resistance for protecting your cats from the elements while they are outdoors. The peaked roof overhangs the walls of the cat house so that rain will run off and drip down without damaging the sides or getting your cat wet. The material used in its construction is 600 denier polyester, making it water-resistant and also insulates and cuts out drafts so your cat will stay warmer in winter while outdoors.
The cat house has two door flaps, meaning your cat can come and go as he pleases without being trapped inside by predators. The whole cat house requires some self-assembly, but is easy to put together with hook and loop fasteners to attach the walls, a zipper to affix the roof and Velcro to fit the clear plastic flaps for the doors.
If you buy the heated version, the heat is supplied through a removable floor pad, so can be taken out in summer months if required. The pad itself nestles within the house when in place to protect it from the elements. The cover for the heat pad is removable for easy washing when it becomes dirty and matted with fur, and the pad itself can be wiped clean if necessary with a microfiber cloth. The exterior of the kitty house made of wipe clean vinyl – just a dampened cloth is all that’s usually needed to remove dirt and grime.
The product comes with a one year guarantee.
Dimensions: 18” x 22” x 17”
In- or Outdoor: Outdoor
Materials: 600 Denier Polyester Nylon and Foam
Color: Olive, Barn Red/ Black, Gray/ Black
Self-Assembly? Yes, but no tools needed
Buy this Merry Products Pet House, and you’re getting a handy piece of furniture for the home as well as a pet house for your cat. It doubles up as a nightstand if your cat loves sleeping close to you, but looks good enough to be positioned in any living space in your house! Designed to take a maximum weight of 50lbs, the pet house is sturdy enough to take on anything from a bedside light to a printer, if placed in your study area.
The cabinet is large enough for you to place your cat’s litter tray in the bottom so it’s out of sight – the base will take a pan of up to 16” x 18.5” (not included) and should contain a lot of the litter kicked around by even the most enthusiastic of cats. Alternatively, you can add a cat bed, cushion or blankets on the base for your cat to sleep on. The door is 8” x 7” and features a cut-out large enough for the cat to enter and exit, or can be opened wide to offer access for easy cleaning. It stays securely closed with a magnetized catch.
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There is a shelf above the door and a towel bar which can be fitted if required. The unit is self-assembly, but comes with full instructions.
The nightstand/ pet house is fully finished all round – in other words, the furniture piece is presentable from any angle, so great if you want to position the opening to the side, for instance.
Dimensions: 18.5” x 16.5” x 18.5”
In- or Outdoor: Indoor
Capacity: One cat
Materials: MDF with stainless steel hardware
Color: White, Espresso or Walnut
Self-Assembly? Yes
Cats are beautiful animals to have within your home. They are great pets, and as such, they deserve the best concerning their living spaces and environment. On our list of recommendations for the best cat houses around the world, we have included the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House, which is known to be one of the most significant and well-designed cat houses on the market today. It has been designed and built by seasoned professionals who happen to be as mad about cats as we are. They have researched the best living conditions of cats and have created an intelligent and well-designed product to implement these conditions for the satisfaction of pet owners.
This cat house from Petsfit is large, thus, it can take up to three of your cats depending on their weight or a cat and its kittens. The design is such that your pet can move freely in and out of its home without disrupting any ongoing activity. It comes with two separate doors for entry or exit, with one located under the ladder and the other found in front of the cat house. Some of the features possessed by this unit include it’s easy to assemble nature, where no extra tools or skills are required apart from a screwdriver.
As for the construction, this unit is made of cedar, which is known globally for its anti-rot capacity. Despite such a high resistance to rot, the use of cedar makes this cat house susceptible to splitting when handled or transported incorrectly. At best, the wood used in manufacturing the Petsfit cat house should remain durable for up to three years, which is more than enough time for your cat to enjoy his unique space.
The masterpiece of the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House is its hinged roof, which allows for all stubborn cats to move in and out whenever they please. It is regarded by many as the most functional pet house you will ever encounter, and as such, it is purchased by countless cat owners all around the world.
Stairs and an escape door
Accommodates up to three cats
Blends with décor of your home
Rainproof in design
One of the larger models in our selection, the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame is suitable for up to four cats at a time. The tent-shaped shelter is made to withstand outdoor use, although of course it can be used indoors if your cat is a home dweller.
The house is fitted together through hook and loop fasteners, so it’s quick and easy to assemble and no tools are required. There are detachable clear plastic flaps for the openings to keep out drafts while allowing your cat to view the world outside – these are easily affixed and removed when needed with Velcro. The product features two exits to reduce the chances of your cat being trapped inside by dogs or other predators.
The A-Frame is constructed from waterproof fabric and has an overhanging roof to protect from dripping rain. Some owners report that the product is relatively light, so is best kept in a sheltered position out of the wind – which you would do in any case to protect your cats from the elements.
Heated options are supplied with a medium K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed pad, which is MET safety listed. The pad is designed to keep your cat warm to a body temperature of around 102oF when the animal is lying on it. The heat pad’s cover is made of a fleecy material for comfort and is machine washable (on delicate or gentle cycle), but it’s recommended that you line dry the cover rather than tumble dry it. The exterior of the house can be spot cleaned with a dampened cloth or sponge.
A one year limited warranty applies to this product.
Dimensions: 35” x 20.5” x 20”
In- or Outdoor: Outdoor
Capacity: Up to four cats
Materials: Waterproof Fabric
Color: Chocolate
Self-Assembly? Yes, no tools required
On the market today sits countless branded models of cat houses, each of them built to be unique in their way. Cat houses may be similar in structure, but there are some features included in the construction of the various models that set them apart in both function and beauty. Our next cat house under review is the Internet’s Best Decorative Cat House & Side Table. This is one of the most spectacular models we have come across in recent times, thanks to its unique form and outstanding performance. It is a versatile cat living space built to act as not only an accommodation space but also a heat provider for your furry pal. It comes with its cat home nightstand, a litter box enclosure and an indoor pet crate, which help make it the ideal living space.
This beautiful cat house is a fantastic piece of home furniture designed and built handsomely to fit into any patio or garden décor. It has a cat hole that is positioned explicitly for natural movement of your cat in and out of the space, with access being offered via a hinged door for a classic and elegant effect. Your days of searching for a piece of the ideal furniture for your home is over thanks to this traditional espresso stained wood cat house, a unit that is both handsome and luxurious.
We recommend this cat house for all cat owners who need a space for their furry friend’s comfort and also for its smooth movement. The best part about this house is the ability for both pet owner and pet to make use of it’s without any violence. Your pet can use the cat house for accommodation while you transform its large table surface into space for your potted plants, glasses or cups, magazines, and coasters.
Versatile in design
Decorative hinged door and cat hole
Classic wooden design
Extensive table top
The Kitty Tube Gen 3 Outdoor Insulated Cat House is designed to accommodate up to three cats at a time, making it great for households that either own outdoor cat or harbor families of feral cats.
The special, custom pet pillow is designed to fit snugly within the tube and is machine washable. For feral cats, there is a straw option available. Because the product is specifically for outdoor use, the walls, floor and roof are all insulated to keep your cats warm in winter.
The flap door is removable and clear so your cat can see the world going on outside while indoors. The lifting handles allow the tube to be easily moved around your yard or garden until you find the best position for it. All handles and openings are recessed with an overlap to prevent rain from leaking in, and also come with adjustable flaps so you can close them off in winter, preventing drafts, or open them up in summer for a through-draft.
The top is also removable for access to the interior when you want to clean it; and additionally has a vent cap which will allow air to circulate, preventing the inside from developing condensation. All surfaces are smooth and waterproof, and can be washed down with the garden hose or with a sponge and warm water. The bottom is elevated a small amount from the floor to prevent cold from the ground from seeping up and also to provide drainage when necessary.
This Kitty Tube only features one exit; no escape door. The manufacturer explains that the door is designed solely for cats, so predators such as dogs and coyotes are unable to get even their heads through the opening. The design has been approved by Alley Cat Allies and Feral Fixers, two national organizations who work for the welfare of feral cats.
The tube comes with a lifetime guarantee against chipping, cracking and fading.
Dimensions: 24” x 24” x 23”
In- or Outdoor: Outdoor
Materials: Recycled Plastic
Color: Black
Self-Assembly? No
The Curious Cat Cube from MidWest is for indoor use. It has a large doorway – 10” by 8” – allowing even the largest breed of cat to enter the cube and relax in privacy inside.
The removable lid is comfortably cushioned with raised, bolstered sides, and strong enough to withstand the weight of a sleeping cat, if your pet likes sleeping off the floor in an elevated position. The interior base is also padded for comfy sleeping. There are small, circular cut-outs on two sides to allow your feline to play peek-a-boo or view what’s going on around them. A hanging ball covered in matching plush is also included – this can be easily affixed anywhere on the cube for your cat to play with.
The unit folds down flat when not in use and comes with its own carry-bag to enable easy storage or travel. The component parts cannot be separated for washing, but most owners recommend vacuuming pet hair off and using a damp sponge to remove stains while it’s in situ and using an odor-removing spray if necessary from time to time
The product includes a one year warranty from the manufacturer.
Dimensions: 15.5” x 15.5” x 16.5”
In- or Outdoor: Indoor
Materials: Faux Suede and Synthetic Sheepskin
Color: Brown
Self-Assembly? Yes, no tools required
Have you ever wondered what your pet considers comfortable, concerning where it lives, plays, and spends the majority of the day? Our team of reviewers is confident that if cats could speak, they would continually ask for the EcoFlex Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House. Home being ‘where the heart is’ has never been regarded as a false concept; thus, the EcoFlex company has found several ways to create a space for the heart of your favorite feline. This cat furniture is built after countless moments of research and experimentation, with many tests being undertaken to ensure the durability and sturdiness of the home when in full operation.
The EcoFlex house for cats is manufactured with EcoFlex, a material that is known globally for being highly resistant to bugs, warping, fading, cracking, warping, and rotting. The Albany material known by many as EcoFlex is a guaranteed sturdy material that is rot-proof, weather-proof and bug-proof. Professionals also identify it as a non-toxic material created from the recycling of plastic and wood. The result of the recycling process is a composite material that cannot split or crack, even if it wanted to.
Many pet owners regard the EcoFlex cat house from different corners of the world as furniture that is easy to build and use. It comes with dual points of access, each door designed for smooth movement at all times. A second door is included in the design to make pets and animals who feel anxious or trapped more comfortable in their living space. We recommend this durable unit for pet owners who want the best for their cats concerning healthy living. Sanitation isn’t a problem with this unit either since the material used in construction is easily cleaned with water. Washing this cat house will involve the usage of a damp cloth or your hose.
Quick assembly
Double points of entry/exit
Water-proof design
Non-toxic habitat design
Our team will stand by the Petsfit brand any day if asked to list the best cat houses around the globe. We present to you the Petsfit Weatherproof Pet House, one versatile animal furniture designed for use both indoor and outdoor. It is an incredible cat house designed from solid wood for stability and sturdiness. The wood used for the construction of this unit is sturdy enough to improve the longevity of the house. The design of this pet house has been carried out such that it can accommodate up to three kittens or pets without any issues, no matter if they’re going to be having a great time inside or on top. During the summer, we all know that temperatures rise, often making both pets and humans uncomfortable. The Weather-proof house features small gaps between the wood boards, a design element that allows for swift air circulation for the ultimate comfort of your pet.
The Petsfit Weather-proof house for cats has only one door, as opposed to brands earlier discussed with two doors. However, this brand encourages you to leave the door open to help keep your pet calm and remove the feeling of being trapped from its thinking. The set up for this unit is natural and straightforward. This piece of furniture can be put together quickly with a screwdriver, and it doesn’t demand a lot of time to be operational. The ease with which it is built transcends into its maintenance, especially when it’s time for cleaning. The standard unit is easy to open for all your cleaning purposes to help keep the space neat and healthy for your cat. We can guarantee you, and your pet will love this Scandinavian themed wood shelter from the first day it is set up at home.
Sturdy wooden construction
Accommodates up to three kittens
Easy to open roof
Classic Scandinavian design
K&H’s Multi-Kitty outdoor house would be a great fit for multi-cat households. It has been designed to comfortable for two cats inside, with two exits so that they can leave whenever they feel like it without feeling trapped or having to climb over one another. With the option of heated or unheated for warmer climates, your cat is guaranteed to be comfortable. Additionally, they have included a removable, washable cushion so that your cat can soak up the outdoors in perfect comfort.
It is a highly durable, waterproof kitty house, available in two colors; bold red, or subtle olive green, with two clear plastic doors that can be easily removed or kept on in the colder weather to help hold the heat in. Many happy customers have remarked on how perfect this house has been for their feline friend, with some saying they were able to add extra mats and bedding to the house with no problems at all and others telling of how easy it was to put together.
Dimensions: 21.5 x 26.5 x 15.5 inches
Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor
Materials: Vinyl backing and 600 denier nylon construction
Colors: Olive Green/Black and Red/Black
Two exits with removable doors.
This Three Storey Wooden Cat House comes from TRIXIE’s range of cat homes and enclosures. As the name suggests, the house has three levels with doors at the front (on the second level) and side (on the first level), allowing cats to come and go as they please and adding the fun of jumping to the mix! The front entrance is also shelved so a cat can sleep or sit in the sun. There’s also a large hinged door at the back, which is designed to make access easy for pet owners when they want to clean inside.
As well as the doors, there are also peek-a-boo holes with hinged shutters so you and your cat can play hide and seek. The interior has a wooden base and two staggered shelves on the second and third storey which offer resting places for your cat or places to put food, for instance. The side door has three slatted plastic flaps which helps the cat enter with ease, but also prevents wind and rain from getting in.
The whole unit stands on four hard plastic feet, which raise it off the floor to stop cold and damp from permeating up into areas where your cats sleep or play. There is a flat roof for cats to sit on, but on all sides the roof surface overhangs the walls so rain can run off.
The cat house is weatherproofed when it arrives, but if you’re placing it in an area that’s exposed to heavy rain, it’s a good idea to give it a coat of varnish or weather protection yourself from time to time to prolong its life. The wood composite from which the unit is constructed is CARB Phase 2 compliant, meaning formaldehyde emissions are capped.
Dimensions: 22” x 23” x 37”
In- or Outdoor: Outdoor
Materials: Pine, Wood Composite, Plastic
Color: Sky Blue and White
Self-Assembly? Yes, screwdriver required
The SKL Luxury High-end Double Pet House is also suitable for small dogs under 5kgs as well as comfortably accommodating up to two cats. As it’s made from soft plush and high density foam, it’s not really suitable for outdoor conditions, but makes an ideal hidey hole and super-comfortable sleeping place for indoor cats. The door opening is around 7.5” x 8.5” and the roof is fixed in place with Velcro, making it easy to assemble.
The internal cushion is thick and plump, and can be removed for easy washing, while the whole house can be vacuumed to remove pet hair and spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Customer reviews suggest it’s not sturdy enough to take the weight of a cat on the roof, which is in any case pitched, so if your pet is one that likes an aerial view, it may not be suitable choice. However, if the roof does come off, it’s easy to put it back on. The product comes flat packed, but is easy to erect without tools.
Dimensions: 19.7” x 16.5” x 15.8”
In- or Outdoor: Indoor
Materials: Short Plush, High Density Foam
Color: Coffee/ Black/ White
Self-Assembly? Yes, minimal
Our next product of choice will be the Petsfit Triangle Wooden Cat House, another incredible piece of animal furniture that comes with an escape door. This unit is covered by a one-year warranty and is loved by many pets from all over the world. It is home designed to accommodate a single cat with a weight below 15lbs. The design is in a manner that requires you to place some form of the block beneath it if you need to keep water away from the interior and your pet. Professionals responsible for the design of this unit have included second door to act as an escape door for pets that usually feel anxious or trapped in enclosed places.
This cat home produced by Petsfit is well suited for placement either within or out of your home. It blends effortlessly with any decoration found in your living room or on your patio. No matter where this wooden cat house is located, it is bound to attract lots of eyes and spark tons of conversations. The walls of this unit are designed as thick as possible, with a thickness of 12mm for ensured stability. The wood used in the construction process is cedar, a material we all know for its anti-rot properties. The use of cedar, however, must be checked as stated earlier, as it is susceptible to splitting when mishandled. When traveling or moving your cat house, you’re advised by manufacturers to handle the unit with extra care, so as not to cause any damage.
The Petsfit cat house is the ideal unit for your calm, peaceful cat or kitten. If your furry friend loves destruction, we advise that you opt for another model from the Petsfit family.
Two doors for entry/exit
Fits one cat
Thick paneled walls
Anti-rot cedar construction
One thing we all love, whether human or feline is the comfort and this comfort can be made available through a myriad of things, some of which include warmth, water, accommodation, and many others. Your cat deserves comfort just as we all do, and it is for this reason the Heated Outdoor Cat House has been included in our list of animal furniture. This unit is best suited for your outdoor spaces and is known to offer the ideal temperature for your animal during the colder days. It is built with a plug-in timer inclusive, to regulate temperatures within the space. This cat house is one of the best units on the market today and is held in high regard by several pet owners for its beauty, innovation, and quality. It is the perfect sheltering unit for both your dogs and cats, which should weight 25 pounds.
This heated cat house is the ideal gift for cat and animal lovers around the world. It can be given as a birthday, housewarming, or a regular thoughtful gift of appreciation to people you care about who also care about cats. Inside this cat, the house is a heated mat included in the package for your pal. This mat comes with a 4m extension cable and a chew-proof design that enhances its longevity. For all customers, a single purchase offers you a 100% guarantee, where you’re at liberty to return your cat house if you and your pet aren’t happy with it. As much as possible, do not place this cat house underneath the night sky as the rain might end up entering into the structure, disturbing your cat in the process.
We want the best for you and your cats, which is why we recommend this unit for your home. This heated home is one of the most portable and easy to set up groups on the market. It also comes with two doors for easy entry and exit of your furry pal whenever it pleases.
Accurate plug-in timer
Heated pet mat
High water resistance
Perfect gift for cat lovers
Amazon leaves a mark with their AmazonBasics Collapsible Cat House, a unique piece of animal furniture manufactured by seasoned professionals seeking to provide comfort for all cats, whether they’re domestic or strayed. This cat house has been built in the shape of a cube, a form that makes it more playful and inviting for cats and kittens., it is regarded as not just a sleeping place, but also as the perfect hide and seek structure and very relaxing space for lounging. The basic requirements considered for the building of this unit are the comfort and, and these are catered for via the inclusion of a raised-border edge and suede for the bottom and side of the house. The interior is similar to a cozy den where your cat can hide or nap with ease and in comfort. The Interactive play has also been encouraged within the space, via the provision of circular cut-outs.
AmazonBasics offer nothing but the best design for their products. This collapsible housing unit for cats is the best structure for elevated napping thanks to its raised edge, which offers cats with the comfortably contained feel that they enjoy always. If you need a cat house that accommodates your pet’s instincts, this will be the best unit for you.
Cube-shaped
Easy to set up
Collapsible design
Suede construction
While cats seem to love confined spaces, often sneaking themselves into what appear to be impossibly small nooks and crannies around your home, the dimensions of the cat house are still important. You want one that will allow your cat or cats enough room to get in and out comfortably, and to curl up and sleep.
As mentioned in the introduction, indoor cats especially need stimulation, so many owners look for a cat house that can double up as an additional play area for your pet as well as somewhere to shelter. If this sounds like you, look for things they can interact with, or at least room inside to put their favorite toys or a cat scratching tower.
Particularly if your cat house is for the outdoors, it’s important to look for a model that features two doors. This is so your cat cannot be trapped inside by predators. Alternatively, some products restrict the size of the opening to prevent animals larger than a cat from accessing it.
Outdoor cat houses must at least be shower-resistant if not fully waterproof to offer protection against the elements and to preserve its life. If you live in an area that suffers from extreme winds and are worried about a cat house blowing away, look for a sturdy model made of wood rather than fabric.
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The broad options when looking for cat houses are indoor or outdoor, and heated or unheated. The first is important because if you are placing the cat house outdoors, you need to know that it is draft proof, waterproof, and sturdy enough to resist strong winds, so it doesn’t blow away. Heating is often an additional option for outdoor cat houses, as many owners buy these to keep cats warm in winter if they choose not to come into the house.
All the cat houses mentioned in this article are ones that offer your pets additional shelter and a place to play or hide from the hustle and bustle. Some owners, though, who have indoor cats are looking for a secure cattery, so that their cats can experience the great outdoors without wandering off, falling victim to predators or putting themselves in danger from passing cars. If this sounds like you, then you’re looking for a cat run or pen instead.
Cats that are habitually confined to the indoors need extra stimulation and resources to keep them occupied and happy in their day-to-day lives. If you’re the owner of an indoor cat, you might also like to look for additional accessories such as cat condos and scratching towers. Cat condos usually feature a variety of levels, shelves, toys, and even cat hammocks which will give your cat an indoor play center to keep him occupied and give him somewhere new to chill. Scratching towers are essential around the home as they’ll allow your pet to sharpen their claws, stretch and exercise their muscles, as well as marking their territory, as they would in the great outdoors. They also help save your furniture from damage!
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Some cats just won’t come inside, no matter how cold it is. Their fear of contact with humans or being confined is far greater than their own physical comfort. If you’re concerned about any feral or outdoor cats making it through the winter without suffering from hypothermia, then heating is a must. In terms of heating, then, what should you be looking for?
Other steps you can take to make sure your feral cat is comfortable in the worst of the winter weather include making sure the surface area of their bedding is raised at least three inches off the floor. This helps ensure that the cold and damp doesn’t penetrate upwards through it.
If it’s really cold, you can add a blanket or other covering to the outside of the house to insulate it. However, just check that you haven’t blocked the exits if you have a nervous cat.
It’s also worth noting here that you should feed outdoor or feral cats a little more in winter than you would usually do during the warmer months. They’ll be expending extra energy on trying to keep warm, so they’ll appreciate the increase in calories.
Unplug the heater in summer and prop open or remove the doors if possible when it’s really hot to allow a free flow of air.
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A: This is very much dependent on whether you’ve bought a cat house for the indoors or for outdoor use.
For indoor cat houses:
For outdoor cat houses:
The most suitable place to position your cat house is a sheltered spot out of the worst of the wind and other elements:
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A: You know what it’s like with an independent-minded cat. You spend a fortune on expensive toys or play equipment and they won’t go near it; they’d rather have the cardboard box it came in! If you’ve invested in a cat house and your pet doesn’t seem keen, there are a number of handy hints for encouraging him to have a go.
A: It’s not advised. For one thing, many of these cat houses aren’t big enough to take bowls as well as the cat. And if you have invested in a heated model, there are often concerns that a bowl of water, if knocked over, will damage the heating pad or worse. Also, despite their reputation for cleanliness, cats aren’t always the most fastidious of eaters. With food in their cat house, you may need to clean it up more regularly or it’s liable to become smelly, attract insects and bacteria, not to mention other animals, especially in winter when food is scarce.
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Eloise is the owner of a Malamute/Akita cross, a first-time mum, and an animal enthusiast from England. She comes from a family which has never gone a day without a pet (or 3!), and over the years has learned all the best tips and tricks to raising a difficult pet. A knowledge that she has put to good use, to help others navigate the limitless world of pet care.