What’S The Best Outdoor Cat Houses & Shelters ?

Reviews

Best Overall: K&H Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame House
 

The greatest overall outside cat housing and shelter is the K&H Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House.

The huge shelter can hold up to four cats, making it ideal for a feral colony or a neighborhood mother with kittens.

To keep cats warm and dry, the 600-denier nylon cover is extremely durable and waterproof.

The A-frame design has two door flaps as well as hook and loop material to allow cats to readily enter and exit.

Two exits provide cats with an escape option, preventing them from being surrounded by a predator.

The shelter is not heated, but an outdoor heated pet bed can be used to give heat.

Some reviewers had problems in locations with significant rain or snow. Regardless, we believe this is the greatest outdoor cat housing available this year.

 

Best Value KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House
 

The KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House is the most affordable outdoor cat house and shelter.

The housing is made of high-quality, fade-resistant plastic and protects the cats from adverse weather and excessive temperatures.

The elevated position of the housing keeps cats warm in the winter and provides additional shade on sunny days.

The shelter’s oval form encourages air circulation, and the clip-on cat flap may be attached or removed for additional ventilation.

It includes a machine-washable cushion for further comfort. However, some reviews expressed concerns about the product’s durability and workmanship.

The plastic, according to reviewers, is thin and prone to cracking or splitting.

 

K&H Premium Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House
 

The K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty Housing is the best cat house on the market.

The spacious design accommodates many cats and includes two exits for predator escape. For water resistance, the exterior comprises a vinyl backing and 600-denier nylon.

The house requires no special tools to erect; simply Velcro the cover on. The house offers 20-watt heating in addition to the cover for comfort in rain, wind, and snow.

The house can be used outside, as an outdoor structure, or indoors.

Some customers mentioned that the heating pad did not work or failed after a short amount of time. In particularly cold climates, the heat may not be enough.

 

Outdoor Cat House with Scratching Pad – Ideal for Kittens
 

The Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Scratching Pad is a large cat condo that can accommodate three cats weighing up to 18 pounds.

The house has an asphalt roof and an elevated design to keep kittens dry and warm, while the balcony, ladder, doors, and scratching post provide lots of options for play.

With a front door and an exit door, cats may avoid being cornered in the shelter.

The house is made of robust wood and steel and comes with a screwdriver for quick and easy assembly.

Though the house is built to withstand the elements, it may also be utilized as an indoor condo. The only disadvantage of this residence is its high price.

 

Petsfit Weatherproof 2-Story Outdoor Cat House
 

The Petsfit 2-Story Weatherproof Outdoor Cat House is a two-story condo with an asphalt roof that protects against wind, snow, and rain.

The house features two doors, allowing your cat to come and go as it pleases and providing an escape path in the event of a predator.

The apartment can accommodate two or three cats weighing less than 15 pounds, depending on their size.

The opening roof, which allows cleaning the interior easy and convenient, is one of the nicest characteristics of the cat home.

The house must be put together, but instructions and a screwdriver are given, and the wood is pre-drilled.

Because the solid-wood structure is a fire hazard, this house is not appropriate for areas prone to wildfires.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose The Best Outdoor Cat House and Shelter

Outdoor cat shelters are ideal for both indoor and outdoor cats, as well as feral colonies.

They can provide a warm, dry place for cats to escape severe weather and keep safe from predators.

Cat homes exist in a variety of styles, and selecting the ideal one for your needs is dependent on your specific situation.

Insulation

Insulation is a key factor for most people when it comes to cat houses. Insulation keeps your cat warm during chilly weather in cold climates.

In hot areas, insulation keeps your cat’s shelter from becoming too hot and damp.

Remember that without water-resistant materials, insulation is pointless. If the inside of the shelter becomes wet, the insulation will not function properly.

If you reside in an area prone to heavy rain, it may be necessary to elevate the shelter to avoid flooding.

Waterproofing

Most outdoor cat shelters are waterproofed, whether they are made of treated wood or have a water-resistant nylon or plastic shell.

Preserve in mind that waterproofing only goes so far; if you want to put the shelter in rainy or snowy circumstances, keep it in a covered location such as a garage, porch, shed, or under a deck.

Plastic is the most waterproof material on the market and effectively stops wind and rain, but it deteriorates quickly in direct sunlight and offers minimal insulation.

Wooden materials are long-lasting, but if exposed to dampness, they can rot. Fortunately, you can help by keeping the wood in good condition and waterproofing it as needed.

Fabric houses, such as nylon, are simple to put together and may be weather resistant. They cannot, however, provide the same level of waterproofing as plastic or wood.

Fabric houses are also easily damaged, whether by your own cat or by an animal that attempts to enter the shelter.

Fabric is appropriate for an indoor location that is colder than the rest of the house, such as a covered porch or garage.

Construction

All cat houses must be assembled after purchase, however the amount of work and intricacy vary. Fabric houses are often assembled and disassembled using clips, Velcro, or zippers.

Wood or mixed materials can be snapped or screwed together, and many firms supply a screwdriver and pre-drilled holes for quick assembly.

Assembly is important, but so is disassembly. To move or clean the inside of your shelter, you may need to disassemble it.

Fabric cat houses are easy to disassemble for cleaning, but they absorb moisture and may require additional cleaning.

Although wood and plastic cat houses are more difficult to disassemble, they may just require a power wash once a year to maintain clean.

Size

The size of your cat house is determined by the number of cats you intend to house. A smaller house gives superior warmth, insulation, and comfort if you only have one indoor/outdoor cat.

A larger house is required for more cats, especially if they are feral.

Remember that cats can be territorial, so if you’re intending to build shelters for a colony, it could be better to offer numerous smaller shelters than than one huge one.

Large breeds, like standard dogs, require more area.

When deciding on the greatest alternative, use your best judgment. If your cats get along inside and sleep together, they’ll probably get along well outside.

They’ll be alright in one shelter if the colony spends time together and individuals don’t appear territorial. If your community has a lot of solitary ferals, they might not use a space with other cats.

Multiple Entrances

This is one of the most critical parts of installing a cat housing in predator-prone areas.

Whether your neighborhood is densely populated with feral cats or wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes, a shelter with only one doorway exposes your cat to being surrounded.

If this occurs, your cat may be unable to flee and be secure. Choose a cat shelter with a second exit for your cat to escape.

If an animal enters the shelter, your cat can simply take the escape route. Make an informed decision regarding the threats to your cats in the area.

Heating

Some shelters include insulating materials, although in colder climes, this may not be adequate.

To keep cats warm in areas prone to severe rain and snow or extreme cold, additional measures such as heated pads may be required.

If heated pads are not available, always use straw as bedding.

Blankets do not retain heat and can make your cat colder, whereas straw keeps your cat warm in cold weather and helps them to burrow.

Straw also repels moisture and remains dry, which helps it retain heat. If straw isn’t available, cats can bury in shredded (not folded!) paper to stay warm.

Conclusion

Outside cat shelters are ideal for outdoor cats or feral colonies that require a warm, safe haven during inclement weather.

The finest overall outdoor cat house is the K&H Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House, which has plenty of space for a colony.

The KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House has a sturdy plastic shell that protects from rain, wind, and snow if you desire value.

The K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House, which comes with its own heating pad, is the best option.

We genuinely appreciate your time in reading thus far. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that this article will assist you in selecting the best outdoor cat houses & shelters for your pet.