Table Of Content
- Petsfit Four-Level Outdoor Cat House
- The Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House — Premium Choice
- Pre-Built Cat Houses for Inclement Weather
- Best for Warm Weather
- Alley Cat Allies’ Inexpensive Do-It-Yourself Shelter
- PetsCosset Outdoor Cat House With View Door
- Furhome Collective Heated Cat Houses
- Community Cat Shelter Options Gallery

It’s also easy to maintain, since the two floorboards can both be removed for cleaning. The A-frame design helps keep the interior roomy without providing too much empty air space—making it easier for cats to keep it warm with just their body heat. The house’s interior dimensions are 18 by 17 inches, with 20 inches of height, providing enough space for one or two cats inside.
Petsfit Four-Level Outdoor Cat House
Many cats feel safer with two entries, as it helps them get out if something sneaks up on them. The polyester design of the K&H Pet Products Heated A-Frame Cat House is solidly weather-resistant and provides extra insulation on top of the heating capabilities. Even the doors are designed to retain heat, with clear door flaps on both the front and rear escape door. Plus, it’s tough enough for use with feral cats, in barns, or other adverse conditions.
The Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House — Premium Choice
Both the cord and the pad are built to withstand the elements and provide a safe amount of heat for your felines. If you'd like to provide shelter from the cold and rain for a feral cat, this outdoor cat house could be a perfect home. According to the brand, its plastic-wood polymer composite is resistant to rot and warping and should not crack or attract bugs. We appreciate that you can simply rinse this house clean with a hose. And as always, we like that the house features more than one door — although both can be accessed from the outside as well as the inside, unlike a true escape door. Kittens can use heated cat houses, but they should be supervised, especially during the initial uses.
Pre-Built Cat Houses for Inclement Weather
Make sure to insulate your structure and place it in a location as protected from the elements as possible. According to Wolko, you should never put blankets or towels in an outdoor cat shelter because they will trap moisture and may even freeze. Phillips recommends buying or making a shelter with only one entrance. A single entry prevents a wind tunnel from forming and helps retain more heat. Although this unit is an indoor heated cat house, it’s made of weatherproof materials. The outer shell is a water-resistant 600-denier oxford fabric and waterproof nylon.
8 products to keep your cat from overheating in warm weather - USA TODAY
8 products to keep your cat from overheating in warm weather.
Posted: Tue, 03 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best for Warm Weather
This catio features an asphalt roof (a feature Dr. Conrad recommends) to help keep the shelter protected from the sun or a light drizzle. There's room for jumping and playing, and space at the bottom for a litter box and a cat bed. K&H goes a step further to design a modern thermostatically controlled heated pet bed with this unit. This 4-watt pod automatically senses your pet’s weight to keep cats and small dogs warm on those cold nights.
The only downside is its relatively short power cable, which only extends five and a half feet. The right outdoor cat house can improve a cat's safety and health by providing a comfortable place for them to rest and feel secure. With a variety of cozy cubby holes, secondary escape routes and perches for sunbathing, this veritable cat mansion will provide them with a home base. Dr. Conrad specifically recommends cat houses made of sturdy wood and an asphalt roof like this one.
This cat house touts plenty of features, given its compact size. First off, we found it to hold in warmth pretty well, thanks to its four layers of insulation. The material is also waterproof, and the elevated feet help keep the interior safe and dry. Unlike other heat pads, you don’t have to adjust anything because it maintains a consistent (and safe) temperature. What’s more, the roof features a handle stitched on top, so you can move this cat house around with ease. The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Kitty House is a simplified version of the premium choice on this list.
Furhome Collective Heated Cat Houses
The door size and type are also important, since smaller sizes and types of doors can rule out entrance by potential invaders. Available in five colors, this Rockever cat shelter doesn’t boast the state-of-the-art insulation and waterproofing features of other homes on this list. Rather than a shelter for outdoor cats, it’s better suited as a respite for exploring kittens. Choose a heated cat house with interior padding, as it will keep your feline comfortable. It is impossible to add extra cushions and blankets in some models due to safety reasons.
With Rubbermaid's Brute 14 and 20 gallon totes, you can make an outdoor cat shelter that is affordable, waterproof, and easy to maintain. The insulation helps prevent moisture build-up, while the added height should ensure that water doesn't get inside, she says. There isn’t any wood here, unlike most of the other cat houses available. The construction is water resistant, and the whole thing is kept together using Velcro.
On the contrary, you can have your pet sleeping in it in the cold seasons then remove the heated pad during summer. The house features two exits so your cat can run in and out without being trapped by predators. Winter cat houses offer more insulation and protection from the elements.
For this reason, consult your vet before getting a house for your kitten, senior cat with limited mobility, or those recovering from illness or surgery. Although timers are not always present in all heated cat house models, they give you control over when to turn off the heating element. This is particularly helpful for pet owners who find themselves away from home and unable to monitor the heat. If you have a senior cat, an arthritic cat, or one recovering from illness or surgery, look for an easy entry heated cat house. This will allow your pet to enter and exit the house effortlessly. Therefore, look for a heated cat house that is large enough for your cat’s size.
The size of houses can be a bit misleading based on the pictures. You might be surprised by how little or big a certain house is. The size of cat house that you choose largely depends on the cats that you have. If you have many cats, you’ll need a bigger house (or several). It’s made from treated wood that’s designed to stand up to outdoor conditions.

The sun should be able to hit part of the house during the day to provide warmth. If your cat house has two doors, make sure both entrances are clear for your cat to use at any time. If you’re undecided about a heated cat house, look at the benefits that one can offer your cat.
They also suggest outfitting the interior with straw, which won't retain moisture like cloth or wool. Even better, the removable roof allows you to effortlessly refill their food and water bowls. And we can’t forget to mention the second level, which gives your cats some much-needed privacy. But the star of the show has to be the orthopedic heating pad.

However, most cats in more moderate climates will do just fine with a well-insulated, waterproof cat house. Phillips says heated cat houses can be an excellent option, especially in regions with frigid temperatures. These best outdoor cat houses that are heated are warmed with low-voltage electricity.
In addition to boosting immunity, a heated house also improves your pet’s temperament. Cat houses are either self-heated or electric to generate heat. Self-heated cat houses do not require an outlet as they are made from materials that retain a cat’s body heat. They are typically safe, even though some pet owners complain that they don’t produce sufficient warmth during winter. The sturdy 2-inch legs keep excess moisture from entering the house.