If you are considering the best outdoor cat house for winter, this post will steer you in the right direction.
Outdoor cats that live or play outside face freezing temperatures, wind, and wet weather in winter. Although a cat can tolerate the weather, conditions vary depending on age, coat type, and certain medical conditions; cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia the same way humans are.
A well-designed insulated cat house can keep felines warm and dry in bad weather conditions. We consulted three experts on outdoor cat houses and pet safety to understand what features are essential to a good outdoor cat house.
Then, we searched the market for the best outdoor cat houses that warm and dry felines, including heated, multicat, and wooden models. It’s a great option all-around purchase. The cat can enjoy lazing inside their house in colder months, and the shelter offers refuge away from rain and snow.
Your outdoor pet will get a safe sleeping spot to seek and return to, especially in adverse weather conditions. Once a cat has spent the night, they are free to leave at any time.
A common place to put an outdoor cat house is a yard. However, you can also pop into your garage or porch, providing extra warmth and sheltering for felines.
List of the Outdoor Cat House
- Best Outdoor cat house – Petsfit Outdoor Cat House, $129.99 on Amazon
- Best heated outdoor cat house – K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House, $58.99 at Petco
- Best outdoor cat house for winter: The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House, $169.99 on Amazon
- Best extra large outdoor cat house: K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Kitty House, $72.83 at Chewy
- Best wooden outdoor cat house: Feralvilla Outdoor Cat Shelter II, $98 at chewy
- Best outdoor heated cat house for winter: Kitty City Outdoor cat House, $50 on Amazon
- Large outdoor Cat Enclosures: Petmate Kitty Cat Condo, $83.38 at Chewy.
- Best outdoor Cat Enclosures: K&H Pet Products Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House, $94.99 at Chewy.
- Best outdoor Cat Shelters: ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House, $81.85 at Amazon.
- Waterproof outdoor cat House: CozyCatFurniture Waterproof Outdoor Cat House, $251.83 at Amazon.
Top 13 Best Outdoor Cat Houses – Insulated & Safe
To help you choose the best cat house for your feline, we look in-depth at dozen different brands from the quality to produce heat for the cat and brain top for your pet. You can find out what we think are the best cat houses in the market by continuing to read the below-given information.
1. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House – Best Overall
The Petsfit Outdoor Cat House is a spacious cat condo that can hold up to three cats up to 18 pounds. It features an asphalt roof and raised design to keep cats dry and warm. Your kitty gets plenty of opportunities to play with the balcony, ladder, doorways, and scratching post.
An escape and front doors will prevent cats from being cornered inside the shelter. Made of durable wood and steel, the house includes pre-drilled holes and a screwdriver for quick and easy assembly. Although the house is designed to weather the outdoors, it can also be used as an indoor condo. The only problem with the house is that it’s expensive.
Pros
- Multiple doors for escape
- Durable construction
- Scratching post and balcony
- Tools included
Cons
- Expensive
2. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House – Best Heated
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House features a fleece-lined heating pad to keep its interior cozy and warm.
A heated cat house is an excellent option, especially in regions with frigid temperatures. These structures must be connected to an electric outlet, and because they are not waterproof or insulated, they’re only useful when they can be placed in a sheltered location.
These houses get warm after low-voltage electricity. At the same time, they are not likely to catch fire. The wiring should be concealed and kept away from water to prevent shocks.
It is also spacious for two cats. A lightweight nylon shelter with a removable zippered roof and overhanging eaves is constructed from vinyl-backed nylon.
It is fitted with a fleece-lined heated pad that is MET safety listed. The pad is removable, and its fleece cover is machine washable. It also includes plastic door flaps, which attach to the house. It is available in several colors and barn- and cottage-themed prints.
Pros
- Excellent shelter for frigid areas
- Warm in low-voltage electricity
- Removable zippered roof
- Good space for two felines
- Pad is removable
- The fleece cover is machine washable
Cons
- No waterproof or insulated
- We need to keep away from the water
- The only place in a sheltered location
3. The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House – Best For Winter
The super-tough Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House is insulated with foam and straw, and its waterproof shell is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
The best of this house is that it is one of the most insulated and weatherproof shelters. Although it’s the most invaluable option on our list, it stands up to harsh conditions and is very easy to assemble. The interior, including the floor, is protected by foam insulation and comes with wheat straw to connect two more layers of insulated bedding. The door with an awning is slightly elevated in the house to prevent water from entering.
The shell is made from 100% recycled plastic with a lifetime guarantee against chipping, cracking, or fading. In hot weather, its carry handle can be adjusted for increased airflow. At 24 inches in diameter and 23 inches long, the Kitty Tube has room for two adult cats or a female with kittens.
Pros
- Most waterproof and insulated shelter
- Very easy to assemble
- Made with 100% recycled plastic
- The door prevents from water entering a shelter
- Excellent work in harsh conditions
Cons
- Expensive
4. K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Kitty House – Extra Large
The K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House is the best alternative for an extra space cat house. The elaborate design accommodates multiple cats and features two exits for an escape route from predators. The exterior has a vinyl backing and 600-denier nylon for water resistance.
No special tools are needed to assemble the house—all you have to do is cover the Velcro. In addition to the cover, the home has 20 watts of heating for comfort in rain, wind, and snow. The house can be used outdoors, as an outdoor structure, or indoors. Some reviewers complained that the heating pad doesn’t work or fails after a short period. The heat may not be enough for extremely cold climates.
Pros
- Wide for multiple cats
- Great space
- 20-watt heating
- Safe for indoors and outdoors
Cons
- The heating pad may not work
- Not suitable for extremely cold climates
5. Feralvilla Outdoor Cat Shelter II – Best Wooden
There is a fully insulated and protected “bedroom” in the Feralvilla Outdoor Cat Shelter II that keeps kittens warm and dry during inclement weather.
Wooden outdoor cat houses are sturdier and more weather-resistant than their nylon counterparts. In addition, they are more customizable. They can be painted any color you like with exterior latex paint, which also prolongs the life of the shelter.
Although the Feralvilla Outdoor Cat Shelter II requires more assembly than most others, our DIY recommendation and a unique two-tiered design make it one of the best cat houses you can buy. After entering through one of two doors on the ground floor, a cat will pass through an air-breaking baffle and reach a fully protected, comfortable upper level 20 inches wide and deep and 12 inches long.
The Feralvilla is made from wood composites and comes with half-inch foam insulation and heat-reflecting aluminum foil.
Pros
- More customizable
- Two levels of unique design
- Come with a half-inch foam for insulation
- Weather-resistant nylon counterparts
Cons
- Quite expensive
6, Kitty City Outdoor Cat House – Best Heated for Winters
The Kitty City Outdoor Cat House is a great home with plenty of insulation for cold weather. The house has four walls, a pitched roof, and removable flaps to cover both exits. If the cats are uncomfortable entering through the flap, they can be taken off. The second door prevents cats from being cornered by predators in the shelter.
The walls are constructed with a water-resistant fabric that protects against the elements. The downside with this bed is that it needs to be assembled, and no tools are involved. It is smaller than other outdoor cat houses and only suitable for one cat.
Pros
- Durable wood and fabric construction
- Insulated
- Removable door flaps
Cons
- Assembly required
- No tools included
- Small
7. Petmate Kitty Kat Condo Outdoor Cat House – Large Outdoor Cat Enclosures
The Petmate Kitty Cat Condo is an igloo-shaped cat house that provides warmth and shelter in inclement weather. The floor has a cozy carpet for insulation to keep your cat warm in cold weather and cool on hot summer days. The carpet also doubles as a scratching mat to keep your cat’s nails in good condition. The inner part has a soft foam, while the outer part has a hard shell that keeps insects away.
The shape of the shell and dome will block out rain, but it may be best to increase the shelter to prevent flooding. Plus, the shelter only has one door, so your cat can be surrounded by predators without any escape.
Pros
- Hard outer shell
- Insulated interior
- Carpeted floor
Cons
- May flood
- Only one entryway
8. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House – Best Outdoor Enclosure
The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty House is one of the best outdoor cat enclosures and shelters. The large shelter is designed for up to four cats, so it’s perfect for a wild colony or a neighborhood mom with kittens. The 600-denier nylon cover is virtually indestructible and waterproof to keep cats warm and dry.
The A-frame design features two-door flaps with hook and loop material, so cats can easily get in and out. Two exits give cats an escape route that prevents them from being surrounded by predators. The shelter is not heated, but you can provide warmth using an outdoor heated pet bed. Some reviewers experienced problems in areas with heavy rain or snow. Despite this, we still believe this is the best outdoor cat enclosure on the market this year.
Pros
- Houses multiple cats
- Escape doors
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not suitable for areas with heavy rain and snow
9. ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House – Best Outdoor Shelters
The hard-shelled Ecoflex Cat House is ideal if your shelter will be open to rain or snow outside. Unlike other soft shelters, this house is completely weatherproof and is slightly elevated to prevent water from seeping in. You can also upgrade this basic brown and beige cat house with a plush cat bed and a bowl of your cat’s favorite food.
This shelter is available in multicolor. It also comes weatherproof, bug-proof, and rot-proof. The feature is two exit points are available that your pet needs. Also, it is easy to assemble, and no tools are required.
Pros
- Available in multicolor
- Soft shelter
- Completely weatherproof
- Two exit points
- Very easy to assemble
- No tools are required
Cons
- Need to prevent water
- Only one flap
10. CozyCatFurniture Waterproof Outdoor Cat House: Best Waterproof
When it comes to being weatherproof, the CozyCatFurniture has to be the most effective outdoor cat house on our list. This is the only product by all the manufacturers that we’ve come across as a truly waterproof cat house.
This is a wooden cat house made of good quality pine wood. This is a wooden cat house made of good quality pine wood. This wooden cat house looks like a miniature human house, so you can give the cat the feeling of being at home without being inside your house.
Thermal ply is a great insulation material and is what the manufacturer uses to give this outdoor cat house excellent weatherproofing. It’s not just going to keep your cat warm during the cold winter months; It will also help your cat stay cool indoors when the hot summer months come. This makes it the perfect all-around cat house.
All customers who have purchased this product are very pleased with the performance, as it is incomparable to provide a comfortable space for your feline companion, no matter the conditions outside.
Pros
- Best weatherproof cat house
- Made with long-lasting and high-quality wood
- You can easily customize the product
- Elevated floor for added protection
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Smaller in size – can fit a regular-sized cat
- Pretty expensive for a cat house
- The porch could have been a little longer for cats
11. Trixie 3-story Wooden Outdoor Cat Home
The Trixie 3-Wooden outdoor Cat Home gives your cat an affordable and secure environment. The house is made of solid wood and waterproofed for severe weather conditions. For aesthetics, the windows have hinged shutters, and cats can enter and exit through multiple doors with flaps that keep rain and wind out.
The raised bottom floor keeps the floor dry on rainy days by allowing it to circulate air. The cats can lounge and play on all three levels. Additionally, you can use the cat house inside if you wish. Even though the house is cute, it may not be suitable for large breeds. There were also quality control issues, such as broken panels or missing parts, reported by reviewers.
Pros
- Multiple levels
- Solid, waterproof wood construction
- Hinged shutters and door flaps
Cons
- Tight spaces
- Quality control issues
12. KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House
Catcabin Deezere’s Plastic Cat House is the best outdoor cat house and shelter for the money. The house is made of high-grade fade-resistant plastic, which gives the cats shelter from inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Elevated off the ground, the house keeps cats warm in winter and provides extra shade on sunny days.
The shelter promotes air circulation with its oval shape, and the clip-on cat flap can be added or removed for greater ventilation. It comes with a machine washable cushion for comfort. However, some reviewers complained of problems with durability and construction. According to reviewers, the plastic is thin and can be prone to cracking or tearing.
Pros
- High-grade plastic construction
- Ventilation
- Elevated off the ground
Cons
- Plastic may stick or crack
13. Petsfit 2-Story Outdoor Weatherproof Cat House
For those who love cats very much and want to build a good home for them, this product from Petsfit might be just right for you. A complete cat house with two floors, this weatherproof cat house provides a great space for cats.
There are two versions of this cat house – one with stairs and the other with a scratching pad. Both are great options for cats. In addition to being made from cedar wood, the roof has an asphalt covering to keep it water-resistant. The lower story has two exits, allowing the cat to escape if a predator attacks.
Its water-resistant ability is not great either. If the rains are heavy, the water will enter the house. Some customers found this house difficult to assemble because of its complex structure.
The main fact is that it is made with wood so you can color it whatever you want. You can even give it the same color as your house, so it looks like a miniature house made just for your kitty.
Pros
- Two exist so that your kitty can easily escape
- Looks fancy if you paint it to match the color of your house
Cons
- Not insulated
- Difficult to assemble
Buying Guide
Our selection criteria for the best outdoor cat houses were developed after extensive research and consultation with three experts. Then, we looked at options available at major online retailers to select our top choices in six different categories. Here are the essential features we looked for:
Weatherproof: An outdoor cat house is only as good as its weatherproofing. To keep roaming and feral kitties dry and warm, we chose those made with water-resistant and waterproof materials that would prevent rain and snow from getting in.
Insulation: On cold winter nights, insulation helps keep a feline’s core temperature from dropping to dangerous levels. We looked for cat houses with built-in insulation or ones that can be easily outfitted with Mylar, Styrofoam, and straw.
Ease of assembly: Perfect outdoor cat houses should require minimal assembly. We favored shelters that are quick and easy to put together.
Not too large: If a pet’s shelter is too large to keep their body heat from escaping, it can be difficult for the cat to warm up, Ninnemann explained. We looked for compact, cozy shelters and chose a multicat house that is just large enough for two to three cats to sleep comfortably.
Elevated and weather-protected doors: The more doors on a cat house tell about, the more likely they are to let in the elements. However, some prefer cat houses with two exits so a cat can escape if a predator comes knocking. “If the aim is warmth, we must design for warmth.” Because cats avoid entering through door flaps, she prefers to have elevated doors with awnings that keep out the rain. If possible, we selected cat houses with these characteristics.
Q1. Do outdoor cats need a heated house?
Ans: They need a heated cat house, especially in the winter weather and a hard atmosphere.
Q2. Can cats live outside all time?
Ans: No, cats have always lived outside and thrived in various locations, conditions, and climates but not all the time. When they eat their food, they need shelter to stay, searching for that.
Q3. How can you keep your cat warm in freezing temperatures?
Ans: The best way to keep your cat warm and dry in freezing temperatures is to provide them with a cat house that is fully insulated.
Q4. What should you put in your outdoor cat house?
Ans: The best choice is straw. However, you can also use shredded newspaper, packing peanuts, insulated tiles, old sleeping bags, and heating pads, and these things will make your cat warm and cozy all the time.
Q5. How much space is in the outdoor cat house?
Ans: Knowing an outdoor cat house’s capacity is a crucial part of the decision-making process. If you are looking for an outdoor feline house that can accommodate several stray cats, you need a larger and more spacious cat shelter. If you have just one cat as a pet, you do not need to spend much time getting a larger model and just stick to a single-cat size outdoor shelter.
Conclusion
Outdoor cat shelters are wonderful for outdoor felines or feral colonies that need a warm, safe space in bad weather. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House is the best overall outdoor cat house and provides plenty of space for a colony. If you want affordable, the KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House has a strong plastic exterior that protects it from rain, wind, and snow. The premium choice is the K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House, which has a heating pad.