The best outdoor cat houses offer an outdoor cat somewhere safe to rest their head at night, but they’re also useful if your cat needs somewhere to rest during the day while they’re waiting for you to return if you don’t have a cat flap.
These adorable structures come in all shapes and sizes, providing your cat with a warm and dry place to rest, away from the howling winds and pouring rain. They can also offer a respite from the blazing sun on hotter days too. Check out our guide to caring for outdoor cats for more tips.
Some people feel uncomfortable letting their cat sleep outside, but as Dr. Joanna Woodnutt explains, “Some cats find coming indoors stressful, and it’s kinder to help them be more comfortable where they are”. And, if you’re concerned about leaving your cats unattended, you can invest in the best outdoor wireless pet cameras and the best pet GPS trackers so you can monitor them remotely. If you want to expand your cat’s outdoor real estate portfolio, you can also look at the best outdoor cat enclosures. These feline playgrounds combine the shelter of cat houses with activities and climbing frames for them to enjoy.
The Quick List
Best outdoor cat house overall
This adorable outdoor shelter has everything your kitty could need to stay warm and comfortable outdoors. It’s built from a thick water-resistant polyester to help it withstand the elements (although will need to sit under something) and it features a fleece-lined heating pad for cold nights.
Best budget outdoor cat house
Protect your cat from the elements on a budget with this affordable option from Love's Cabin. The exterior is built from durable Oxford fabric, while the interior has a PU waterproof coating to keep your kitty nice and dry. The included cushion ensures a comfortable night’s sleep.
Best waterproof outdoor cat house
Nothing will keep the elements out quite like this feline fortress from Clawsable. It’s waterproof and raised 5.1 inches off the ground to keep groundwater at bay too. There are also stakes to stop it blowing away in the wind, and a heating pad to keep your kitty snuggly warm inside.
Best eco-friendly outdoor cat house
This eco-friendly cat house is built from recycled plastic wood, helping to keep your cat and the environment safe. It has a sturdy weatherproof and rot-proof build with feet to raise it off the ground, and two separate entry/exit points.
Best heated outdoor cat house
Sometimes keeping the cold out isn’t enough, and that’s where this heated cat house comes in. It features a mains-powered heated pet mat (along with a much-appreciated extension cable) and the heater can even be set on a timer. There are two adorable designs to choose from too.
Best outdoor cat house for multiple cats
Need to shelter multiple cats? Then this two-story cat house will make the perfect vacation home for your moggies. The sturdy solid wood construction includes a roomy interior space to shelter them from the cold and rain and a balcony to enjoy on warmer days.
PetsRadar's pick of the best outdoor cat houses 2024
Why you can trust PetsRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best outdoor cat house overall
If you're looking to offers kitties a cosy retreat from the elements, look no further than the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House.
This handy hideout is super plush and features insulated walls and a heating pad inside with a removable fleece cover that ensures a warm and comfortable place for cats to sleep through cold nights.
Made from 600 denier polyester, it's tough enough to withstand most weather conditions and is relatively water-resistant. It's most ideal when used inside a barn, garage, or porch. The product does not feature raised feet to take it off wet ground, while the heating pad features a plug that's not ideal for being fully exposed outdoors.
The cord provided is fairly short, so many buyers opt to use an extension cord, however initial set up is easy enough. Once you've found your spot to place the kitty house, simply use the hook and loop system to fasten the walls, while the roof can be zippered.
Once set up, there's some great features. The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House features two exits with removable plastic flaps, so pets cannot be trapped by predators, and you've got to love the additional stylish designs on offer here, including a barn or log cabin design.
With 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon, cat owners praise the quality of this house and how warm the heating pad is. People find it easy to assemble, disassemble, and store away, but many do say that it’s smaller than what they were expecting.
Best budget outdoor cat house
If you're looking for an inexpensive addition to your garage or porch, then Love's Cabin Outdoor Cat House could do the job.
It's an indoor/outdoor cat house so much like the more expensive K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House it's best placed somewhere that's not directly exposed to the elements.
The cat house is made from a waterproof Oxford material, so it will stand up to light rain, but its design does not feature raised feet or solid exterior walls to handle water from the ground nor a double door feature to protect from common predators.
You'll likely find, however, that Love's Cabin Outdoor Cat House is much more durable than you expect at first sight. Its stylish grey design looks like an indoor kitty cabin, but its tough material gives it dual use. You can use it inside the home, then move it outside for your pet to sleep in.
Just keep it sheltered away from high winds as the cat house may need a spot of extra weight to keep it locked to the ground.
Cat owners like that this house is big enough to fit a chunky kitty and that it holds up well in wind and rain. Awarding it 4.6 stars on Amazon, the majority of buyers describe it as durable, attractive, and cost-effective, although some say it’s a bit too flimsy for their liking.
All in all, it's a good choice for your own pets to retreat to in the event of light rain, but if you're looking to buy for feral cats, that lack of an escape door could be the deal breaker.
Best waterproof outdoor cat house
The utilitarian, survivalist aesthetic might not be to everyone’s taste, but this elevated cat house from Clawsable is the real deal. It’s elevated off the ground by 5.1 inches to prevent water from seeping in during heavy rain, with stakes to keep it fixed in place during high winds, and the whole thing is built from weatherproof Oxford Cloth that will keep rain and snow from getting in from above too.
It also has a built-in heating mat to keep things nice and toasty warm inside, though be aware that it requires a mains power connection, so you’ll need a suitable outlet nearby. On top of the heating pad, there is a super soft and comfortable cotton blanket for your cats to lie on. We especially appreciate that it’s removable and machine washable for easy cleaning. All of this combined means that your cats will have a dry and comfortable place to sleep even in rough weather.
There are three size options available depending on the size and number of cats you’re planning to shelter here. We’ve defaulted to the medium-sized option which should be big enough for two adult cats.
The rugged design is shockingly durable too, with one of the videos on the storepage showcasing this by dropping a large log on it, and even having someone climb on top. We wouldn’t recommend you try this, but it’s good for peace of mind. All in all, this is a serious piece of kit at a very reasonable price.
The Clawsable Outdoor Elevated Cat House has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of five on Amazon from 385 reviews. People love the impressive heating, weather resistance, and high build quality, though there seem to be rare issues with people receiving defective units.
Best eco-friendly outdoor cat house
New Age Pet specializes in creating homes for pets made from EcoFlex, which is a type of non-toxic, recycled wood and plastic polymer composite. It's not completely plastic-free, with the addition of the frame, but it's a great step in the eco direction.
Fortunately, it happens to be a rather good outdoor cat house too. Sturdy enough to take on the elements, while being cool in heat and warm in cold damp weather.
This stylish house doesn't feature insulation or heating, so you may opt to pop in a heated mat yourself. For cooler months, the house features an elevated floor that helps with ventilation.
This cat house is 1.5 inches off the ground, handy once the rain starts to accumulate on the ground. If you live somewhere with feral animals, such as deer or coyotes, note that the cat house is not so far off the ground that it would prevent curious wildlife from poking their heads in.
The product looks to help this by providing two doors to give your cat the freedom to come and go as she pleases, but it's worth considering where you place this cat house.
This eco-friendly cat house gets 4.6 stars on Amazon with people loving how lightweight and easy to move around it is. Describing it as simple yet sturdy, buyers like that it’s affordable and quick to assemble, but they express some disappointment that it’s not fully rain-resistant.
Best heated outdoor cat house
The Petyella Heated Cat House has long been a firm favorite amongst pet parents and it’s not hard to see why. Measuring 17” x 17.3” x 13”, it’s ideal for cats up to 25 lbs and the water-resistant design means they’ll always stay dry.
Featuring a heated pad that’s soft and cozy, it comes with a 1-meter chew-proof cord as well as a 4-meter extension cord, perfect for those situations where you’d prefer to keep the house in a garage or barn as opposed to a porch or balcony. There’s also a timer included if you’d prefer to schedule heating rather than leaving the pad on 24/7.
Made from waterproof PVC with insulated walls, it has two doors with removable flaps and the roof comes off to grant easy access to the house for cleaning. The cover inside is also simple to remove and machine washable.
With 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon, buyers rave about how cozy this cat house is and say that it’s both simple to assemble and easy to clean. Described by many as warm and weatherproof, the one drawback with this well-made house is that people feel it’s a bit too lightweight to remain sturdy in high winds and rain.
Best outdoor cat house for multiple cats
If you’ve got multiple moggies to house, then this roomy two-story cat house from PetsFit is just the ticket. The upper floor is covered by a roof, but it has exposed sides to let your cats look out over their kingdom on sunny days, while the full-enclosed lower level makes a perfect shelter when the rain starts to pour.
The interior space measures 19 x 19 x 11 inches (WxDxH) which should be plenty of space for two or three adult cats to snuggle up in, and you’ll easily fit a mother and her kittens inside too. There is a single door on the front, and then an emergency exit-only door that comes out under the ramp, in case something is blocking the main exit.
The frame is constructed from solid cedar wood with a heavy-duty asphalt roof, and the whole thing sits on raised legs to keep water from seeping in through the floor. Petsfit claims that the whole thing is weatherproof. Obviously, it’s not going to hold up to a tornado, but the customer reviews almost all agree that it keeps the rain and snow at bay.
You’ll have to assemble it yourself, but it’s a simple procedure thanks to the clear instructions that come with the set. It comes in a variety of colors, and you can choose between either a ladder, or a ramp made from a scratching-post-like material.
Pet owners seem to love this cat house, giving it an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five on Amazon from 1746 reviews. Positive reviews focus on how easy it is to assemble, the attractive design, and the solid build quality. Some customers did note that they took extra steps to weatherproof and insulate the structure though.
How to choose the best outdoor cat house
Predator protection: Are you looking to buy the outdoor cat house for feral felines or pets? If it's the latter, then consider how the house will hold up against potential predators.
A good outdoor cat house for feral cats will have an escape door at the back, while houses that are taller, off the ground and structurally solid can prevent curious animals from snooping in.
Weatherproofing: How does the cat house perform against the elements? Considering where to place your outdoor cat house is a key consideration that informs this.
For instance, if you're looking to place it inside a barn or garage, then an outdoor cat house that sits on the ground and is made from Oxford material or polyester is a good choice. However, if it will be fully exposed to the wind and rain, opt for sturdy wooden structure instead.
Insulation: Consider if you're looking to keep the cat inside extra cozy. If you live somewhere that's particularly cold or are buying during winter seasons, then you may opt for a heated cat house. If your outdoor cat house of choice does not have this, you could look to buy a heated pad or extra bedding instead.
Size: Are you looking to house several stray cats in the neighborhood? Some outdoor cat houses are best suited for one cat, such as a pet, and are not the roomiest for multiple felines. Consider outdoor cat houses that have multiple storeys if your looking to buy for feral cats.
What kind of house does an outside cat need?
“If you decide to get an outdoor cat house, look for something waterproof, as keeping the rain off will be a key function,” advises Woodnutt. “If you are in an area that gets snow, it will need to be sturdy enough to hold snow on the roof without collapsing, or the roof’s pitch will have to be steep enough to shed snow. Insulation is important in colder winters too – it’s usually better to buy a better insulated house rather than try to put blankets inside, as these may quickly get wet and moldy.
Heated cat houses exist but are not always recommended – providing the indoor space is small enough and well insulated, your outdoor cat will be able to warm the space with their body temperature. Heating pads risk overheating the cat and driving them back outside, or malfunctioning and causing burns. Lastly, the doors should be small, and there should be two – smaller doors will deter predators, and having an escape route will be essential for the cat’s safety and peace of mind.”
How can I keep outdoor cats warm?
“Providing a well-insulated cat house that isn’t too large is the best way to warm an outdoor cat,” says Woodnutt. “Like all mammals, they produce body heat which will heat up a space quickly as long as it is insulated. If you already have a cat house that isn’t insulated, you could look at adding insulation. Try to resist the temptation to add blankets, which will quickly get wet, muddy, and moldy.”
How cold is too cold for a cat to live outdoors
Many cats love the great outdoors, but if you live in a colder climate, or somewhere with harsh winters then it can be worrying to let your cat outside in these frosty temperatures. We spoke to veterinary surgeon Rebecca MacMillan to ask what temperature range is safe and comfortable for your feline friend.
“As a general rule, prolonged exposure to temperatures of less than 45°F (7.2°C) is unsuitable for most cats. But it is worth bearing in mind that different cats will tolerate temperature differently, so the answer is not clear-cut.” explains MacMillan. “Cats that are small, hairless, or have very fine coats will feel the cold and start to struggle, much quicker than larger thick-coated breeds. As temperatures drop, these cats will need to be brought indoors earlier.”
While cats will tolerate lower temperatures, our expert vet says that, much like humans, “most cats are happiest at an ambient temperature of 64-70°F (18-21°C).”
There are other considerations like the age and general health of your cat to consider too, according to MacMillan. “Elderly cats or young kittens will need to move somewhere warmer sooner than a fit adult cat might. If temperatures are consistently at low levels, then an outdoor cat house may not be suitable and you should bring your cat indoors.”
How we selected the best outdoor cat houses
Weatherproof: Keeping your outdoor kitty warm and dry is important, especially during the winter months. With that in mind, we wanted to ensure that the cat houses in this guide are resistant to wind and rain and that there’s enough space for you to provide some form of insulation if the house doesn’t already come with that.
For the most part, we followed Dr. Woodnutt’s advice to avoid heated pads, however, we did include a couple of options for those who feel the need to offer their outdoor cat a warmer and cozier sleeping space. If you’re at all worried about overheating, our recommendation is the K&H Thermo Outdoor Kitty House, which has been tested and is certified by MET Labs, exceeding USA/CA electrical safety standards.
Size: This was a key consideration for us when putting together this guide as we want to ensure that any cats using the house are safe from predators. For that reason, we’ve selected houses with door entrances that are no greater than eight inches as this stops larger animals, such as dogs and foxes, from gaining entry. We also focused on narrower interior dimensions where possible to create the coziest feel possible.
Ease of assembly: If you’re anything like us and DIY is not your strong suit, then you likely don’t want to spend ages trying to figure out how to put your new outdoor cat house together. To help make life a whole lot easier, we’ve chosen models where the assembly requirements are minimal and the instructions simple to follow.
Dr Joanna Woodnutt qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Nottingham where she then went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She really took to the consulting side of things and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behaviour and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
