7 Best Outdoor Cat Houses for Shelter From the Weather
Cats famously like things warm and dry, even if they're feral.
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Whether you've adopted a cat that spends most of its time outdoors or a feral cat has decided to adopt you, setting up a freestanding outdoor cat shelter can keep your furry friend more comfortable out there. In cold winters, weatherproof cat houses with door flaps help keep a cat cozy and dry.
For this story, I consulted veterinarian Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., who works for Wellhaven Pet Health outside of Portland, Oregon. She shared her thoughts on the features that are worth paying extra for, including an escape door and high perches. "Mostly, an outdoor cat house should be resistant to heat and cold and should provide adequate shelter from the elements," Conrad says. I have sheltered a feral cat in my own backyard, so I used my own experiences when making these picks, too.
Best Deal
Pros
- Porch on top and hideaway below
- Includes a scratching pad
- Two doors, one for escaping from the inside
- Asphalt roof helps keep out rain
Cons
- Assembly may require a drill
Best for: Giving outdoor cats a midsize cat house with two levels—both a hideaway and a porch that can be their lookout post—plus a scratcher.
Features: "Asphalt roofing is an effective protectant against rain, and the house itself should be made of weatherproof, sturdy wood," Dr. Conrad says, and both are features of this kitty abode.
This pick has two doors, which is key if there are dogs, rival cats, or predators around. The "escape door" allows a cat who is inside to get out, but prevents other animals from entering. A front door flap helps protect against wind and other weather elements. The elevated floor helps keep the interior dry.
Reviewers find this house to be fairly straightforward to assemble, but some say that the pre-drilled holes are not always in the right place, requiring some new drill work. Others report that the wood can wear down over time and weather.
Other versions: Petsfit also makes a wooden 2-story cat house with two enclosures, one high and one low.
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 30" x 22" x 29" |
| Cat capacity | 2 |
| Weight | 31 lbs |
Pros
- Material resists rot and warping, according to brand
- Elevated floor to help keep the inside dry
- Easy to assemble
- Least expensive on our list
Cons
- Some cats resist the vinyl door flaps
Best for: Cat caregivers looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, plastic option that doesn't require much assembly.
Features: According to the brand, the plastic-wood polymer composite is resistant to rot and warping and can be rinsed clean with a hose. The floor is elevated to stay dry during rainstorms.
The house features two doors, but both can be accessed from the outside as well as the inside, unlike a true escape door. Some users report having trouble enticing their cat in through the vinyl door flaps.
This gets thousands of positive Amazon reviews. One online reviewer said, "It took five minutes to put together; instructions were so simple." Some users have added additional insulation for cold winters. For more on how to make a cat shelter warmer, see our advice at the end of this list.
Other versions: According to reviews, the one shown is best for just one cat. If you're looking to fit two, consider the extra large version.
| Dimensions | 22" x 19" x 20" |
| Cat capacity | 1 |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs |
Pros
- Can be used indoors or outdoors, under an overhang
- Heating pad inside turns on when a cat sits on it
- Bed cover is washable
- Easy assembly, no tools required
Cons
- Must be plugged in for the heating element to work
Best for: Porch shelter during cold winters. This can be used outdoors under an overhang, where it can be plugged in, and requires no tools to put together.
Features: This cat house will keep cats nice and toasty even during winter, thanks to a electric, heated cat bed with a removable and washable cover. It's sold for outdoor use but can be used indoors, too.
There are two exits with removable door flaps. The water-resistant walls and roof should keep harsh weather out but can become saturated if the house is left exposed. It's best to situate this house on a porch or patio, in a garage, or anywhere else under an overhang.
The heating pad heats up when the cat is inside and turns off when it leaves. Assembly is simple: Just attach the walls to each other with the hook-and-loop closures. No tools are required.
Since this cat house isn't made of wood or asphalt but rather polyester, the brand notes that the roof can't hold a kitty's weight—this house isn't for climbing or sunbathing. It's only large enough for one cat.
Other versions: If you have more than one kitty companion, the extra-wide multi-kitty version of this house is for two cats.
| Dimensions | 19" x 22" x 17" |
| Cat capacity | 1 |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
Pros
- Can be placed anywhere
- Foam and straw insulation for warmth
- Top comes off for cleaning or air-drying
- Minimal setup
Cons
- Only one door
Best for: Cat shelter from cold and weather that doesn't require electricity, so it can be placed anywhere. This has foam insulation at the top and bottom and comes with straw to make a bed.
Features: The Kitty Tube is made of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, according to the brand's website, and it's designed to protect outdoor cats and feral cats from the elements. Unlike some other outdoor cat houses, this one only has a single door to ensure the inside retains as much heat as possible.
Although this house isn't raised off the ground, it features a thick layer of foam insulation on the bottom to prevent the floor from getting too chilly or wet. It comes with straw to make a bed, and the brand says it can be an appropriate place for a mama kitty to have her kittens.
The top comes off for cleaning or air-drying the house. Assembly doesn't require any tools but reviewers recommend watching the YouTube video that explains how to set it up.
Other versions: For a couple of extra dollars you can buy a model with a pillow inside instead of straw.
| Dimensions | 24" x 24" x 23" |
| Cat capacity | 2 |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
Pros
- Give indoor cats some outdoor time
- Four levels, seven perches, plus hideaways
- Room for them to jump and play
- Add a litter box and cat bed for all-day fun
Cons
- You'll need to let the cats in and out
- Not a truly weatherproof shelter
Best for: Giving house-dwelling kitties some fresh air and birdwatching (but not bird catching) time. "Catios are meant to be an outdoor enrichment environment for otherwise indoor cats," explains Dr. Conrad. "They do not protect against rain, wind, or snow."
Features: This a large structure (70 inches high) with a 64-inch door so that adults can enter to clean or fetch kitties. The mesh walls are excellent for letting your cat experience outdoor time without worrying about them wandering away.
Seven perches are in low, medium, and high positions. Cats can jump and play, and there are two enclosed sleeping spaces. There's space at the bottom for a litter box.
Online reviewers say that this takes several hours to build, and recommend that two people build it together.
Other versions: This version only has a tarp roof, which is weather-resistant but not as weatherproof as asphalt. You'll want to place it under an overhang. For an asphalt roof, a feature Dr. Conrad recommends to help keep the inside protected from sun or drizzle, step up to the extra large version.
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 62" x 18" x 70" |
| Cat capacity | 2 to 3 |
| Weight | 88 lbs |
Pros
- Cat can climb up to the second floor, out of reach of dogs
- Includes an escape door
- Roof opens up for easy cleaning
Cons
- Wood will wear down over time in the elements
Best for: Cats who need or want an elevated cat house.
Features: A little cat psychology: They love to be up high, looking down below. That's the appeal of this outdoor cat house with a sheltered view from the second story. Your outdoor cat can climb up there, then survey its dominion. Dogs and other nuisances (kids included) can't bother a skittish cat in this house as easily, and just in case, there is an escape door that the cat can use to get out.
The roof opens up so you can clean the inside. The board between the two stories can also be removed so you can clean out the first floor as well.
The wood will wear down in the elements over time, but the asphalt roof offers some good protection. The brand says it should take 30 minutes to an hour to assemble this following the four pages of instructions and using an electric drill and/or a Phillips screwdriver.
Other versions: If you've got a larger colony of cats, there's also a popular model with an extra room on the back.
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 27" x 23" x 38" |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Cat capacity | 3 |
Pros
- Nice and compact
- Slanted asphalt roof helps keep out rain and snow
- Lifted off the ground to avoid dampness
- Includes an escape door
Cons
- Smallest on our list
Best for: Anyone looking for a simple wooden cat house for just one cat.
Features: The same brand that makes our best overall choice also offers this smaller wooden A-frame cat shelter, which can fit just one cat. Its compact size makes it more affordable and easier to tuck into a corner of your yard or patio.
Legs lift the house two inches off the ground to help prevent the floor from becoming damp. Both the PVC curtains on the door and the slanted asphalt roof help keep out wind, rain, and snow. The brand says the house is weatherproof.
Like the previous choice, this mini version also has an escape door, on the opposite side of the front door. That way, if an unwelcome guest like a neighboring dog sticks its head in, the cat can sneak out the back way.
This is just for one cat, and some online reviewers report that it's smaller than they expected.
Other versions: There's also a two-level A-frame for multiple cats.
| Dimensions | 20" x 20" x 23" |
| Cat capacity | 1 |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs |
How we chose the best outdoor cat houses
I am the owner of two cats and share a home with a cousin who has two more. That's her cat Buddy, shown in our backyard, a feral who was enticed to live inside. We still have a DIY wooden outdoor cat house in our backyard that used to house a true feral, RiRi, who never did want to live indoors. RiRi passed away, but if I could do it again, I'd buy her a better house.
To research the best outdoor cat houses, I first interviewed veterinarian expert Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., of Wellhaven Pet Health outside of Portland, Oregon, to get a better understanding of the right materials for outdoor cat houses, how to protect against extreme weather, and additional features you should look for. Then I researched trusted brands and read online reviews to see how the houses perform over time, in different parts of the country.
What to consider when shopping for an outdoor cat house
Things to consider:
✔️ Number of cats: One of Dr. Conrad's rules: "Make sure the house is big enough to accommodate the number of animals that are to be housed there." Smaller houses can be budget-friendly and great for a solo cat, but you'll want to spring for something larger if you've got more than one feline.
✔️ Climate: For hot climates, Dr. Conrad suggests finding a lighter colored house to help "reflect heat and keep the interior cooler."
For colder climates, she notes that flaps on the doors can help keep heat in and moisture, rain, and snow out. Some cat houses can even be heated. A tip from the Kitty Tube brand: If the house has a plastic or vinyl door cover, consider leaving it off at first, so the cat doesn't have to pass through anything on its initial visits. When you install the door flap later, your cat will already trust the house.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: If you've got a cat living in one of these outdoor houses for an extended period it will need a good cleaning every now and then. Some houses have removable roofs or are made of materials that can be hosed down.
✔️ Perches and porches: Dr. Conrad recommends outdoor cat houses with perches for pets that like to watch the world around them.
✔️ Secondary exits: An additional exit or two helps you avoid accidentally trapping a cat inside if a predator enters through the front door.
What not to worry about:
✔️ A wide door: Even big cats can fit through small openings. A small door is better at blocking out the elements—and inquiring dogs.
✔️ Whether a cat takes to it immediately: Cats rarely give humans instant gratification. You might spend an hour building a beautiful outdoor shelter and a cat will just stare at it with disdain. Likely when you're not watching, the cat will creep over and peek in. If you leave a bowl of food inside or tuck a catnip toy in there, you can provide further incentive for them to move in. When they're ready, they'll probably love it.
How to insulate an outdoor cat house
Cats like warmth. Outdoor shelters will heat up a bit with just a cat's body heat, but to really get a feral feline or adventurous cat companion comfortable, try adding any of these:
- Straw bedding, like you'd use for rabbits, can work for cats too. We like this organic bedding straw that's a bit silky. The three-pound box should be all you need for one cat house. Don't use hay, which decomposes quickly; plus other animals will want to eat it. Straw is best for animal bedding insulation.
- Styrofoam or other foam boards can be lined on the walls of a cat house for a little extra protection from the cold. Simple foam boards, like the kind you might use for crafting, can be cut to fit. The Humane Society says you can also stuff a pillowcase with packing peanuts and use it against a wall.
According to the Humane Society and Bidawee, it's not recommended to put blankets or towels on the floor of the cat house, since they retain moisture and can steal a cat’s body heat.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn has had an outdoor cat shelter in her backyard for years, a holdover from when she had a feral cat living there. Her own two cats, and her cousin's two cats downstairs, stay indoors except for a few supervised walks in the backyard or on the patio. She's recently written about her cat's favorite cat couch as well as the best cat litter and her experience with the Litter-Robot 4.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
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