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9 Best Outdoor Cat Houses
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Cat Houses
Choosing an outdoor cat house involves understanding your cat's needs and the conditions it will face outside. The goal is to provide a space that’s safe, comfortable, and suitable for your climate while also being easy for you to maintain. Always picture where you’ll place the house, how your cat will access it, and if any potential threats (like bad weather or other animals) need to be considered. Think about how many cats will use it, how easy it is to clean, and how protected your pet will be year-round.MaterialThe material of an outdoor cat house determines its durability, insulation, and maintenance needs. Common options are wood, plastic, and sometimes insulated fabrics. Wooden houses tend to be sturdy and provide better insulation, making them good for colder climates, but they need more upkeep to prevent rot. Plastic houses are usually lighter and easier to clean, but may not offer as much warmth unless specially insulated. If you live somewhere with harsh weather, choose a sturdy, weather-resistant material. For milder climates, lightweight materials may be just fine.
WeatherproofingWeatherproofing ensures that the house keeps rain, snow, and wind out, maintaining a dry and comfortable interior for your cat. This includes features like sealed seams, sloped roofs, raised floors, and covered entrances. Houses with better weatherproofing are especially important in areas with frequent rain or cold winters. If you expect your cat to face wet or cold conditions, look for houses with extra insulation or double walls, while in mild regions, basic weather resistance may be sufficient.
SizeThe size of the cat house determines how comfortable it will be for your pet and whether more than one cat can use it. A house should be large enough for the cat to turn around, lie down, and stretch, but not so big that it’s hard to keep warm. If you have multiple cats, choose larger models or ones with multiple compartments. Consider your pet’s size and if you’ll ever need to shelter more than one cat, then look for a house that comfortably fits that number.
Ease of CleaningEasy cleaning ensures that the cat house remains hygienic and odor-free. Some houses have removable roofs or floors, making it simple to access the interior. Models that are tricky to take apart can become a hassle over time. If you want to keep things easy, especially if you expect to clean often, look for designs with accessible openings or detachable panels.
Entrance DesignThe entrance should be just big enough for a cat but small enough to keep larger predators or bad weather out. Some houses offer two doors: one as an escape route, which can make your cat feel safer. Flaps or covers can also help keep out drafts and rain. If your area has a lot of other animals or you want extra protection from the elements, consider houses with sheltered or dual entrances, but for safe, enclosed locations, a single doorway might suffice.
InsulationInsulation keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer, helping your cat stay comfortable year-round. Insulated walls, floors, and roofs add extra warmth, which is especially important in cold climates. For colder places, choose a house with built-in insulation; in warmer areas, simple ventilation may be more important than heavy insulation.