Top 5 best outdoor cat houses and  and Shelters

Cats are a little tougher than they seem – they can enjoy an outside life year-round if you provide them with proper shelter. You’ll have to invest a little time and money, but it’s worth every penny!

Cat shelters are very important for cats to find safety and protection from predators, like owls, coyotes, wolves, and other cats. They can also provide warmth for them.

Cats are constantly looking for places to live and you can find a cat house or shelter for virtually every outdoor setting. From patios to garages, farms to backyards, cats will be happy in various outdoor living spaces.

Caring for ferals, barn cats, and cats accustomed to outdoor environments is a complicated process. However, it’s important that no pet be left neglected or in unsanitary conditions.

There are a lot of outdoor cat houses out there, but these ones will make the decision much easier. The items on our list are based on reviews from pet owners.

Quick Answer: Top 5 best outdoor cat houses and  and Shelters

K&H Pet Outdoor Kitty House Cat Shelter 

K& H Pet Products Outdoor A-Frame House is the best outdoor cat house and shelter overall in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.

All cats need a home – whether it’s for a foster or rescue colony, or a kitty mommy with her babies, this shelter will keep them happy. The 600-denier nylon cover is waterproof to keep felines warm and dry–and don’t worry, they won’t be getting wet!

The A-frame design is perfect for cats because the two openings provide them with exits from predators. The innovative design also features lightweight materials that let cats move easily in and out. The shelter may not be heated, but it has everything your pet will need to keep them comfortable in any weather. Some reviewers had issues with heavy rain or snow but overall we still think that this is one of the best outdoor kitty houses on the market this year.

Pros

• Houses multiple cats
• Escape doors
• Waterproof

Cons

This houses is not intended for use in areas prone to heavy rain & snow.

Kitty City Outdoor Cat House

The Kitty City Outdoor Cat House is a luxurious home to cater to your cats’ every comfort. With four walls and a tented roof, it also has removable flaps that cover both exits so they can easily get out whenever they want to! The second door is handy, and cats are still able to avoid predators that would continue to hunt them if they were caught off guard by the door flap.

The walls are made of water-resistant fabric that protects against the elements. The bed, however, needs to be assembled and doesn’t come with any tools. It’s also a bit small and won’t fit all houses.

Pros

• Cat houses are made of durable wood and fabric that won’t fall apart.
• Insulated
• Removable door flaps

Cons

• Assembly required
• No tools included
• Small

K&H Pet-Outdoor house Cat Shelter

The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House is the best option for a cat house! It has a large design that can accommodate many cats and also features single and double exits for escape routes in case of surprise predators. Its exterior made out of vinyl with a nylon fabric backing helps with staying dry when it’s raining or snowing outside. The house is easy to assemble and requires no special tools. In addition to the cover, it also has 20-watt heating for when everything else fails.

The house can be used in the outdoors, or indoors. Some reviewers complained that the heating pad doesn’t work or fails to provide heat soon as expected. This may be a problem if you are living in an extremely cold climate that needs extra heat to keep warm throughout the day.

Pros

• Wider for multiple cats
• 20-watt heating
• Safe for use

Cons

• The heating pad may not work
• Keep in mind that this house is not suitable for extremely cold climates.

Petsfit Cat House for Outdoor Cats 

With the rise in popularity of cats, more options for indoor cat houses are understandable. The Petsfit Cat House has plenty of room for your cats to play and roam as they please. It is also insulated and will not get wet from the rain or snow.

The new design features a door for a cat to enter and exit. It is made of durable wood and steel and has pre-drilled holes where screws are needed. There is also an included screwdriver for quick assembly.

Though the house is designed to weather the outdoors, it can be ignored and used as an indoor condo as well. The only con with this house is that it’s very expensive.

Pros

• Multiple doors for escape
• Scratching post and balcony
• Durable construction

Cons

• Expensive

TRIXIE Pet 3-Story Cat’s House

If you love getting off the couch to play with your adorable cat, a 3-story house is perfect for them. Every room provides more entertainment than ever before. Not to mention that they’re super durable and waterproof! The windows in this cathouse are part of its pleasing aesthetics, and they have multiple doors with flaps that protect your home from the weather.

Aside from the obvious bonus of not having wet, muddy floors, cats now have three floors to play or lounge on! This has multiple benefits – it keeps the floor dry in stormy weather, and also adds an extra activity for your cat. As much as the quality control can be a bit inconsistent, this is a very cute little house that’s perfect for your favorite large breeds!

Pros

• Multiple levels
• Solid
• waterproof wood construction

Cons

• Tight spaces and quality control issues

How to choose the best outdoor cat house and shelter ?

It’s important to provide your cats with a warm, dry place to stay, especially during bad weather or winter. Outdoor cat houses provide this, and they can be found in different types so that you can find the right one for your needs.

Size

The type of size you’re looking for will depend on the number of cats you have. If you have one cat, a smaller home is better because it offers insulation and comfort, as well as a level of warmth.

Adding or increasing the number of cats in your house may require a larger space, especially if you’re housing feral cats. Be mindful of where they will be placed and offer multiple smaller shelters rather than one big shelter that could lead to territorial issues. Having larger-than-average breed dogs at home can be worth the space it takes up. Use your own judgment when deciding which type of cats should go outside. Cats who live together inside and get along will likely get along well outside as well.

If your group of feral cats has a positive reputation and exhibits friendly behaviors, they should be able to coexist with others. If your colony is territorial and people avoid them, it would be best to look for other potential homes.

Waterproofing

Most cat houses are built to be waterproof. You can find them with wood, or a treated wood & water-resistant plastic or nylon shell.

Rainy or snowy? Plan for a sheltered location like a garage, porch, or shed, but keep in mind that only having this habitat in place will make it less reliable.

Plastics are waterproof, wind & rain resistant and fairly inexpensive. They are also excellent insulation against the heat and cold, but do get heat trapped due to their lack of air flow. Wood materials are durable but can be damaged by moisture unless you take the necessary precautions. By caring for these materials and waterproofing as needed, you can help ensure they last longer.

Fabric houses are easy to assemble and most resistant materials. Not as tough as plastic or wood, but water-resistant nonetheless.

Insulation

Consider if you’re looking for a way to keep your cat inside extra cozy this winter. If you live somewhere that’s cold or are buying during the winters, then you may consider getting a heated house for your cat. If you’re considering adding an outdoor cat house, consider one that includes a heater to protect your cat’s health.

Predator protection 

Which outdoor cat house is best for your pet needs? Anything that is durable and offers protection will stand up to potential predators. When designing a feral cat house, it’s important to consider the escape door, since predators can sometimes get in and harm the cats.

Conclusion

An outdoor cat shelter is a wonderful place for cats who don’t have anywhere else to go when the weather gets bad. TRIXIE Pet 3-Story Cat’s House and K&H Pet Outdoor Kitty House Cat Shelter is the best choice that we recommend for you.

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