8 Best Outdoor Cat Houses & Shelters in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks!

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Fumipets

Outdoor Cat Houses & Shelters

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Outdoor cat homes are essential for cats to survive severe and snowy winters, regardless of whether you have indoor/outdoor cats or you look after the neighborhood feral colony. In addition to providing warmth for chilly cats, cat shelters also give some security and defense against wolves, coyotes, owls, and other cats as well as other predators.

For almost any outdoor space, including patios, garages, farms, and backyards, there is a cat home or shelter available. While we usually agree that cats should be kept inside for their protection, we recognize that feral cats, barn cats, and cats used to living outside may not always have that choice.

For your indoor/outdoor cats or your adopted wild colony, these are the top eight outdoor cat homes and shelters. Reviews from pet owners form the basis of our ranking.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

	IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
BEST OVERALL		K&H Kitty A-Frame House	  Houses multiple cats  Escape doors  Waterproof
BEST VALUE		KatKabin Plastic Cat House	  High-grade plastic construction  Ventilation  Elevated off the ground
PREMIUM CHOICE		K&H Wide Heated Kitty House	  Wide for multiple cats  20-watt heating  Safe for use indoors and outdoors
BEST FOR KITTENS		Petsfit Outdoor Cat House	  Multiple doors for escape  Durable construction  Scratching post and balcony
		Petsfit Weatherproof Cat House	  Solid wood construction  Easy assembly  Accommodates multiple cats

The 8 Best Outdoor Cat Houses & Shelters

1. K&H  Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame House – Best Overall

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Dimensions	35” x 20.5” x 20”
Material	Nylon
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	No tools required, assembly required
Features	Removable bed

K&H Pet Supplies The greatest outside cat housing and shelter overall is the Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House. The huge shelter is ideal for a neighborhood mother cat with kittens or a feral colony since it can accommodate up to four cats. The 600-denier nylon cover is waterproof and almost unbreakable to keep cats warm.

Cats may enter and exit the A-frame structure with ease thanks to the two door flaps and hook and loop material. Cats have two exits that serve as escape routes, preventing them from being trapped by a predator. Although the shelter lacks heat, you may add warmth by utilizing an outside heated pet bed. In places where there was a lot of rain or snow, several reviewers ran into problems. Despite this, we still think that this is the top outdoor cat housing available right now.

Pros

• Houses multiple cats
• Escape doors
• Waterproof

Cons

• Not suitable for areas with heavy rain and snow

2. KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House – Best Value

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Dimensions	22” x 16” x 13”
Material	Plastic
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	No tools required, assembly required
Features	Machine-washable cushion

The greatest outdoor cat housing and shelter for the money is the KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House. The cats are protected from bad weather and harsh temperatures by the high-grade fade-resistant plastic used to build the housing. The home provides extra shade on hot days and keeps cats warm throughout the winter since it is elevated off the ground.

The shelter’s oval form encourages airflow, and the clip-on cat flap may be added or taken out for increased ventilation. For comfort, it has a machine-washable cushion. However, several reviews raised concerns about the product’s manufacturing and durability. Reviewers claim that the plastic is thin and could be prone to breaking or shattering.

Pros

• High-grade plastic construction
• Ventilation
• Elevated off the ground

Cons

• Plastic may split or crack

3. K&H Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House – Premium Choice

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Dimensions	23” x 17.5” x 4.75”
Material	Nylon
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	No tools required, assembly required
Features	Heated, removable bed

The best option for a cat housing is the Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House from K&H Pet Products. Multiple cats may fit comfortably in the broad shape, which also has two exits for evading predators. For water resistance, the exterior comprises a vinyl backing and 600-denier nylon.

You just need to Velcro the cover on to build the home; no extra tools are needed. The home also features a cover and 20-watt heating for comfort in the rain, wind, and snow. The home may be utilized as an interior or outdoor building. Some reviewers stated that the heating pad wasn’t effective or broke down quickly. In particularly cold areas, the heat may not be enough.

Pros

• Wide for multiple cats
• 20-watt heating
• Safe for use indoors and outdoors

Cons

• Heating pad may not work
• Not suitable for extremely cold climates

4. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House w/ Scratching Pad – Best for Kittens

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Dimensions	30.31” x 22.24” x 28.74”
Material	Wood, steel
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	Tools included, assembly required
Features	Scratching post

Three cats up to 18 pounds may fit within the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Scratching Pad, a roomy cat condo. Kittens have lots of options for play with the balcony, ladder, doors, and scratching post in the elevated home, which has an asphalt roof and raised design to keep dry and warm.

With a front entrance and an exit door, the shelter’s cats can avoid being trapped. The home is made of sturdy wood and steel, and it comes with a screwdriver and pre-drilled holes for fast and simple construction. The home may be utilized as an indoor condo even though it is made to withstand the elements. The cost of the home is its sole drawback.

Pros

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

Cons

• Expensive

5. Petsfit 2-Story Weatherproof Outdoor Cat House

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Dimensions	22.6” x 21.46” x 32.13”
Material	Wood
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	Tools included, assembly required
Features	Opening top

An asphalt roof protects the Petsfit 2-Story Weatherproof Outdoor Cat House’s two stories against wind, snow, and rain. Two doors enable your cat to enter and exit the home at will and serve as an escape route in the event of predators. The condo can hold two or three cats that weigh less than 15 pounds, depending on the size of the animals.

The cat house’s opening roof, which makes inside cleaning simple and quick, is one of its greatest features. The home has to be put together, but assembly instructions, a screwdriver, and pre-drilled holes in the wood are all supplied. This home is not appropriate for areas where wildfires are common because of the fact that it is made entirely of solid wood, which poses a fire risk.

Pros

• Solid wood construction
• Easy assembly
• Accommodates multiple cats

Cons

• Fire hazard

6. Kitty City Outdoor Cat House

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Dimensions	19.5” x 22.5” x 21.25”
Material	Engineered wood and polyester
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	Tools not included, assembly required
Features	Insulated

The magnificent Kitty City Outdoor Cat House features a lot of insulation for cold weather. The home includes two retractable flaps that cover each exit, four walls, and a tent-like ceiling. Cats may be removed if they feel uncomfortable using the flap to enter. Cats are prevented from being trapped by predators within the shelter by the second door.

Fabric that is resistant to water was used to build the walls, which provide weather protection. This bed’s drawback is that it requires assembly and doesn’t come with any tools. It only accommodates one cat and is a little smaller than other outdoor cat shelters.

Pros

• Durable wood and fabric construction
• Insulated
• Removable door flaps

Cons

• Assembly required
• No tools included
• Small

7. Trixie 3-Story Wooden Outdoor Cat Home

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Dimensions	22” x 23.5” x 37”
Material	Solid wood
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	Tools included, assembly required
Features	Hinged shutters, flaps

Your cat will like living in the Trixie 3-Story Wooden Outdoor Cat Home since it is so gorgeous and safe. For extreme weather, the home is constructed of solid wood with a waterproof coating. There are many doors with flaps that keep out the wind and rain, and the windows feature moveable shutters for aesthetic appeal.

The ground level is elevated to promote airflow, which keeps the ground dry on wet days. Cats can play or relax on three different levels. You may even use the cat home indoors if you’d like. The home is adorable, however it could be too small for huge breeds. Quality control concerns, such as cracked panels or missing pieces, were also mentioned by reviewers.

Pros

• Multiple levels
• Solid, waterproof wood construction
• Hinged shutters and door flaps

Cons

• Tight spaces
• Quality control issues

8. Petmate Kitty Kat Condo Outdoor Cat House

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Dimensions	26” x 25.25” x 18.5”
Material	Plastic
Mount type	Freestanding
Tools and assembly	No tools required, assembly required
Features	Carpeted floor

An igloo-shaped cat housing, the Petmate Kitty Kat Condo Outdoor Cat House offers warmth and protection from the elements. The cozy carpet on the floor acts as insulation, keeping your cat cool in the summer and warm in the winter. To maintain your cat’s nails healthy, use the carpet as a scratching post. Soft foam fills the inside, while a strong shell on the outside deters vermin.

Although the shelter’s shell and dome shapes will keep out rain, it would be advisable to elevate it to avoid flooding. Additionally, since there is only one entrance in the shelter, your cat may get trapped by predators with no way to escape.

Pros

• Hard outer shell
• Insulated interior
• Carpeted floor

Cons

• May flood
• Only one entryway

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Outdoor Cat House & Shelter

For indoor/outdoor cats as well as feral colonies, outdoor cat shelters are excellent. They may provide cats a comfortable, dry place to hide out during inclement weather and keep predators at bay. There are many different kinds of cat homes, and your specific demands will determine which one is ideal for you.

Insulation

Insulation is often seen as a key factor in cat homes. Insulation keeps your cat warm during chilly weather in frigid areas. Insulation keeps the shelter from becoming too hot and humid for your cat in hot regions.

Remember that without materials that are resistant to water, insulation is pointless. The insulation won’t function properly if the shelter’s inside becomes wet. It could be desirable to raise the shelter if you reside in an area with frequent heavy downpours in order to avoid flooding.

Waterproofing

Whether it’s treated wood, a water-resistant nylon or plastic shell, or some other material, most outdoor cat shelters feature some kind of waterproofing. Remember that waterproofing only goes so far; if you want to use the shelter in wet or icy weather, it should be located in a protected area like a garage, porch, shed, or under a deck.

Although it is the most wind- and rain-proof material available and offers minimal insulation, plastic ages fast in direct sunshine. Although wood products are strong, if they are exposed to moisture they may deteriorate over time. Fortunately, you may assist with this by keeping the wood in good condition and waterproofing as necessary.

Simple to erect and perhaps water-resistant are fabric homes made of materials like nylon. However, they can’t waterproof to the same extent as plastic or wood. Fabric homes are also vulnerable to harm by your cat or an intruding animal. Fabric is OK if you’re designing the home for an interior location that will be cooler than the rest of the house, such a covered porch or garage.

Construction

All cat homes must be put together after purchase, although the amount of labor and complexity vary. Typically, fabric homes are quick to build and take apart and employ Velcro, snaps, or zippers. Many businesses provide a screwdriver and pre-drilled holes to make assembly of wood or mixed materials quick and simple.

Disassembly is just as important as assembly. To relocate or clean within your shelter, you may need to disassemble it. Fabric cat shelters are simple to disassemble for cleaning, but they tend to retain moisture and could need more work. Although they are more difficult to deconstruct, wooden and plastic cat shelters may just need a power wash once a year to maintain clean.

Size

How many cats you want to house determines the size of your cat home. The warmth, insulation, and comfort of a smaller home are preferable for an indoor/outdoor cat if you just have one. If you have many cats, particularly if you keep feral cats, you will need a bigger home. Remember that cats may be territorial, so it may be preferable to provide numerous smaller shelters rather than one larger one if you’re going to build shelters for a colony. Additionally, large breeds need more area than common dogs do.

When deciding which choice is the best, use your judgment. If your own cats get along and sleep together inside, they will probably get along well outside. They’ll be alright in one shelter if the colony spends time together and no one acts territorial. However, if there are many lone wild cats in your neighborhood, they may not frequent an area where there are other cats.

Multiple Entryways

This is among the most crucial considerations when purchasing a cat housing in a predator-prone environment. A shelter with just one entryway puts your cat susceptible to being surrounded, regardless of how many feral cats or other animals are in your neighborhood, such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. Your cat may not be able to flee and be safe if this occurs.

Pick a cat shelter with a second exit so your cat may escape. Your cat may simply utilize the exit if another animal enters the shelter to leave. Make an informed decision on your cats’ safety in the neighborhood.

Heating

Although some shelters provide insulation, it may not be sufficient in harsh temperatures. Additional elements, such heated pads, may be required in regions subject to severe precipitation, snowfall, or extreme cold to keep cats comfortable.

Always use straw for bedding if heated pads aren’t a possibility. Straw keeps your cat warm in cold weather and lets them burrow whereas blankets don’t retain heat and may actually make them colder. Straw also keeps dry and repels moisture, which helps it retain heat well. Under the absence of straw, cats may burrow in shredded (not folded!) paper to keep warm.

Conclusion

For outdoor cats or feral colonies that need a warm, secure refuge during inclement weather, outdoor cat shelters are fantastic. The greatest outdoor cat housing overall, the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Unheated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House has enough room for a colony. The KatKabin DezRez Plastic Cat House features a sturdy plastic shell that shields against rain, wind, and snow if you desire value. The K&H Pet Products Extra-Wide Outdoor Heated Kitty House, which has its own heating pad, is the best option.