When winter rolls in and temperatures dip, one of the most loving things you can do for your outdoor cat—or that community cat you’ve been looking out for—is to give them proper shelter. Outdoor cat houses are essential for keeping cats safe, dry, and warm through the colder months. But with so many options on the market, you might be wondering: should you go with a plastic or wood cat house for winter?
Both materials have their pros and cons, and the decision isn’t as simple as choosing whichever one is cheaper or better looking. It’s about comfort, insulation, and the specific climate your cats will face. Let’s break down the differences between plastic and wood outdoor cat houses, and help you decide which is best for your feline friend this winter.
Understanding the Materials: Plastic vs. Wood
Plastic Cat Houses: What You Should Know
Plastic outdoor cat houses are typically lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. They’re often made from molded polyethylene or PVC, and are designed to be waterproof and weather-resistant.
Insulation Qualities: While plastic is great at repelling water and doesn’t rot or absorb moisture like wood, it’s not naturally a great insulator. That means without added insulation, plastic cat houses can get quite cold in the winter. Some models come with built-in insulation or double-walled designs that improve heat retention, but not all do—so it’s something to check for.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Usually less expensive
- Easy to sanitize
- Doesn’t rot or attract insects
Cons:
- Less natural insulation
- May crack in extremely cold weather
- Can feel drafty without proper sealing
Wood Cat Houses: What You Should Know
Wooden cat houses offer a more traditional look and tend to be sturdier and more naturally insulating. They’re commonly built from cedar, pine, or fir, and many come with shingled roofs or elevated designs for added protection.
Insulation Qualities: Wood is a better natural insulator than plastic. It can help maintain a more stable internal temperature during fluctuating winter days and nights. A well-constructed wooden cat house with proper insulation and weatherproofing can provide excellent protection even in harsher winter climates.
Pros:
- Naturally better insulation
- Sturdy and durable
- Can be modified easily (add insulation, heat pads, flaps)
- Often more appealing in backyard aesthetics
Cons:
- Heavier and harder to move
- Requires maintenance (sealing, weatherproofing)
- May absorb moisture if not treated
- Usually more expensive
Comparing the Two for Winter Use
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each material, let’s talk specifically about how they perform in winter. Not all winters are the same, after all. A snowy December in upstate New York looks very different from a rainy one in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here’s how each material holds up depending on the kind of winter you’re facing.
1. Insulation & Warmth
- Cold and Snowy Climates (e.g., Minnesota, Michigan): Wood cat houses tend to be the better option here. Their natural insulation, combined with added features like weatherstripping, straw bedding, and heated pads, makes them a more robust choice for long, harsh winters.
- Milder Winters (e.g., North Carolina, Georgia): Plastic cat houses can be sufficient in milder southern winters, especially if they’re placed in a sheltered area like under a porch or lean-to. Look for ones with insulation or double walls and make sure to elevate them off the ground to prevent cold seeping in.
2. Moisture and Rain Resistance
- Plastic: Wins in terms of moisture resistance. Rain, sleet, and snow won’t soak into the material. This is important in regions with wet winters, like the Pacific Northwest.
- Wood: Needs to be treated and maintained to prevent rot and warping. Water-resistant sealant and raised legs can go a long way in extending the lifespan of a wooden cat house.
3. Durability and Maintenance
- Plastic: Easier to maintain—just hose it down and it’s clean. But it may become brittle over time, especially in areas with freezing and thawing cycles.
- Wood: More durable structurally, but needs periodic upkeep. Depending on your climate, you may need to reseal or repaint it each year.
4. Customization and Comfort
- Wood: Easier to modify if you’re handy. Want to add a door flap, an extra layer of insulation, or a heating pad? Wood gives you more flexibility.
- Plastic: Limited in what you can customize, although some pre-fabricated models offer built-in heaters and other winter upgrades.
Which Is Better for Winter: Plastic or Wood?
The answer really comes down to your location, your cat’s behavior, and your own preferences.
Go With Wood If:
- You live in a cold, snowy area
- You want to customize the cat house or add insulation
- You’re okay with doing a little yearly maintenance
- You want long-term durability
Go With Plastic If:
- You live in a milder or wetter climate
- You need something lightweight and easy to move
- You want low maintenance
- You can add a heated pad or insulation insert
Pro Tips for Winterizing Any Outdoor Cat House
Regardless of the material you choose, you’ll need to winterize it properly to ensure your outdoor cat stays warm and dry:
- Raise it off the ground to prevent cold and moisture from seeping in
- Use straw, not blankets or hay—straw repels moisture and keeps cats warm
- Install a door flap to block wind and drafts
- Position the opening away from prevailing winds
- Place it in a sheltered area—under a deck, against a wall, or inside a carport
- Consider adding a heating pad (make sure it’s specifically made for outdoor use and safe for pets)
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both plastic and wood cat houses can work for winter—it’s all about how well you prepare and maintain them. A thoughtfully placed and insulated plastic cat house can be a cozy haven in North Carolina, while a heavy-duty wooden one might be a must-have for snowy Vermont.
Remember: your outdoor cat can’t turn up the heat or grab an extra blanket. It’s up to you to provide them with a space that’s safe, secure, and warm—no matter what the thermometer says.
Always monitor your outdoor cat during extreme weather. If temperatures are dangerously low or conditions become unsafe, bringing your cat inside or into a garage, shed, or enclosed porch might be necessary.
This article is not intended to replace veterinary advice. If your cat is showing signs of illness or distress, please contact your veterinarian.