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Even though the temperatures are pushing upwards of 80 degrees and even over 100 here in NC, its hard to believe that in just a few short months it will be the complete opposite. Cold, muggy, snowing and miserable to those of use with warmer blood who prefer the heat (like me, haha!).
Most cats fall into the latter being adapted for desert weather. When cats find themselves astray in cold regions especially northern North America where temperatures stay below freezing constantly through the winter months, it can be quite dangerous to their survival if they don’t have access to warm shelter.
Luckily for them, we’ve got them covered. I’m going to be sharing with you the best heated outdoor cat houses there are so that we can all help give these cats comfortable dwelling in the cold.
10 Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses
Note: 1-5 are heated but 6-10 do not come with heating yet they may be a better option for your outside kitties because they offer more shelter. Some have really great insulation which will trap the cat’s natural body heat very well. But if you want to get separate heating pads you can do that as well. We will discuss our heating pad recommendations in a separate article that I’ll link to the bottom when it’s done.
- K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor Kitty Home (Heated or Unheated)
- K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame (Heated or Unheated)
- Heated Cat House with Electric Heat Mat and Plug in Timer
- Petfactors Kitty House Heated and Unheated
- Petsfit Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof Play and Hide
- Cozy Cat Furniture Large Outdoor Cat House with Platform and Loft
- Kitty Tube The Gen 3 Outdoor Insulated Cat House – Feral Option w/Straw
- New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
- Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door and Stairs
- PawHut Large Kitty Home Portable Water Resistant Heated Cat Shelter House
How To Choose A Good Heated Outdoor Cat House
Even though there aren’t too many choices when it comes to outdoor cat houses, you do have a wide range of styles to choose from. From the cute and cuddly to more bulky options, most are pretty comfy.
But what you have to remember is that your cat will be outside. That means it is exposed to elements and threats that you won’t have to consider when indoors.
This is why our #1 top recommended quality to look for in good outdoor cat shelters is safety. Then you want to consider a couple of other things after that so lets dive into more details, shall we?
Outdoor Cat House Safety
Although cats are pretty sassy creatures, being outside presents many dangers to their well-being. Some examples are:
- weather
- predators
- other cats and dogs
- environmental occurrences ex. falling trees, fires, etc.
- and more!
Your cat’s house needs to be able to handle at least the most frequent circumstances that threaten their well-being. That would be weather conditions like storms, snow, rain and high winds.
Some areas will also experience heavy flooding for which you might want to consider a way to elevate the cat shelter. Some ideas that come to my mind right away are:
- building a platform
- placing the house on your porch or other raised parts of house/building/barns/etc
- build stilts on the house (be sure it is sturdy)
One thing you don’t EVER want to do is hang the cat house from anywhere. Cats do not like unstable grounds. On top of that it can be dangerous should the house fall.
The other thing that you want to consider when setting up a cat tree are predators. Here in NC coyotes pose a real threat to outdoor animals period. Your cats and kittens are especially at risk without proper protection.
I’ve seen a coyote run off with a cat and it is not a pretty sight. But they are predators and looking for food too. So its our job to give our cats good dwelling places where they can escape predators.
Other predators you should be aware of are:
- coyotes
- raccoons
- hawks
- bobcats
- foxes
If you know anything about these predators, they’re not small or weak. So the outdoor cat house that you choose for your cat needs to be:
- sturdy
- shatterproof
- insulated
- weather-proof
Often times these might not be the cutest cat houses out there BUT from your cat’s point of view and what is best for them, they really are the best options. There are some really nicely designed ones out there which we’ll get to later on.
Insulation
Even though cats are good at surviving (aka living for long periods of time without eating/drinking) they’re really not adapted for most climates in the world, especially in the winter. That’s because cats can not handle cold or/and wet environments since they are adapted to live in the exact opposite; dry and hot.
This means that if you live anywhere on the east coast USA, Canada, Alaska, UK, etc. your outdoor cat shelter is going to need some heat or be able to trap heat. Some good insulation materials include:
- High quality, high R-value insulation
- Wood
- Carpet
- Styrofoam (Not the best but in a pinch can work temporarily)
- Fiberglass
The best insulation for your cat’s outdoor home is R-value insulation but aside from the Kitty Tube, it can be hard to find. Your next best options are wood and carpet though you want to make sure that they are both cat and weatherproofed.
Heating
Not sure why, but most outdoor cat houses don’t actually have insulation so your next best option is to add heating. Luckily for everyone involved, cat body temperatures run pretty high. This means that their own body heat makes a good source of heat.
The problem then becomes trapping the heat. So, as we mentioned earlier, you want to be sure the house has some sort of insulation even if it is just wood.
An alternative you have is to use a heated pad like the one you would put in a terrarium. Be sure that it is shockproof and water-resistant. If you live in rainy and/or snowy climates, this might not be a good option.
Because insulated outdoor cat houses are so hard to find, we have also included units that will help your cat(s) keep each other warm by using their own body heat. Honestly, our top recommendation for outdoor cat houses works this way.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KITTY TUBE!
10 Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses
1. K&H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor Kitty Home (Heated or Unheated)
This outdoor cat shelter is simply made and comes in both heated and unheated varieties. Your cat will be safe as well since it is also predator-proof.
An interesting thing about this unit is that you can easily add your own touch to it because it is paintable. You can also add any decorations you like such as stickers, drawings and more!
Just don’t go too crazy though. Remember, we still want it to blend in with nature…at least somewhat 😉
Here’s the quick breakdown of the K & H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor Thermo Kitty Home:
Size: 13″ x 15″
Color: Natural Birchwood, no-stain
Other Options:
- heated
- unheated
Max # of cats: 1 cat
Price: $
Structural Material: Birchwood
Insulation Material: Birchwood
Heated?: Yes
Comes with:
- Birchwood housing unit
- Extreme weather kitty pad (heating pad)
- Heating pad cover
Features:
- Customizable design
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Heating can be on or off
- Front and back door with plastic covers
Pros:
- Can be painted and designed the way you and your family like it
- Birchwood blends in naturally with the environment if you choose to leave it as it is
- Front and back door for an easy escape from predators or other threats
- Made in the USA
- Exceeds electrical safety standards so you can feel safe that your kitty won’t be shocked while in this unit
- Works well in subzero temperatures (even – 20-degree weather)
- Cats like natural wood better than other materials so they will be more likely to use it.
- Wood is easy to clean!
Cons
- Design might make it stand out more to predators
- Only fits one cat
Certifications: MET listed for exceeding the USA and CA electrical safety standards
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying about the K & H Pet Products Birchwood Manor Outdoor Kitty Home:
There are some good people doing some AWESOME things for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
Have a feral cat that has been hanging around for a few years. She looked thin and Iowa winters can be brutal, so bought the house. SHE LOVES IT!!! The house went together easily and we left it on lower deck next to the house without the doors. After 2 days of sniffing around she was sleeping in it. – excert from Spicyrunner
Our outdoor somewhat half-feral cat hopped in while we were still putting it together. He loves it! Plugged the heating pad in and stuck my hand in there and felt after he had been laying on it for a while and he was nice and cozy in there! – excerpt from J. A. Terwilliger on Amazon
2. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame (Heated or Unheated)
This cathouse is both unique, adorable and functional. Your cat will enjoy the comfort of staying warm and dry especially during the wet, colder months of the year.
It easily blends in with most outdoor settings and spaces like barns, garages, and sheds. It fits multiple cats but can be a little small for full-grown cats.
This unit is best for mama cats with kittens. Just be sure not to leave it completely outside because it is not sturdy and will collapse easily.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame (Heated or Unheated):
Size: 35″ x 20.5″ x 20″
Color: Chocolate
Other Options:
- heated
- unheated
Max # of cats: 1-4 cats
Exits: 2, front and back covered with plastic flaps
Cord Length: 5.5 ft
Price: $$
Structural Material: Waterproof fabric
Insulation Material: Waterproof fabric
Heated?: Yes
Comes with:
- Waterproof housing unit
- Medium K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed.
- 5ft cord
Features:
- Customizable design
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Heating can be on or off
- Front and back door with plastic covers
Pros:
- Easily fits in garages, sheds, barns, etc.
- Designed to keep your cats warm and dry
- MET safety listed heated pad exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards
- Suitable for sub-zero temperatures
Cons
- Collapses easily
- Heated pad might have technical issues
Certifications: MET listed for exceeding USA and CA electrical safety standards
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
What people are saying about the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame (Heated or Unheated):
There are some GOOD PEOPLE doing some WONDERFUL THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
Several cats were left behind by a neighbor. I couldn’t bring them all inside so I bought 2 of these houses to keep them warm. It took a day or 2 to to get used to them…Two adult cats can easily fit in this, but more than that would be tight. I’m so glad I found this product. It gives me a lot of peace of mind! – excerpt from a review by NES
I previously built an insulated box for some stray cats I’ve been feeding and although the kitties would use it occasionally, the mama cat would not. The mama cat went in and loved this heated tent right away. She and her 2 kittens will all nap in it together, so it can fit at least 3 smaller cats comfortably. They are hanging out way more often now that they have someplace warm to stay. Highly recommend if you have outdoor or stray cats. – Chelsea H.’s Review on Amazon
4. PetYella Heated Cat House with Electric Heat Mat and Plug-in Timer
Of all the outdoor shelters we’re going to look at today, I must admit that this is one of the cutest! It comes with everything you need to keep your cat warm but also tools, like a timer, to help you manage your electricity bill each month.
I really love that it comes with a corded heating pad AND an extension cord because sometimes cats prefer the house in one spot better than the other so this combination allows you to have some freedom to place the house where you need it to be.
Since it is soft-shelled, it isn’t going to be good for direct weather conditions but makes a great cat home for porches or other sheltered areas. It is a little smaller than the other houses we’ve looked at but the cords are chew proof which means your cats will be safe and not destroy the cord.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the PetYella Heated Cat House with Electric Heat Mat and Plugin Timer:
Size: 17″ x 13″ x 17″
Colors: Blue Scene
Other Options:
- heated
Max # of cats: 1- 2 normal cats, 4 small cats
Exits: 2 doors with flaps
Cord Length: 3 ft (1m)
Price: $
Structural Material: not specified, soft shell
Insulation Material: not specified
Heated?: Yes, heated cushion
Comes with:
- Heated outdoor house
- Heated pad with cord
- 13 ft extension cord
Features:
- Two exits
- Chew-proof cords
- Lightweight
- Portable
Pros:
- Portable
- Placement flexibility
- Cute design that won’t look out of place in areas like porches or gardens where you want to have that ‘cute’ factor
Cons
- Collapses easily
- Doors make it difficult for cats to get out
- Not safe for open outdoor areas
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying about the PetYella Heated Cat House with Electric Heat Mat and Plug in Timer:
There are some WONDERFUL PEOPLE doing some CARING THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
I bought this for a stay [stray] cat that I was hoping would just go away, but she didn’t. She wants inside the house so badly she lays in front of my patio doors in the rain, snow and sleet instead of taking shelter. I couldn’t stand it any longer so I bought her this house and put it in front of the door where she lays. She loves it!! She’s not fond of the doors though so I left one side of the roof unattached… – Excertp from Angie’s Review on Amazon
I bought this for our neighborhood feral cat, who hangs out in our backyard looking to be fed…I took off the door on one side, took the whole thing out back in the cold rain, and plugged it in (as noted by others, the timer is not rated for outdoor use, so I skipped this part). I put a small dish of food out in the kitty house, and within about 10 minutes, my skittish little buddy was inside eating and enjoying not being wet and cold! – Excerpt from Susan Rathgeber’s Review on Amazon.
5. Petfactors Kitty House Heated and Unheated
If you’re like me and like a lot of controls and options, this is a good outdoor cat house for your cats. The heated mat produces soft heat that can be adjusted at 7 different levels between 77 and 131 deg F. But of course, cats’ favorite temperature range is usually between 96 and 106 deg F since their body temperatures are so high.
It is also PVC fireproof and IP67 waterproof and dustproof with a removable cover for easy cleaning. It is still soft-shelled but if you live in an area with pretty mild weather, the camouflage will really help the unit to blend in with the surrounding grass and trees. Or if you are a fan of camo, just put it wherever you want under a sheltered area.
It’s easy to put up, easy to take down and my favorite among the heated cat houses. Your cats are going to love it!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Petfactors Kitty House Heated and Unheated:
Size:22″L x 18.5″W x 16.5″H
Colors: Camouflage
Other Options:
- heated
- unheated
Max # of cats: 1- 2 normal cats
Exits: 2 doors; no flaps
Cord Length: 9 ft
Price: $
Structural Material: PVC fireproof material
Insulation Material: not specified but it has insulation
Heated?: Yes, heated cushion for heated option
Comes with:
- Heated outdoor house
- Heated pad with cord
Features:
- Two exits
- Easy Assembly
- Three working modes
- 7 temperature levels
Pros:
- Portable and sturdier than other options
- Very customizable so you can find the right settings for your cats
- Has an insulation layer so that heat is trapped inside the unit keeping your kitties warm and cozy
- Low voltage heating pad so it won’t harm your cats
- Several safety certifications to ensure you cat is safe in this cat house
- Waterproof and dustproof
Cons
- Some find the colors a bit bright
Certifications: MET listed heating pad
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying about the Petfactors Kitty House Heated and Unheated:
There are some GOOD PEOPLE doing some FANTASTIC THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
Bought this for a stray that showed-up and has now become family. My husband and I put it together. Seems like the canvas, zippers, doors, etc are durable and still simple to put together. She loves her house and that makes us happy. – Brandie Riley
This is absolutely genius! It has been cold here for a few days now and my kitty just loves her new house.
So happy I have somewhere where she can stay out of the elements and stay warm. – Teresa McCoy
6. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof Play and Hide
Now we’re getting into the non-heated outdoor cat houses that are insulated and better suited for being outside in the elements. This unit is weatherproof and on stilts so that the rain or snow won’t penetrate it.
It is much larger than the houses we’ve discussed so far with two doors for an easy escape if needed. And I like that it is made from natural cedar and painted with animal-safe paint.
If you wanted to add insulation to it, you could easily do so with foam boards because being it is made with planks of boards you might find that there are some spaces between them. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea since it allows airflow but it also lets in some cold at the same time yet cedar is a good insulator in itself.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof Play and Hideout:
Size: 27.5″L x 17.5″W x 20″H
Colors: Grey, Wine red
Other Options:
- unheated
Max # of cats: 3 – 4 normal cats
Exits: 2 doors; only back has flap
Price: $$
Structural Material: natural cedar
Insulation Material: natural cedar
Heated?: no
Comes with:
- Housing unit
Features:
- Two openings
- Pretty Straightforward Assembly
- Weatherproof
Pros:
- Portable
- Weatherproof
- Sturdy
- Can house a good amount of cats
Cons
- Some units might not have holes that line up properly
- Wind might be able to penetrate the sides through the boards
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying about the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof Play and Hide:
There are some DOPE PEOPLE doing some DOPE THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
Super easy to assemble, adorable, well worth the purchase. I have a feral cat that lives outdoors, needed a place to protect her from the elements (rain and fog) and this is it…my feral cat took to it on the first night. – Excerpt from Amazon Colleen A Barbour
I bought this and another Petsfit cat house for a small colony of feral cats that live outside my house last winter. I was concerned that they might not use it, because, well, feline cliches, but within the week all 3 of the feral cats had claimed their own “house” in the tiny community we set up on our back porch and they continued to use it as the weather improved. It also keeps them out of the rain so I’m sure we’ll have use for it well into the summer. – excerpt from Dawn Summers’ Amazon Review
7. Cozy Cat Furniture Large Outdoor Cat House with Platform and Loft
When it comes to anything to do with cats, whether its a cat climbing structures, outdoor cat houses, or other structures, you can NOT go wrong with natural cedar. That’s EXACTLY what this cat shelter is made of.
Cedar is one of the best insulators you can find, it smells great, and cats LOVE it! This unit is awesome because it has a mini porch and its own shelter so your cat can be indoors or outdoors without being exposed to rain or snow.
I really like the top tray because it acts as a catchment in the muggy seasons but in the warmer seasons, cats will enjoy sunbathing in it like a sunbed. It is sturdy and MADE to withstand tough weather conditions.
This unit is also bigger than the image makes it look so don’t be fooled. Its a decent sized home for a couple of cats to cozy up warm and snug out of the elements.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Cozy Cat Furniture Large Outdoor Cat House with Platform and Loft:
Size: 24”D x 23”W x 20”H
Colors: Natural Cedar
Other Options:
- unheated
Max # of cats: 3 – 4 normal cats
Exits: 1 but you can request a back door to be added with a flap
Price: $$$
Structural Material: Natural cedar
Insulation Material: Thermal-ply
Heated?: no
Comes with:
- Housing unit
Features:
- Therma-ply
- Waterproof
- Thermal-ply
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Perfect for Summer and Winter
- Sturdy
- Can house a good amount of cats
- Natural wood is always the best option for cats
- Paintable
Cons
- Not really much to complain about here, to be honest
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
What people are saying about the Cozy Cat Furniture Large Outdoor Cat House with Platform and Loft:
There are some BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE doing some WONDERFUL THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
This cat house is very well made. All the holes are predrilled and hardware is provided. The walls are insulated and the loft addition adds even more protection from snow and rain (I opted to add an escape door and the vinyl flaps for extra protection as well). It was super easy to assemble and carry. I bought a self-warming blanket for the floor so the cats have added warmth. I cannot recommend this company enough. [I have to agree!!] They also have prompt customer service. We are all content and ready for inclement weather. Since I’m in Minnesota, that is going to happen. – A. Johnston’s Amazon Review
You need this house! My cats love these. I wanted all four cats to get a house the same day. Lil’ Bit, Tiger, Gray and Baby love to play chase and run from house to house. The loft is a popular place to rest and watch birds. – Lisa Keith’s Amazon Review
8. Kitty Tube The Gen 3 Outdoor Insulated Cat House – Feral Option w/Straw
The Kitty Tube is another favorite around here. Its built to keep your cats and feral/strays safe and warm in the winter (and safe and cool in the summer).
You don’t have to do much to it. There are options to add extra insulation and you can have it come with several different beddings. I like the straw option for this guide because straw will add even more insulation.
We have written an entire review on this unit, that’s how awesome it is and we like to recommend it if you are looking to buy multiples because it is cheaper than say a Cozy Cat Furniture outdoor cat shelter yet it is still just as good if not better. Which is also good if you are looking to buy multiple units for cats because some populations, like the one in my area, are very large.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Kitty Tube The Gen 3 Outdoor Insulated Cat House – Feral Option w/Straw:
Size (L x W x H): 24″ x 24″ x 23″
Colors: black
Other Options:
- Feral comes with straw instead of a pillow
- Door awning
- Pet Pillow
- Double Insulation (more on this later)
Max # of Cats: 3
Price: $$
Structural Material: Heavy-duty, post-consumer recycled material
Insulation Material: High quality, high R value (insulation that does not let heat escape)
BEST INSULATED OUTDOOR CAT HOUSE ON THE MARKET!
Heated?: No
Comes With:
- removeable clear flap door
- awning (overhanging door umbrella/shelter)
- fully insulated floor, sides and roof
- custom , machine washable pillow/bed
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Adjustable ventilation and airflow
- Adapts to the heat and cold
- Built-in lifting handles
- Free shipping
Pros:
- Adapts to temperature changes so it keeps your kitties the perfect temperature whether its hot or cold outside.
- Designed to protect your cats from predators especially coyotes and dogs which are their main threat, hence no second door
- Can install extra insulation to keep your kitties warm in extra cold, negative degree conditions
- Easy carry handles make it easy to lift and move
- Made in the USA so when you buy it you’re supporting the economy, local jobs, local businesses and so much more!
- Guaranteed not to chip, crack or fade for its entire lifetime so you won’t have to buy a replacement for these reasons.
Cons:
- Door is low and water may splash in at times
- Can not get a full refund after purchase
Certifications: Alley Cat Allies and Feral Fixers approved!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
What People Are Saying About the Kitty Tube The Gen 3 Outdoor Insulated Cat House – Feral Option w/Straw:
There are TONS of AMAZING stories on Amazon about how this cat shelter has helped cats so be sure to click the button below and read them ?
Our little feral cat loves this house. He is safe and warm and best of all I can rest easy knowing he has a dry place to sleep. He is in it always!! – Tim D.
Our cat is an outdoor cat who HATES to come inside, even when it’s cold. We tried making cat houses out of rubbermaid tubs and such, but he never liked them, preferring a cardboard box. He LOVES his kitty tube! Even in 20-30 degree weather, you can stick your hand in the tube and it’s warm if he’s in there. – Exert from Ann M Guthrie’s Review on Amazon
9. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
Despite its appearance, ecoFLEX is actually a comfortable, soft but still sturdy material. It’s kind of rubbery and you will love that it is made from recycled plastics and wood! (Or you should be excited about that, LOL!) It also has a 10 YEAR warranty so with a bold statement like that you KNOW its got to be good.
That makes it very good to be out in the elements because it won’t rot and is weatherproof keeping your cat safe during all seasons. This unit will also stay warm in the cold but cool in the summer.
They’re a little bit on the small side but still can fit 2 cats comfortably. An added bonus with this one, in particular, is that bugs don’t like the ecoFLEX material which means you, and your cats, won’t have to deal with them or spiders getting into it.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House:
Size: 21.8″ x 19.1″ x 20.2″
Colors: Brown
Other Options:
- unheated
Max # of cats: 1 – 2 normal cats
Exits: 2
Price: $
Structural Material: ecoFLEX
Insulation Material: ecoFLEX
Heated?: no
Comes with:
- Housing unit
Features:
- ecoFLEX
Pros:
- Waterproof, Rot-proof, Bug-proof
- Perfect for Summer and Winter
- Sturdy
- Eco-friendly, sustainably-made
- Slanted roof helps rain and snow run right off
- Material is animal and skin safe
Cons
- Small
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
What people are saying about the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House:
There are some TERRIFIC PEOPLE doing some GREAT THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
So far this is working out well for our outdoor kitty. Gives them a place to hide, and it stands up to the high-humidity of Florida. Bugs don’t like it and spiders can’t find a place put a web with how smooth the walls are. – T-‘s Review on Amazon
I’ve had the product for about one month now, and it is a quality product. It took a lot of waiting for the cat to use it, but it did for the first time today when we had a light snow. – Excerpt from Ann’s Amazon Review
10. Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door and Stairs
Out of all the units we’ve looked at, this one is the biggest and the only one with 2-stories. It is rainproof and made with pet-friendly materials.
The asphalt roofing makes sure the rain runs off and snow doesn’t stick to it. It is perfect for a mother and kittens because the stairs give the kittens somewhere to play without having to stray away from the house.
It is perfect for summer and winter. Cats love to sunbathe and even on sunny, cooler days, they all can stretch off together and enjoy the sun.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door and Stairs:
Size: 30″ x 22″ x 29″
Colors: Grey, Wine Red
Other Options:
- unheated
Max # of cats: 1 – 3 cats up to 18 lbs
Exits: 2
Price: $$
Structural Material: cedar
Insulation Material: cedar
Heated?: no
Comes with:
- Housing unit
Features:
- anti-rot cedar
- pet-friendly paint and wood
- 2-stories
- Stairs
Pros:
- Rot-proof
- Perfect for Summer and Winter
- Sturdy
- Safe for pets
Cons
- Not chew proof
- Only the roof is waterproof
- Not weatherproof
- May be hard to put together
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
What people are saying about the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House with Escape Door and Stairs:
There are some GOOD PEOPLE doing some GOOD THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
My outdoor cat loves this house. He prefers to lay on the “deck” on top, and sometimes on the roof. This way, he can keep an eye out on what is going on in the neighborhood. When a storm comes, he goes to the “indoor” compartment. Two cats fit on this nicely also. I highly recommend this cat house. – Excerpt from RN Funeral Director’s Amazon Review
Perfect shelter for our neighborhood feral cats. It was easy to put together, taking less than 30 minutes. We placed it next to our porch during the summer, semi-protected, and it seems waterproof and comfy. Also, looks very nice sitting on our front porch for the winter. Several of our feral neighbors have used it for shelter. We put a heated water/food feeding station on the upper level, which they also used and appreciate. – Lehman’s Amazon Review
11. PawHut Large Kitty Home Portable Water Resistant Heated Cat Shelter House
There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, soft bed after a hard day’s work…or maybe hunt. The thing is, cats don’t have that luxury unless we give it to them
This house provides exactly that. A warm place for cats to retreat after doing what they do outdoors. This one is good for cats to cuddle up in as well.
The only thing you want to mindful of is that since it is softshell, it won’t stand up to weather conditions like snow and can be easily collapsed by cats or other predators/threats.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the PawHut Large Kitty Home Portable Water Resistant Heated Cat Shelter House:
Size: 30.75″ x19.75″ x 20.5″
Colors: Brown, Grey
Other Options:
- heated
Max # of cats: 1- 2 cats
Exits: 2, front and back, no doors
Cord Length: Not specified
Price: $
Structural Material: 600D Oxford Cloth, Pearl Wool
Insulation Material: 600D Oxford Cloth, Pearl Wool
Heated?: Yes, heated cushion
Comes with:
- Heated outdoor house
- Heated pad
Features:
- Waterproof design
- Two exits
- Lightweight, foldable and easy to transport
Pros:
- Portable
- Great for indoor/outdoor spaces like porches, garages, etc.
Cons
- Collapses easily
- Doors are not included
- Not safe for open outdoor areas
- Heated pod might be faulty
Certifications: N/A
Rating: 3.4 out of 5
What people are saying about the PawHut Large Kitty Home Portable Water Resistant Heated Cat Shelter House:
There are some AWESOME PEOPLE doing some AWESOME THINGS for kitties with this unit. Here are some highlights:
I feed all the feral cats in the neighborhood and some just live on my wrap around porch but it has been super cold here it is 7 degrees has been as low as -4 I was afraid the cats would freeze to death I ordered two of these…put them outside and plugged in the heating pads and within 10 minutes there were 3 cats in one of the houses. – Excerpt from Annette Callesto’s Amazon Review
The heated pad stopped working after a week…This house, like others is not something I would suggest for outdoor weather conditions unless you are planning on using on a covered porch or in a garage…too soft to hold up to any snow and has no flaps to close in the two exit doors. – Excerpt from Martie Tompkins
Now I hope that you have found a good heated outdoor cat house for your outside, stray or/and feral cats. If you don’t live in extremely cold temperatures your cat’s body temperature is sufficient to warm up the cabin as it can run upwards of 100 deg F.
If you live in extremely cold temperatures, you can add a heating pad or extra insulation if necessary. Just make sure you take your own due diligence to find the right, safe choice for your situation.
I hope this information was helpful. I know it was a lot but I wanted to make sure that you got the best information I can provide. If you have any questions, feedback or more information to add to this, please be free to engage in the comments box below.
Talk to you soon!
Best Heated Cat Houses
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Wow, awesome information on here for some cool cat abodes. I found a cat that went into a car engine to get warm at night.
The next morning when the car was started it didn’t go well for the poor feline. I helped retrieve the poor thing because the guy was too shook up.
I love cats and know they just want a dry warm place especially in the winter. One of these would be great for my porch for a couple of cats near my home.
What’s one do you suggest for a medium-size cat?
Hey Dave,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. You know, you’re right. I’ve also experienced the same thing with cats getting…caught in a car engine but hadn’t thought about it when writing this article.
It is a terrifying site and pretty terrible for the cat to say the least but that doesn’t even describe it properly. Even more reason to give them better places to stay in the cold.
Any of these houses would work for a medium-sized cat. The amount of cats is really the determining factor.
How many cats are you looking to house?
I think it’s great to lay out the different outdoor cat houses. Oftentimes these cats can be forgotten about and left to fend for themselves.
Thank you for highlighting some great cat houses especially for feral cats who need a place to stay for the night. I especially liked the eco flex house and the fact it is made from recycled materials.
Also, thank you for putting so much thought into the selection of a great cat house and the right materials to use if you are making one for yourself.
I may make one myself after reading through this wonderfully written piece.
Thanks so much!!
– Ryan
Hey man,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. If you ever make one be sure to come back and let us know!
Take care and thanks in advance for helping cats in your area,
Jeff
That is such a great list of outdoor cat houses. I’ve never even thought they existed.
Glad to know that someone has the kitties in mind when it comes to staying outside of the main house. I like the tip on elevating the cat’s house for possible floods.
I think I will go for the idea of placing the cat’s house on a raised platform that is connected directly to the house. I love that the K&H Birchwood Manor is made in a simple style.
This will be fun painting to my desired color. The heating pad is definitely a plus.
Thank you for these great tips and suggestions for heated outdoor cat houses.
Hey Carol!
I’m glad you learned a lot from this guide. I hope that you can help more kitties or if not, please share it with others who might be able to.
Thanks and take care,
Jeff
Hello, Jeff.
What an excellent article as I’m a cat lover myself. I found it interesting the concept of a cat house I wonder if my cat would enjoy this she enjoys finding places to hide.
My mother has an older cat, and they have a little box she puts her self in so she can see the benefits of having one. We don’t get preditors here in NZ but have issues with temperature so I think that it would be a fantastic Christmas present for our cat.
Many Blessings to you and your cats Jeff
Hey J W,
Thanks for sharing and that sounds like an awesome idea! I hope your mom’s cat enjoys it.
Cats usually do like small closed in areas where they can’t be found, especially during certain times of the day.
Take care and many blessings to you too sir,
Jeff
You know I learn something every day and today is no different. I had no idea these heated cat houses existed and for those living in cooler environments, that is a very clever idea.
I was very impressed with how thorough and detailed you were about every aspect of these tiny cat houses and you certainly did your homework.
We always had cats growing up but were also in the south where the climate was very warm. Most of our cats were indoor yet even then my mom had the cats so spoiled she would turn on the heating blanket for them and they loved it.
It is a great point you bring up in that cats traditionally do not adjust well to extremely cold weather. My experience would definitely support that.
Best of luck, its original as well as informative and I wish you great success.
MIchael
Hey Michael,
I’m glad you found value in this information and appreciate your comment. Sometimes even temperatures that feel warm to us can feel cold to a cat.
That’s because their body temperature is very high. It is important that they stay warm and that’s really cute that your mom would put out a heated blanket for hers.
I bet they enjoyed that.
Thanks and I hope you have a good week!
Jeff
We don’t actually experience snow or super cold weather but our country’s often visited by a typhoon. We have approximately 20 visits a year.
Imagine what will it do to cats who are staying outdoors. Just by providing them even a small shelter is a good act of kindness.
The Kitty Tube Gen 3 looks like it can accommodate more than 3 cats. You can even choose your own preference for its feature, plus it looks really sturdy for an inexpensive price.
Thanks for sharing this. I hope many people will take it to their heart to donate an outdoor cathouse for the community cats. Though my top choice would be ecoflex because its environment-friendly, made with recyclable materials and I think it will last for years!
Hey Missus B,
Thanks for your comment and for sharing your thoughts on what you can do for the cats in your area.
I also like the ecoflex because it is environmentally-friendly but so is the Kitty Tube Gen 3. The Kitty Tube is made with post-consumer recycled material and is made in the USA!
Thank you for this great post!
We have a bit of a clash here at my house. I’m deathly allergic to cats but others in the house, we won’t name names, want them and actually have a few outside cats now.
We’re in northern California so it gets cold in the winter, no East Coast cold, but cold just the same. I had never considered heated cat houses, no heard of them until now.
Do you have specific recommendations based on climate/location?
I suppose, having skunks here, that I should place them up a bit so only the cats can get into them.
I look forward to your reply and will look closer at the models you have listed here.
Thank you,
Scott
Hey Scott!
Thanks for your comment and question and I’m happy to help! Thanks for helping the outside kitties even though you’re deathly allergic. It means a lot to us and the cats and I suffer from bad allergies so I know how uncomfortable they can be.
From what you’ve described, I would definitely recommend the Kitty Tube Gen 3. It has insulation to keep them warm in the cold and it is also designed to keep them cool in the summer.
That means you, or whoever cares for the cats, won’t need to do anything to it as the seasons, temperatures and weather conditions change.
As far as skunks go, yes, you can elevate it. Since skunks can’t jump and even have great difficulty climbing, they won’t be able to reach it to get in.
Just be sure that whatever you raise it on is safe, secure and doesn’t rock or your cats might not use it either.
Hope this helps! 🙂
>Click here to learn more about the Kitty Tube Gen 3
Thanks for a great post, really appreciate this! I have a Bengal cat and she enjoys going out in her catio.
We’ve been looking at getting her some kind of house so this came at a perfect time. I will be checking out the different options and seeing what’s the best fit for her and choosing accordingly.
It’s so important to provide a safe refuge place for cats. They need to have to be safe and feel comfortable when they are outdoors.
It’s a fine balance as they love to explore but you want to keep them safe. Our furry friends matter! Thanks again.
Hey Judy!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. That’s awesome that you have a catio for your Bengal cat.
They are such gorgeous kitties.
I actually know quite a bit about Bengals and how much activity they need, etc. Since you already have a closed-in area for your’s to explore the outdoors, I would recommend that you put up one or more cat trees.
And I don’t mean the flimsy cheap ones because I know they will snap in a minute under a Bengal’s high activity. Here is a list of the best cat trees for Bengal Cats
This way, your cat will have a place to find refuge but still be outside. It will also be nice and sturdy so that he can jump, climb and play on it too!
If you’re interested in learning more about cat trees for Bengal Cats, you can click on the link below. Hope this helps and take care! 🙂
>Click here to learn more about the Best Cat Trees For Bengal Cats
Right now, I don’t think I will want to cat my fur baby outside and this is because of the introduction you gave here. I wouldn’t want to expose her to any such danger.
I think I should learn how to deal with the mess she makes inside. Better to have a messy cat than to lose her.
Do you have any tips on how to deal with the cat’s mess or how to curb it? I’d be really glad.
Thank you for showing me those dangers from those predators.
Hey Henderson,
Thanks for your comment and question. I really appreciate your efforts to make your cat feel at home in your home.
Sadly, too many people just throw their cats outside. I will definitely write a full post on this because yes, cats can be a handful and frustrating. Haha, I know, I have three inside cats and I take care of the outside ones I seem to have inherited.
First of all, understand that your cat is not as self-centered as you may think. She does want some attention, albeit not a lot of it.
Second, have a safe place for her to escape. A couple of good quality cat trees will be excellent additions to your home.
Lastly, let her know that you WANT her to be there. Love her. Talk to her. Try out some toys and see what she likes. Play with her and respect her as a cat.
You will find a comfortable cat who feels safe and secure is much less messy. And when you get that energy out with playing, she’ll sleep like a baby all day and night.
Hope this helps 🙂
Marlinda
This post is really comprehensive but I needed to go through all the options because as you have said, the weather is getting colder and so it is very dangerous for our cats. I want to get one for our family cat.
Your list is very good and I must confess, I had a hard time picking which one because they all looked cool but I want a heated cat house. I’ll show those options to my family and then we’ll go from there. Regards!
Hey John,
I’m glad you found tons of value in this information. I hope that you and your family find the right one for your cat.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask 🙂
Marlinda
At what temperature range should I be concerned that my cat needs to have a heating pad?
I live on the west coast and we don’t get a lot of snow. We do get just below freezing though in the winters.
His house outside is well insulated and protected. I did however see some cat houses you posted that look like cute upgrades in design.
Hey Faye,
Thanks for your comment and question. The temperature you set the heating pad really depends on the climate and day.
As you have explained, the temperature where you live isn’t too bad so you can set it between 35 and 75 deg F. Do not go over 100 deg because cats can’t cool down as good because they can’t sweat.
I will write a further in-depth discussion on the topic later but I hope this information has helped. Be sure that your cats are not panting or it might be too hot for them.
Take care,
Marlinda
I have two cats back home, both are a bit strange when it comes to finding shelter if they get stuck outside. Sometimes we can find them in the weirdest places in the garage or our basement.
But they are always happy when the front doors get open. They storm in like a torpedo. 🙂
Anyway, it would be cool to get them one of these outdoor houses just in case if they got stuck outside again (and they will) they have somewhere nice to crawl in and get warm.
Thanks for sharing this list. Much appreciated!
Hey Ivan!
Yes, cats can get very confused and disoriented. You could get them an outside cat house but I think a much more enjoyable safer option might be an outdoor cat enclosure.
That way you can let your cats outside and let them interact with nature in a safe way. They won’t be in danger and you won’t have to worry about them getting lost.
>>Click here to learn more about the Best Outdoor Cat Enclosure
I have two cats back home, both are a bit strange when it comes to finding shelter if they get stuck outside. Sometimes we can find them in the weirdest places in the garage or our basement but they are always happy when the front doors get open. The storm in like a torpedo. 🙂
Anyway, it would be cool to get them one of these outdoor houses just in case if they got stuck outside again (and they will) they have somewhere nice to crawl in and get warm. Thanks for sharing this list. Much appreciated!
Hey Ivan,
Your cats sound wonderful. That sounds like cats alright. They will cram themselves in the tightest places.
I would definitely recommend that you get a good weatherproof outdoor cat house. I would definitely recommend the Kitty Tube Gen 3 for you.
It will fit right into your garage perfectly without taking up too much space. Your cats will be so thankful!
Take care! You can click the link below to learn more about Kitty Tube if you want to,
Marlinda
>Click Here To Learn More About Kitty Tube Gen 3
This is an interesting article, it’s true that cold weather is not favored by cats and it’s very dangerous for their health. I actually didn’t know that there are Heated outdoor cat houses because when I was young, what we had then was just the wooden house for the cats outside.
I love the idea and it’ll really help save the lives of many cats, the Heater houses you suggested here are really nice. I’ll share this article with some of my friends and I know they’ll like it.
This is informative and I’ve learned too. Thanks
Hey Drea!
Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing your experience with us! Honestly, wooden outdoor cat houses are good as well. You can insulated ply and some woods like cedar are naturally good insulators.
I’m glad to know that you made your own outdoor cat houses for cats. Thanks so much to you and your family and friends for caring!
Take care and if you want to learn more about different materials for outdoor cat houses, check out this aritcle about the differences between wood and plastic,
Marlinda
Hi Jeff,
This is a very informative post, I have certainly learned a lot from this. I had not really considered that cats may sleep outside before.
These heated outdoor cat houses are new to me, but they are a great idea and there is a lot of thought that goes into them.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad that you found a lot of value in this information.
Take care,
Marlinda
Hello Jeffrey,
I must say that this article is very helpful and informative.
I have 2 adult cats and they are primarily with me in the house but they enjoy going outside and sometimes come back the next day. Winter is coming and I am definitely decided to buy two outdoor houses for my little friends.
It is not an expensive investment and they will be very grateful.
Thank you for sharing.
Hey Danijel!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful cats with us. I am glad you found value in this information and am glad to hear that you’ll be getting them an outdoor cat house because cats can not stand the cold.
I hope they enjoy it and please feel free to ask any questions or share your own experience in the comments of any post on this site.
Take care,
Marlinda
Being an animal lover, I assume this site and these houses are dedicated to stray cats. I love the idea of stray cats having a place to keep warm.
The post explains its purpose and then goes on to show and describe ten heated cat houses. I like the way each house has a link to where to buy it and how people are using these houses.
My father had a store and he would feed stray cats and they would always come around looking for a place to sleep. Good job.
Aww, THANK you and your dad for taking care of the stray cats in your area
Great article about 10 best heated outdoor cat houses in 2019 I would say! We have been seeking some solution for our cat.
There are not many predators but it needs to be heated and work on subzero temperatures if possible. I will take a further look on some of these you reviewed, thanks for sharing this.
Does anyone these can be shipped to the EU or Scandinavian area?
Hey Jesse!
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you found value in this information.
I’m not sure which ones ship to EU/Scandanavia, but for subzero temperatures, you can look into the Kitty Tube Gen 3 for a couple of reasons.
It is very well insulated and built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Even though it is well insulated, it has room for you to add even more insulation.
Cats temperatures run high anyway so they will keep the unit warm with their own body heat. However, if you still want to add a heating pad, it is easy to do so with the Kitty Tube.
For more info, check out our full review on the Kitty Tube Gen 3 by clicking the link below!
>Click here to learn more about the Kitty Tube Gen 3
I did not realize there were so many types of cat houses to choose from. My husband was thinking of building one, but when I showed him the options you provided to purchase, he started the process of checking the pros, cons, and pricing.
We appreciated that you provided information to know what to watch for before making a choice. We do live in Canada, and winters can be quite harsh.
We have a few cats that spend time on our south-facing veranda that like to curl up on our patio furniture during the day, but we don’t know where they stay at nights. Your article has come promptly and will help us make a decision.
Thank you
Hey Rose!
Thanks for taking care of the outside cats in your area! We really appreciate your efforts.
To save you some time, I’ll go ahead and let you know that the best outdoor cat house for your area is definitely the Kitty Tube Gen 3. It is well built and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Also, you can easily add extra insulation and heating. There are a few other pros and cons you should know about so I recommend you check out our full review by clicking the link below.
>Click here to learn more about the Kitty Tube Gen 3 Outdoor Cat House
It may sound somewhat ignorant, but frankly, I didn’t know there were “heated outdoor cat houses” available for cats. And that’s in part because I never had any pets growing up, plus I’m allergic to cats.
But, I have lots of friends that own cats and I’m thinking that a heated outdoor cat house (or indoor cat house?) might just be the right gift for my cat lover friends when the holidays come around!
Your site is loaded with lots of goodies for cat lovers! I am going to floor my cat lover friends with everything I know about cat houses now and I will certainly direct them to this site!
Cheers!
Hey Christie!
I’m glad you found value in this information and hope that you find lots of cool gifts for your cat lover friends. Also, you don’t need to have a cat to have an outdoor cat house. You can put it outside for the strays and feral cats! 🙂
Take care,
Jeff
I have been living in Thailand since 2003 and the temperature seldomly drops below 20 degrees, so the cold would not be a problem here.
What would pose a threat is the snakes we have here with vipers, cobra’s, and pythons.
I don’t think the cat houses in your article will really protect them from those predators or do they? If not, what do you recommend except keeping your cat indoors at night?
Hey Jerry!
Thank you for this comment and question. Its a good one. You are right, snakes to pose a real threat to cats.
One solution might be to raise the cat bed off the ground and line the poles/stilts with a material that snakes can not grab onto like lard, Vaseline or foil.
I will write a subsequent post with more information on this as it is something I would like to expound on in more detail.
Thanks for asking,
The Outdoor Cat Houses Team
I have seen a couple of raccoons over at my property so I know that the house for Snowball has to be sturdy.
Thank you very much for dealing with all these points. I had not been aware how important was to consider predators when we were buying a house for our cat.
Thank you very much for this article!
Hey Ann!
I’m so glad that you found this information helpful. Hey, if you’re looking for more information about looking for Outdoor Cat Houses, checkout our guide on Where To Look For Cat Houses For Outside Cats. You can click the link below to read more.
>Click Here To Learn Where To Look For Cat Houses For Outside Cats
First off, I found this article very engaging, even though I don’t own any cats myself. This post was very informative, especially how it explained all of the threats that cats may face, including predators.
As a pet owner, I certainly would want my dog to be safe from any predators that may be lurking. If I had my own cat, or even a feral one hanging out around the house, it would be pretty cool to provide it with a safe warm house for the wintertime.
Hey Andrew!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this lovely comment. I hope that you can share this with anyone who might have cats in need of a warm place to be especially during the winter months
Have a safe and blessed Christmas!
The Outdoor Cat Houses Team