Whether you’re living with a cat who prefers to spend most of its time outdoors, or you support the feral cats in your area, an outdoor cat house can be a fantastic investment.
An outdoor shelter that is insulated can be a lifesaver for cats that are coping with the elements in all weathers. That's why we've applied our testing process to find the best outdoor cat house that will give those cats the best shelter possible.
We have relied on the assistance of our own furry friends to test out some of the most highly rated, comfortable, and durable shelters for purchasers on the market today. We have also asked our community of over 1 million cat owners on social media as well as our vet advisors.
Not least, two members of team work with feral cats and they had a lot to say on what they had found to be the best cat houses for outside in their personal experience.
The Kitty Tube Gen 4 stands out as an exceptional outdoor cat shelter due to its well-thought-out design and superior quality.
The manufacturers have shown a deep understanding of the challenges faced by outdoor cats, making necessary adjustments along the way to meet outdoor kitty needs effectively.
This continuous improvement, coupled with positive feedback from users, including shelters and our own feral carers, underlines its reliability and excellence as an outdoor cat house.
3 Top Outdoor Cat House Picks – Best, Value & Premium
The ideal outdoor sanctuary for your furry friend or friendly local stray cat will depend on a number of factors, from the number of cats you want to support to the size of your backyard to your home climate.
To help you make the right choice, we narrowed our selection of impressive options down to our best, value, and premium outdoor cat house picks.
That chart gives you an easy way to see our top three picks. Now. let's take a more in-depth look at those plus a few more that we and our community also strongly recommend.
1. Kitty Tube Gen 4 Outdoor Cat House - Best Overall
The Kitty Tube Gen 4 Cat House is nothing short of a kitty paradise and a game-changer for cat owners looking to have a cat house outdoors.
We tested it with our outdoor crew and from the moment I set it up, I was impressed by its sturdy construction and thoughtful design.
The double-walled, insulated construction provides exceptional insulation against the elements, keeping my beloved cats warm during chilly winter nights and cool during hot summer days.
It's also incredibly easy to assemble, and the weather-resistant design ensures durability over the long term.
One standout feature is the environmentally friendly, post-consumer recycled material used for its construction, which aligns perfectly with my commitment to sustainability.
What I particularly liked is that it offers peace of mind, knowing they are safe, warm, and dry regardless of the weather outside. I highly recommend the Kitty Tube Cat House to cat lovers looking to offer their outdoor cats a comfortable and eco-conscious outdoor kitty shelter.
We have an in-depth long term test of the Kitty Tube here that details all the reasons why this is our overall best outdoor cat shelter for most cat owners or feral carers.
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Cons
2. MIU Color Outdoor Cat House for All Seasons - Best Value
Designed to be suitable for all seasons, as well as indoor and outdoor use, the MIU cat enclosure house is a comfortable product, suitable for any pet weighing less than 9.1kg.
Made with imitation linen and PVC, the solution is resistant to moisture, and the cube design promises excellent stability. This product also features a unique double-sided design.
One side is made with a cooling, waterproof material, ideal for the summer months, while the other side features plush material for colder seasons.
Easy to assemble and super snug, the solution comes with a great double-sided cushion and a removable internal mat for machine washing.
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3. ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House - Premium Choice
The Albany Outdoor Feral cat house promises exceptional durability in all seasons and conditions.
Made with a unique plastic-wood polymer, this outdoor cat home is resistant to fading, warping, splintering, and cracking.
Plus, it’s easy to assemble, with no tools required.
Weather-proof, rot-proof, and bug-proof, the Albany cat house keeps kitties cozy and protected outdoors, and its light coloring is ideal for warmer climates.
The product comes with two entry and exit points, for fantastic accessibility, and an attractive, modern design.
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Read this next: DIY Outdoor Cat Shelter
The Best Outdoor Cat House: Alternative Picks
We chose the options above to suit a wide variety of pet parents and their feline friends. However, if none of these solutions work for you, don’t worry, there are still plenty of alternatives to choose from.
Here are some of the other top outdoor cat houses worth considering today:
4. Petsfit Cat House for Outdoor Indoor Cats
A wonderfully stylish shelter for outdoor cats, the Petsfit cat house keeps felines warm and comfortable with a robust wooden structure.
The waterproof product is equipped with extra escape doors, to prevent kitties from getting trapped.
What’s more, the unique triangular design helps to keep cats warm during winter, by conserving body heat.
The thick panels of this wooden cat house are ideal for keeping rain and wind at bay. Plus, the solution comes with two removable floor boards for easy cleaning and handles to make transportation simple.
There’s even a range of colors to choose from, so your shelter can match your yard.
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5. TRIXIE Cat Home with Balcony, Elevated Cat House
Great for small dogs and cats alike, the TRIXIE outdoor cat home is a stylish and durable product, made from resilient weatherproof wood.
Promising a durable construction for longevity, this shelter comes with a raised floor for better air circulation and a water-resistant finish.
Alongside a central lounge area, this can also come with a raised balcony section, where kitties can lounge in the sun during the summer.
The large door opening makes it simple for cats to get in and out, regardless of any mobility issues.
What’s more, this product only takes minutes to assemble, thanks to the straightforward step-by-step instructions.
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6. Deblue Cat House for Outdoor Cats
Featuring an adorable and eye-catching design, this attractive cat house is both practical and beautiful.
The elevated floor helps to protect against rot while improving air circulation, and you can even adjust the feet to raise the shelter to the perfect height.
Made with durable and solid wood, and coated in a weatherproof finish, this product promises protection from all the elements.
The doorway comes with a closable hatch, as well as PVC coverings, to keep your feline friends protected in the winter months.
As an added bonus, the asphalt roof comes with an attached hinge, so you can easily open the product and clean it out between uses.
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7. VARMTOR Cat Houses for Outdoor Cats, Feral Cats
Intended for use in warmer climates, the VARMTOR cat house is an attractive and cozy shelter for all kinds of furry friends.
Made with high-quality PVC-coated material, the product is both resistant to water and comfortable, with a soft spongy lining.
The sturdy structure can be folded down if you need to move your cat house from time to time, and it comes with a removable roof for cleaning.
With a spacious and attractive design, this cat house takes absolutely no time to put together and requires no complicated tools or additional accessories.
Plus the waterproof and rainproof outer layer is ideal for protecting your kitty against sudden downpours.
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8. Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter with Escape Door
This rainproof cat house from Rockever is durable, stable, and beautifully attractive too. Recommended for cats under 18 lbs, the wooden shelter is easy to assemble, with all the necessary parts included in the package.
The beautiful piece is sure to look fantastic in any garden or on your porch, and it includes a handy step for easy access.
The Rockover outdoor cat shelter features two openings, allowing cats to enter and exit whenever they need to.
The opening on the back features an acrylic flap door to keep cold weather out, while the front opening is sheltered by an asphalt rain stoop.
This product is also easy to clean, as the bottom floor can be quickly removed for complete access.
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Read this next: 18 Best Heated Cat Beds (For Every Budget And Type Of Cat!)
Best Outdoor Cat House Buyer’s Guide
An outdoor cat house can be a wonderful way to protect the furry friends in your life if they spend a lot of time outside.
Offering comfort, heat, and defense against the elements, these products are ideal for feral kitties and stray visitors too.
However, with numerous options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which product serves your needs best.
The right cat house for your needs will depend on numerous factors, from how many cats you want to shelter, to what kind of climate you live in.
If you’re struggling to choose between the cat houses mentioned above, here are some crucial points to consider:
FAQs
Do outdoor cats like cat houses?
All cats are different, but most felines will naturally seek out a safe and comfortable shelter during the colder months, or when they’re looking for a place to sleep outdoors. A good outdoor cat house can provide kitties with more comfort, as well as a way to protect themselves against predators.
What makes the best cat house?
An excellent cat house should be durable, sturdy, and comfortable for your feline friends. It should help to keep cold air and detrimental weather out while giving your kitty a warm and insulated space to rest. Look for a product that’s resilient, weatherproof, and easy to clean.
Is it OK for cats to live outside?
Cats are resilient creatures, they can happily live both indoors and outdoors, provided they have access to the right resources. Outdoor cats are exposed to a wider range of threats than their indoor counterparts, including poor weather conditions and predators. Fortunately, you can help to protect outdoor kitties by giving them access to a comfortable cat house. Which is so much more than a cardboard box!
Can cats live outside in cold weather?
Some cat breeds are more resilient to cold weather conditions than others. However, most expert suggests temperatures lower than 32 degrees can pose a significant risk to cats if they don’t have a secure shelter available. When temperatures drop, cats can be exposed to risks like hypothermia, and frostbite, both of which can be life-threatening.
Best Outdoor Cat House: The Verdict
Ultimately, a great outdoor cat house provides outdoor kitties with a comfortable and safe shelter in all seasons. The best solution for your needs will depend on your specific situation, but the best products are comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant.
Our number one pick from the options above is the Kitty Tube Gen 4 cat house, a durable all-season solution.
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