All cats love enclosures and the best way to keep your cat safe outside the house is to use an outdoor cat house. Most rescue centers place waterproof outdoor houses in their yards or under porches for stray cats to seek shelter. That doesn’t mean that outdoor cat houses are used at rescue centers only.
Pet owners can also have an outdoor cat in their backyard for their cats to play and rest when playing outside. You can as well put up an outdoor cat house to shelter neighborhood stray cats. Whether you are looking for your first outdoor cat house or just an upgrade, these are the best outdoor cat shelters you can choose from.
1) Petsfit Outdoor Cat House, 2 Story outside Cat Shelter Condo
Create a warm and cozy outdoor space for your cat or neighborhood stray cats using the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House, 2 Story outside Cat Shelter Condo. Made from wood and shingle, this waterproof cat condo adapts easily to any weather conditions, keeping your cat comfortable all through.
It has a unique escape door and a plastic flap that provides the cat with comfortable outdoor views and better ventilation. The waterproof eve locks out rain while being easy to maintain. Besides that, the spacious design accommodates multiple stray cats or large-sized cats looking for a cozy spot to spread out.
The 2-story design allows cats to rest and lounge safely and comfortably. For easy clean-up, the hinged roof can be opened to reach the removable layers. Other than that, the assembly process is quick and straightforward, with minimal tools needed.
Features
- Large interior space.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Fully weatherproof.
- The stylish design looks great in any backyard.
- Simple assembly.
- Easy to clean.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Plastic flap for better visibility and ventilation.
- Emergency exit door.
- Non-toxic paint.
2) Petsfit Outdoor Cat House for Feral Kitties Weatherproof
If neighborhood stray cats love to visit your yard, you can provide them with a cozy spot to rest and sleep using the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House for Feral Kitties. This weatherproof cat house provides great insulation and has its floor raised to keep the cat dry.
The paint used in coating this house is water-based, so it’s completely harmless and safe for the cats. Better yet, the spacious interior accommodates two cats at a go while the two large doors provide easy entrance and exit.
The raised floor provides better ventilation during summer, while the asphalt roof shelters the cats during rainy seasons. Built from high-quality materials, this cat house is extremely sturdy and durable as well.
The top-level deck is great for cats to stretch or sunbathe during sunny days. For your convenience, the floorboards are removable for easy cleanup and the assembly process is also quick and very easy.
Features
- Harmless water-based paint.
- Easy to clean.
- Raised floor to keep the pets dry.
- Spacious enough for two adult cats.
- Very easy to assemble.
- Two doors.
- An elevated floor that aids in ventilation.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Completely waterproof.
- Great insulation.
- High-quality, anti-rot wood construction.
3) HiCaptain Outdoor Cat House Feral-Cat Shelter
If you are looking for a feral cat house that holds 2-3 cats, you can never go wrong with the HiCaptain Outdoor Cat House Feral-Cat Shelter. Ideal for outdoor use, this cat house provides luxurious comfort to all stray cats.
Made from anti-rot wood, this feral cat house is solid and very durable. It has two doors for easy entry and exit, and PVC door flaps that protect cats from predators. Two cozy fleece mats are included to keep the cats warm and snug during cold seasons.
Other than that, the house is easy to assemble with the assembling instruction also provided. It is also easy to clean and easy to maintain as well. Weighing just 36 pounds, this house is lightweight and easy to move around. Since it’s made of 100% natural wood, you can paint it any color that you would like.
Features
- Very simple assembly.
- Minimal maintenance is needed.
- Large interior fits 2-3 medium-sized cats.
- Solid and durable structure.
- Two soft fleece mats included.
- See-through door flap for better visibility.
- Removable floors for easy cleaning.
- Weatherproof roof.
- Two opening doors.
- Pet-friendly design.
4) Love’s cabin Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof for Winter
Any feral cat will certainly love how snug and warm the Love’s cabin Outdoor Cat House is. Made with the highest quality materials, this outdoor cat house is durable and suitable for all weather conditions.
The weatherproof design keeps the cat warm and snug during winter. Besides that, it’s very simple to assemble, with no tools needed. Along with superb workmanship, this cat house is extremely lightweight, portable, and ideal for travel.
On top of that, the removable mat is easy to clean and machine washable as well. The non-skid bottom keeps the house in place for a worry-free place on slippery surfaces. It is also collapsible for compact and easy storage.
Features
- Snug and warm mat.
- Lightweight, portable, and great for travel.
- Superb workmanship.
- Quick and straightforward assembly.
- Weatherproof design for all-season use.
- Made from high-quality materials.
- Multipurpose application. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Removable mat for easy cleaning.
- Non-skid bottom.
5) HEMSK DAYS Outdoor Cat Houses for Feral Cats
If you have multiple feral cats to accommodate, you can hardly go wrong with the HEMSK DAYS Outdoor Cat Houses. There are multiple sizes to choose from, so you can choose one that’s ideal for you.
This cat house is spacious enough to accommodate more than one cat, with a few openings for them to pop out and enjoy outdoor views. These openings also provide a quick getaway in case there are predators around.
Besides that, this cat house has two layers of aluminum foil and recyclable high-density foam to ensure all-around insulation. On top of that, the cat house is fully waterproof, so the cats stay warm and dry regardless of the weather conditions. Its assembly process is quick and simple with no tools required. It’s the perfect cat house for ferals whose cost is easy on the wallet.
Features
- Quick and simple assembly.
- Made of eco-friendly materials.
- Budget-conscious.
- Thick insulation.
- Fully waterproof.
- Elevated floor to keep cats warm and dry.
- Accommodates 1-2 small to medium-sized cats.
- Better predator protection.
6) Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter
Toozey Heated Cat House keeps your favorite feral cat safe from weather elements and predators. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this cat house is extremely easy to assemble and disassemble as well.
The high-quality construction makes it durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest weather elements, keeping your cat safe and snug come rain come sunshine. The 100% waterproof roof keeps the house dry, while the unique heating pad design keeps your cat warm and snug.
The ultra-soft fleece cover adds warmth and comfort, and it is machine washable for added convenience. This cat house also features two transparent door flaps that provide snug outdoor views and a quick getaway in case there are predators around. You can either use it as an outdoor house for the neighborhood stray cats or inside the house when your cat wants some personal space.
Features
- Relatively lightweight.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Unique heating pad.
- Ultra-soft machine washable cover.
- Two transparent door flaps.
- 100% waterproof roof and base.
7) K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Heated Shelter
When it comes to providing shelter to your neighborhood stray cats, you can hardly go wrong with the K&H Pet Products Mod Thermo-Kitty Heated Shelter. This product provides an all-round solution for your pet’s needs.
The all-weather design keeps the cat warm during winter and half of the floor is heated to provide extra warmth. The rugged heavy denier polyester exterior withstands the harshest weather elements, keeping your feral cats safe and snug.
Better yet, the one zip design is no fuss to assemble and it’s done without the need to use any tools. The whole unit is extremely lightweight and great for travel. This heated cat house is great for all locations where extreme temperatures exist.
Features
- Rugged and durable heavy denier polyester construction.
- Quick and simple assembly.
- Great for outdoor cats, feral cats, and community cats.
- Suitable for extremely low-temperature locations.
- Fleece-lined heated pad.
- One-year warranty.
- Fully waterproof.
- Thermostatic removable heat pad.
- Safety certified.
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Best Outdoor Cat Houses Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Outdoor Cat Houses
With tons of outdoor cat houses to choose from, here are some of the important factors to keep in mind when buying one:
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Insulation
Insulation is the most important function of having an outdoor cat house. Your neighborhood feral cats need a warm and cozy spot to spend the night when the weather conditions are extremely cold and unbearable. Padded fabric panels are great at providing warmth, but you can add some soft and warm covers or heated pads to provide more warmth.
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Weatherproofing
An outdoor cat house would be of no use to feral cats if it doesn’t shield them from the weather elements. Most outdoor cat houses are designed to provide a certain level of weatherproofing. If you intend to place the cat house inside a barn or a garage, then the house can sit on the ground and still keep the cat dry and warm.
On the other hand, if you intend to put the house outdoors, say in the yard, the house should be fully windproof, rainproof, and have an elevated floor to keep the cat dry. It should also have the sturdiest structure made from anti-rot wood.
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Size
The size of the cat house is another important factor to put into consideration. If multiple stray cats often visit your yard, you should get them a large-sized outdoor house to accommodate them all. Consider multiple-story cat house structures that are large enough to accommodate multiple cats.
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Construction
Buying an outdoor cat house online means that you’ll have to assemble it yourself. A good cat house for feral cats should be easy to assemble and disassemble too. Nobody wants a product that will take the time to assemble.
Other than that, the cat should be made from durable and sturdy materials to ensure many years of use. Rugged outdoor cat houses are reliable regarding protection against predators and weather elements.
The cat house should also be made from high-quality materials that are safe for both the cat and the environment. If it’s painted, make sure that the paint is harmless to the cat.
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Predator Protection
Consider getting an outdoor cat house that’s sturdy and secure to protect stray cats from predators. A good cat house for feral cats should have one or two escape doors and translucent flap doors.
On top of that, it should be raised above the ground to prevent insects and other crawling creatures from snooping in.
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Easy to Clean
It is important to have a cat house that’s easy to clean even if it’s for feral cats. Cleaning the feral cats’ house regularly is important to protect your cat from bugs and any potential disease. How easy it is to clean that house is an important factor to consider before you finally decide to buy it.
Some outdoor cat houses have removable floors for easy clean-up as well as machine washable mats and pads. Also, make sure that the cat house you choose requires minimal maintenance.
Read: Best Outdoor Cat Enclosures
How to Feed Feral Cats in Winter
- Increase their food portions. Feral cats can benefit a lot from extra food during winter as it helps them conserve their energy. Also, make sure that you provide the cats with enough drinking water.
- Provide dry food more than wet food. Dry food takes more time to digest, so the cat doesn’t feel hungry frequently. In addition, dry food that doesn’t freeze works well for frigid temperatures.
- Warm-up any canned food before serving. You can also use electric bowls to keep the food warm.
- Avoid using feeding bowls made of metal as they cause food to freeze. Instead, deep plastic bowls and place them in warm and dry areas.
- Build a feeding station if you have multiple neighborhood stray cats. The feeding station shelters the cats and their food and water as well. You can also spray insulation foam on the underside of the food and water bowls to keep the food warmer for a long. Also, make sure that the feeding station is insulated as well.
- If you have a spigot or water fountain, ensure that you run the water frequently. Doing so prevents the water from freezing.
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How to Keep an Outdoor Cat House for Feral Cats Warm
- Insulate the roof with straw to block out moisture. Avoid using hay, blankets, and towels as they retain moisture and cause dampness.
- Ensure that the floor of the house is elevated from the ground. This helps keep the house warm and damp-proof as well.
- Introduce several cat blankets, sleeping pads, and heating pads to keep the cats warm and snug during cold seasons. Cats are more specific about where they want to stay, providing them with multiple items to keep them warm is always the best thing to do.
FAQs About the Best Outdoor Cat Houses for Feral Cats
Q: Can Cats Survive Winter Outdoors?
A: Yes. Feral cats are well adapted to survive winter on their own. Unlike indoor cats, stray cats are more resilient and adaptive to multiple weather conditions and different climatic locations. Providing them with an outdoor shelter makes their outdoor conditions more comfortable.
Q: How Can I Keep My Neighborhood Stray Cats Warm Outside?
A: The most effective way of keeping a feral cat warm during winter is to use a weatherproof, well-insulated outdoor cat house. Look for outdoor cat houses whose floor levels are elevated to keep the floor warm and damp-free. You can also introduce a heated bed to keep the cat warm especially during winter.
Q: How Do I Attract Feral Cats to My Outdoor Cat House?
A: If the cats aren’t using the house, make it more enticing by placing different treats and toys inside, sprinkle a little catnip or silver vine. Since cats are more specific about where they want to stay, try and provide them with multiple items to keep them warm and cozy.
Q: Do Outdoor Cat Houses Require Two Doors?
A: Most outdoor cat houses for feral cats have two doors, one at the front and the other one at the back. This is an important safety feature that helps the cat escape predators through the back door. Stay cats will feel safe staying in an outdoor shelter knowing they have an emergency escape route.
Conclusion
The best way to keep a feral cat warm and safe especially during winter is to get him an outdoor waterproof house. Along with keeping the cat warm and snug, outdoor cat houses protect feral cats from predators. If you have befriended a particular feral cat, consider getting him an outdoor cat house listed above and watch him find a new shelter that he’ll certainly love.