What Is the Best Outdoor Cat House?

New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
  • New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House is constructed using ecoFLEX it will not fade, rot or be a victim to insects
  • Two entry/exit points outdoor cats require
  • Simple, no-tools assembly
  • Weather-proof, bug-proof, and rot-proof

Are Outdoor Cat Houses Safe?

Yes, the outdoor cat house is safe.

Outdoor cat houses are safe as long as they are fixed on the property. However, many pet parents decide to monitor their cats by fixing pet cameras or putting the house near the front doors.

While most of these houses are unheated, the pet houses can be paired with heating pads, door flaps, pet beds, and a weather-resistant, waterproof roof system.

Today, many of these cat homes are also fixed with a heavy-duty catio, so the outdoor kitty has a place to relax. Most cat houses also work with small dogs, and some can even be incorporated into a tree house.

What Are the Benefits of an Outdoor Cat House?

There are several benefits of an outdoor cat home:

  • Space to Play: Outdoor cat houses give your cats a safe space to play and relax. These homes are best sellers among pet parents for this very reason. It gives your cat some privacy that they deserve and can be paired with an outdoor cat enclosure for added benefits.
  • Safety: Having a space dedicated to your cat can keep them safe from predators such as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. These homes can generally be used for any small animal as well.
  • Outdoor Stimuli: Your cat is an outdoor creature, and therefore, an outdoor house is a perfect gift for them. These houses help your cat stay grounded and close to its outdoor roots. Perfect for any climate, these homes can keep your stray cats feeling closer to their home and you as well.
  • Reduces Vet Bills: Most of these houses are washable and, therefore, can be easily cleaned. This keeps the space hygienic and free from diseases. As a result, you can expect a drop in vet bills by using this kitty shelter. Most wooden outdoor cat houses offer a wide range of mental health benefits also for your feline friend.
  • Manages Behavior Issues: Using an outdoor kennel can help your cat manage their behavioral issues. This is because the cat will stay closer to its roots. Feral cats are less friendly if kept indoors.

The Best Outdoor Cat Houses Reviewed

The outdoor cat house comes in different designs. Before clicking checkout, take a look at our in-depth review of some of the best-selling outdoor cat houses on Amazon. 

New Age Pet ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House

Price: $82.63

Color: Multicolor

Material: Non-toxic recycled plastic-wood polymer

Item Dimension: 21.8 x 19.1 x 20.2 inches; 18.5 Pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Small and adult cats up to 18.5 pounds

Style: Cat House

Door: Two entry/exit points that outdoor cats need

Recommended Uses: Outdoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes, put a cushion inside the house and set it up on the deck

Insulated: Yes, the material used has a plastic-wood polymer

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: The ecoFLEX Albany outdoor feral cat house is perfect for cats that need shelter from the elements. Double wall panels provide excellent natural insulation from the elements and help regulate the inside temperature of the unit. This product assembles in minutes without the need for any tools. Easy to clean, simply rinse this with a hose and pat dry when not in use to maintain a hygienic environment for you and your cat.

Pros
  • Extremely durable product
  • Easy to clean with water
  • Features two exits
  • No tools are required for assembly
  • Weatherproof, bug-proof, and rot-proof
Cons
  • Can trap dust and other debris inside

Customer Review: Made with ecoFLEX, the Albany will never fade, warp, splinter, crack, rot, or succumb to bugs. Pet owners give this outdoor cat house 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This cat house is highly suitable for cats of all ages with no-tools-required assembly. Double wall panels provide excellent natural insulation from the elements and help regulate the inside temperature of the unit.
  • Material Quality (10/10): Made 100% from ecoFLEX, the Albany will never fade, warp, splinter, crack, rot, or succumb to bugs and does not contain harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The house is well-formulated and reasonably priced. Its quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (9/10): This ecoFLEX house is easy to clean simply rinse with your hose or wipe with a damp cloth.
  • Product Variety (8/10): It comes in one size and one color, which is multicolor, but it comes with different inclusion, such as a heated pet bed and pet pad.
MIU COLOR Large Weatherproof Outdoor Cat House

Price: $42.99

Color: Gray

Material: Linen PVC

Item Dimension: 16.5 x 21 x 15.5 inches; 3.4 pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Cats of all life stages 

Style: Modern cat house

Door: One opening

Recommended Uses: Outdoor use

Assembly Required: Yes, assembly basically involves folding the sides of the cat house into a place

Insulated: Yes, the PVC cushion side is waterproof, and heat insulation

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: This indoor/outdoor cat shelter is made of imitation linen and PVC. This makes the indoor/outdoor cat house weatherproof. It also has a cube design that makes the cat cave stable and prevents collapse while in use. It also gives cats a comfortable outside house and can be placed in the garage, patio, park, or house. This pet tent for cats can be easily disassembled and installed in a matter of seconds without the use of any tools.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Made with sturdy materials
  • The product is easy to clea
  • Features a thick & reversible cushion
  • Has a weatherproof design
Cons
  • Your cat’s claws might get stuck to the material

Customer Review: This is an ideal indoor/outdoor cat house for cats, small dogs, rabbits, and other pets up to 20 lbs to use in the street, garden, barn, forecourt, or room. Pet owners give this outdoor cat house 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving MIU COLOR Large Weatherproof Outdoor Cat House an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This outdoor cat house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages.
  • Material Quality (10/10): The house is made 100% of Linen PVC and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The house is well-made and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews.
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): The house is removable and machine-washable. This makes its cleaning and maintenance easy, and the house is perfect for owners with busy lifestyles. 
  • Product Variety (5/10): This cat house for outdoor use comes in one size and one color.
Love's cabin Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof for All Seasons with Removable Soft Mat

Price: $36.99

Color: Grey

Material: Oxford

Item Dimension: 13″x17″x16.25″

Pet: Cats, Dogs

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Classic cat house 

Door: One Opening

Recommended Uses: Outdoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: Yes, well insulated and warm inside

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: If you are looking for a sturdy, outdoor pet house that will shield your beloved pet from weather elements, this kitty shelter offers a roof and base that are completely waterproof and will ensure your pet remains warm and dry while sleeping. This extra-wide house is excellent for use in barns, garages, porches, and anywhere your indoor/outdoor cat needs additional warmth and protection. This unique cat house would make a perfect gift for any cat lover.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Does not need any tools
  • Has a durable and sturdy design
  • Made with weatherproof material
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Might be a bit small for large cats

Customer Review: The cat house can be easily disassembled and installed in a matter of seconds. It does not need any tools for assembly. Pet owners give this outdoor cat house 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Love’s cabin Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof for All Seasons an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This Love’s cabin is highly suitable for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens of all ages. This covered kitty house is the perfect home for outdoor cats, community cats, and feral cats.
  • Material Quality (10/10): Love’s cabin products are made with high-quality materials for your pet’s comfort and your family’s safety.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): This outdoor cat house is well-formulated and reasonably priced. Its quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive. 
  • Care and Cleanability (10/10): Love’s cabin is easy to clean just use non-abrasive soap and warm water to keep your indoor/outdoor cat house clean. the mat is removable and can be machine-washed and dry at low temperatures.
  • Product Variety (10/10): It comes in two sizes and four varieties of colors such as brown-round,brown-square, grey, and grey-generation 2.
Varmtor Outdoor Houses for Feral Cats with Water-Resistant Canvas Roof

Price: $26.99

Color: Black

Material: VC-coated waterproof Oxford cloth, with sponge lining, plush

Item Dimension: 12.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches; 1.1 pounds

Pet: Cats, Dogs

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Stylish cat cave 

Door: One opening

Recommended Uses: Outdoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: Yes

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: These outdoor kitty houses are made with 600 denier polyester that makes them water/weather resistant. The walls and roof are insulated to protect your kitty from the harmful elements of winter. This convenient and efficient pet house is also a great fit for smaller dogs and allows your little guy his own little hideaway. Additionally, it is also perfect for cats that prefer to sleep in garages, porches, barns, or even in your home.

Pros
  • Waterproof and rainproof
  • Windproof and warm
  • Protect the appearance of concealed colors
  • No tools required
  • Durable design
Cons
  • The sponge lining might tear with frequent use

Customer Review: This cat shelter adopts the top zipper connection method so the cat kennel can be disassembled, folded, and stored away. It is also easy to clean. Pet owners give this outdoor cat house 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Varmtor Outdoor Houses for Feral Cats with Water-Resistant Canvas Roof an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (7/10): This house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages.
  • Material Quality (10/10): The outdoor cat house is made of high-quality PVC-coated waterproof Oxford cloth, with sponge lining, plush material inside, warm, the external waterproof structure allows being placed anywhere, giving cats a warm home. A weatherproof must-have outdoor cat house.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): This house is well-formulated and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (6/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (8/10): This cat house is easily washable.
  • Product Variety (10/10): The house comes in three sizes, large, medium, and small, and three varieties of colors black, camouflage green, and shabby chic.

Rockever Two Story Rainproof Feral Cat Shelter Outdoor with Escape Door

Price: $159.99

Color: Grey & White

Material: Fir wood

Item Dimension: 33.9 x 22.2 x 8 inches; 37.05 pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Luxury two-level cat house 

Door: Two openings

Recommended Uses: Outdoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: Yes

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: If you want to keep feral cats or other small animals in your backyard, try this two-story luxury house outdoors. With its super sturdy wooden construction, roomy inner space, two access doors, and a lovely sunbath balcony, this pet house is undoubtedly perfect for your cats! The high-quality texture and multi colors design are for your wide selections and sit great in your backyard. Easy to assemble – Instructions are included, and parts are pre-drilled.

Pros
  • Two warm mats included
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to clean
  • Cat-friendly design
  • Weatherproof product
Cons
  • The escape door might be small for some cats

Customer Review: Both the middle and the bottom floor can be removed, and it’s easy to gain access to the inside by the openings for daily cleaning. Pet owners give this outdoor cat house 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Rockever Two Story Rainproof Feral Cat Shelter Outdoor with Escape Door an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10): This house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The outdoor cat house is made of 100% natural fir wood, applied with water-base harmless paint, the construction is solid and sturdy for a long time.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The house is well-formulated and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (6/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (10/10): The middle and the bottom floor can be removed, and it’s easy to gain access to the inside by the openings for daily cleaning.
  • Product Variety (10/10): The cat house comes in two sizes which are Luxury Single Story (2-3cats) and Luxury Two Story (3-4 cats), with three varieties of colors blue & white, grey & white, and wine red & white.

What Should I Look for in an Outdoor Cat House?

There are certain aspects that need to be looked at in an outdoor cat house. These include:

  • Durability: Having an outdoor cat or dog house can be challenging, mainly due to various natural elements such as rain and snow. Having a rugged design can extend the life of the house and keep your feral pet a lot happier. Some of these homes also feature an asphalt roof for added durability.
  • Hygiene: Most cat houses have space for cat litter to help keep the environment clean. It promotes timely defecation in your cat and can improve its digestive ability. These homes should also be easy to wash and keep clean to prevent diseases from breaking out.
  • Heat: If you are looking for a heated outdoor cat house, there is a wide range of options available on the market. Many of these homes have styrofoam walls that keep the heat trapped. This works great during winters and chilly nights.
  • Litter: Before buying a DIY outdoor house, make sure that there is space for adding a litter box. This can prevent dangerous diseases and keep your cat healthy and fit.
  • Cost: There is no point in spending large sums of money on a house when there are budget options available. Make sure that you do not buy an extremely expensive home for your cat. Many of these homes have additional features like a cat tree that can add to the cost. Try and figure out what your cat will like before deciding on a home for them.

Can You Make an Outdoor Cat House?

Yes, you can make an outdoor cat house.

Many pet parents prefer to build their own outdoor cat house for their cats. This gives them complete control over their kitty city and adds a wide range of additional features that usually do not come with a cat house.

These homes are of various types, and whether you choose a dome-shaped home or an a-frame home, you can find design templates over the internet easily.

Where Should I Put My Outdoor Cat House?

The best spot to place an outdoor cat house is under a shaded area.

Make sure that the house is near your backdoor so that your cat has access to the inside when it wants. Keep water and food supply handy, so your cat does not feel the need to go out much to hunt. This also improves your bond with your cat.