The Best Cat Houses For Cold Weather
Whether you're looking for a home for barn cats, strays, or your own pets, quality outdoor cat houses can help. These shelters are weatherproof, insulated, and sometimes even heated to keep animals warm during all types of conditions. They have innovative features ranging from multiple doors to soft and cozy beds. Read on to discover the very best outdoor cat houses for cold weather today.
What to Look For
When we were researching the best outdoor cat houses for cold weather, we focused on three key aspects: Is it weatherproof? Is it heated and insulated? Does it offer two doors for cats’ safety? From the start, we appreciated the EcoFlex cat house from New Age Pet for its durability and waterproof design. We also liked the elevated option from FurHome Collective for snow and rain. You can learn more about each of these products, as well as our other top picks, in the post below.
New Age Pet EcoFlex Outdoor Cat House
Built to last
This cat house for cold weather was designed with durability as its focus. The innovative, recycled EcoFlex material will not rot, fade, crack, or let insects ruin its build. It’s also easy to rinse clean with a hose. The house is completely weatherproof, allowing your pet or the strays in your neighborhood to start warm and dry. And there are two exits — one of which is on the front and the other on the side.
Pros:
- Heated pad is available for additional price
- Elevated for increased water resistance
- No tools are required for assembly
Cons:
- More extensive than less durable outdoor cat houses
Love’s Cabin Outdoor Cat House for Cold Weather
If easy is the name of your game, this Love’s Cabin outdoor cat house for cold weather is worth considering. Instead of requiring tools and multiple pieces for assembly, it simply folds into shape. The roof attaches with velcro. The padded material is comfortable, and it’s also waterproof to keep creatures dry. A sherpa cushion inside adds a new level of comfort for pets, and it’s machine-washable for your convenience.
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Can be used inside or out
- Works with heated pads for added warmth
Cons:
- Only one entry/exit hole
Toozey Heated Cat House for Cold Weather
Hurray for heat
This outdoor cat house for cold weather comes with a heated pad, offering your pets or local strays true comfort in all weather conditions. The walls and roof are sturdy, waterproof, and well-insulated. There are two holds for entering and exiting to suit feral cats. And the assembly process only takes about one minute to complete.
Pros:
- Cute, house-like styles to choose from
- Clear door flaps included
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Only small and medium sizes are available
FurHome Collective Elevated Outdoor Cat House
This outdoor cat house offers patent-pending elevation to keep animals dry and warm, even when the ground is the complete opposite. It also comes with a heated pad for added warmth. Moreover, the walls are completely waterproof and insulated. Stray cats will especially appreciate the two openings with clear flaps for weather protection.
Pros:
- Warming pad is covered in soft, faux fur material
- Washable cover
- Tested for your pet’s safety
Cons:
- This is very lightweight, so it may need reinforcing in windy conditions
K&H Pet Products Multi-Pet Outdoor Cat House
Room for everyone
This outdoor cat house for cold weather has plenty of space inside, so multiple cats can crawl in at the same time. You can choose between heated and unheated versions when you make your purchase. The denier polyester exterior is warm and waterproof. And the two doors with flaps make the product ideal for both pets and stray animals.
Pros:
- Tool-free assembly process
- Removable roof
- Cozy sleeping pad included
Cons:
- Sits directly on the ground unless you place it on a platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important for outdoor cat houses to have two exits?
The main reason for this design feature is to ensure cats cannot be trapped inside by predators. Stray cats have a natural instinct to avoid areas that could trap them, making them less likely to shelter inside one-doored houses during poor weather conditions. These doors can be covered with clear flaps for added waterproofness, but it is important that they are at least there for emergencies.
Can outdoor cat houses be used inside?
Yes, most of these products can be used in garages, sheds, and barns. This makes them a good option for farm cats that spend time in these forms of shelter during the colder parts of the year. They can also be used for cats that want a space to hide inside of your house, though the heating elements wouldn’t be necessary for those instances.
About the Author
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