Cat houses for outside cats

February 10, Back Home. No matter the time of the year, feral and stray cats can struggle with finding a warm place to crash for the night — and unfortunately there are cat houses for outside cats too many of them for all of them to find safe, warm forever homes.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. The best outdoor cat houses can keep felines warm and dry in the worst conditions. During the winter, cats that live or play outside face freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, rain, and wind. These weather conditions can be dangerous since cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. A cat's age, coat type, and certain medical conditions will determine what types of weather they can handle and which type of cat house is best for them.

Cat houses for outside cats

When constructing a shelter, here are a few basic ideas to keep in mind. Use two 2x4s or other materials to raise it off the ground and place straw underneath. This makes it easier for the cats to warm the inside with their body heat. Cats need an opening of only about five-and-a-half or six inches in diameter, or the width of their whiskers. An awning that covers the opening, made from roll plastic or heavy plastic garbage bags, provides more insulation, helps keep the rain and wind from entering the shelter, and makes the cats feel safer. Raising the rear of the shelter slightly higher than the front helps to keep rain from pooling inside and snow from piling up on the roof. Insulating materials inside the shelter will increase the comfort and warmth of the cats. One of our favorite designs uses two storage bins with removable lids. An earth-tone bin blends in best with the environment, making it aesthetically pleasing to you and your neighbors and more natural in appearance to the cats. Exact sizes vary by brand, so just make sure that the smaller bin will fit completely inside the larger bin with the lid on both bins. This shelter is easy to clean by taking off the lid and the roof.

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Fast and free delivery! Some of our cat houses are hand-made to order so delivery may take around days. This is mentioned on the product page. We have the largest selection of outdoor cat houses, to ensure that your feline stays nice and cosy and protected from the unpredictable British weather this winter. They also make a fantastic additional treat when purchasing an outdoor cat tree as well.. Some of our outdoor cat houses can be customised to suit your needs, so if you would like to find out more information then please email us at sales cattree. We understand that some cats prefer to spend their time outdoors climbing trees and chasing mice.

Many outdoor cat houses are designed to give your cat somewhere to escape the elements should they get stuck outside. However, not all houses are made the same. There are heated cat houses, which are great for cold places but less great if you live in Texas! Some outdoor cat houses are extremely basic, and others have a plethora of features. Here, we help you find the best outdoor cat house for your feline. Read on for a list of reviews so you can figure out which one your feline may like. It features two entry points so your cat always has an escape route. Many cats feel safer with two entries, as it helps them get out if something sneaks up on them. This house does require some assembly. However, no tools are required.

Cat houses for outside cats

The best outdoor cat houses are strong, sturdy, and protective. Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? Look for weatherproof and waterproof houses that will keep cats dry and comfortable in damp, stormy weather. If you live in a climate where the weather gets cold, look for a small, insulated house that will contain body heat. Just like anything else you buy for your cat, an outdoor cat house should be well-designed and made from durable, high-quality materials. The best houses have designs and shapes that cats enjoy. Most outdoor cat houses have an entry and exit door, enabling your cat to exit the back if a predator or aggressive feline starts to invade through the entrance.

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That said, a Japanese study found that when outdoor cats were provided with litter boxes, they used them exclusively within weeks. When choosing a cat house for hot climates, good ventilation and shade are both crucial, says Stephen Quandt , certified cat behaviorist at Cat Behavior Help. Our top pick, the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House , is well-insulated and waterproof. If you're looking for extra warmth during the coldest months of winter, we recommend The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House. Size matters, too. Unique door design to keep out predators. But Phillips warns that two doors also leave a shelter less protected from the elements. Snow is less likely to trap the cats by blocking an above-the-ground door. Larger shelters with only one or two cats inside will remain cold. Many outdoor cats seek shelter somewhere elevated to take advantage of rising heat or find their way under the hood of a car to the still-warm engine. You have several options for sheltering outdoor cats and feral cats in extreme weather.

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Two of the more popular styles are: Styrofoam bins, such as used to ship perishable food and medical supplies. Shop at Amazon. We have the largest selection of outdoor cat houses, to ensure that your feline stays nice and cosy and protected from the unpredictable British weather this winter. Quand recommends avoiding using strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia, as these may be too strong for sensitive feline noses. For better weatherproofing, Whitney Phillips, a volunteer with Alley Cat Project in Seattle, recommends covering it with vinyl weather stripping. Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews pet products. Garden Bed. Phillips says you don't want massive houses, storage containers, or Styrofoam boxes. While some cats do well outside as long as they have protection from wind and precipitation, even a heated cat house may not be enough to keep them warm in more severe conditions. Two entrances Check mark icon A check mark. Travel Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Since these structures aren't waterproof or insulated, you'll want to place them in a sheltered location near a house. All Aivituvin orders come with free shipping. That said, a Japanese study found that when outdoor cats were provided with litter boxes, they used them exclusively within weeks. Share icon An curved arrow pointing right.