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Outdoor cat houses are the secret to giving your spoiled kitten the best of both worlds. Designed to protect pets, it is a thoughtful choice for the domesticated, but curious, cat or the feral kitten in your backyard you kept giving tuna to and is now your own. A well-crafted outdoor cat house should withstand various weather temperatures, rain, or snow, and include multiple openings to ensure they're never trapped inside by a predator. Or in any case, so they have options to invite their other cat friends inside their cozy home!
If your cat is convinced that your lounge chair is theirs (with the claw marks to prove it) you can practice setting boundaries with a stylish shelter they can literally dig their claws into. We found the best outdoor cat houses of 2023—the luxe options below feature various window perches for sunbathing or a scratch pad. Who can resist showering their felines with gifts? A litter box shouldn't be the only option your cat has to find some privacy! Thankfully, the options on this list can bring your cat joy and complement your home's aesthetic.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Quick and easy assembly
- Great choice for summer
Cons
- No back exit
Your cat will purr with joy after sunbathing on the balcony of this cat house. A mini castle for your backyard, they'll prance around the cool, raised floor like the royalty they are. The nontoxic wood-and-metal frame are water-resistant so your cat can run for cover during rain showers.
Dimensions | 18" x 18" x 26" |
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Pros
- Features a scratching pad
- Multiple escape doors/paths
- Sturdy two-story
Cons
- Insulation not included
Pull out all of the bells and whistles for your favorite feline! This cat house has a ramp that doubles as a pathway and scratching post. The porch is covered in asphalt to shield from the rain and the front door flap is engineered to block the wind.
Dimensions | 30" x 22" x 29" |
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Pros
- Insulated walls to prevent water damage
- 4.5 out 5 ratings
- Asphalt awning
- Removable floor boards for cleaning
Cons
- Tight fit for larger cats
Who says your cat can't live out your tiny house fantasy? This A-frame is available in slate blue or red but if you are a fan of DIY, purchase one without paint. The silhouette is cozy enough to keep your cat's body heat warm and there is an asphalt awning to protect from the elements.
Dimensions | 20" x 20" x 21" |
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Pros
- Two exits routes
- No tools needed to assemble
- Removable and washable fleece cover
- Reliable and long-lasting
Cons
- Base can get wet on the ground
With almost 10,000 ratings, this heated cat shelter is essential for pet owners. Utilizing a safe, 20-watt orthopedic heated cat bed, your cat can nap comfortably within these water-resistant walls. If you live in a region that receives a lot of snow, be mindful that your kitty can get stuck if the snow is higher than the doorway.
Dimensions | 22" x 18" x 17" |
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Pros
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Waterproof roof and eaves
- Sturdy platform for jumping
- Vibrant color
Cons
- Off-putting smell, customers suggest leaving it outside to air out
Give your cat a condo they'll haughtily show off to the other pets in the neighborhood. If your cat can sense you are taking them to the vet and refuses to come out, you can also open up the roof to pick them up.
Pros
- Accommodates 3 to 4 cats
- Sturdy construction
- Clear escape door for increased visibility
Cons
- Not rain-friendly
If you find a colony of cats in your backyard from or own more than one, this large outdoor cat house will feel like a mansion! The multiple platforms make for a fun, but reliable bouncy house as your cat maneuvers throughout the space. It is easy to clean, and assemble, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Dimensions | 40"D x 21"W x 33"H |
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Pros
- Elevated condo prevents moisture from affecting base
- Waterproof coating
- Features balcony, jumping platform, and exit-friendly base
Cons
- Can't withstand the snow
With various doors and windows to feel the wind blowing through their fur, this three-tiered wonder is perfect for rest and play. It is large enough to accommodate for a group of stray cats but be warned that they will never want to leave.
Dimensions | 55'' x 30.75'' x 30'' |
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Pros
- Accommodates multiple cats
- Eco-friendly
- Customizable additions
- Withstand harsh weather conditions
- Includes wheat straw to increase insulation
Cons
- One exit
Sure, this is not the most design-forward of the bunch, but it is the best-insulated option on the market. Spacious enough to fit a small litter of cats, it will keep your pets are cozy as the interior is lined with foam while the exterior is made from 100% recycled plastic. Bonus? The handles on either side of the home are adjustable to allow for airflow in the warmer months.
Dimensions | 24" x 24" x 23" |
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Pros
- Includes three jumping steps
- Five escape door options
- Easy to set up
- Some of the doors lock
Cons
- Overhead height isn't high for bottom level
If your cat is obsessed with knowing your every move (and the whereabouts of your neighbor's dog), this two-story getaway has enough windows and perches to mind everyone's business. The size is generous enough for one or two cats to feel at ease during stormy weather. It is available in yellow and black if the gray and white option doesn't flow with your existing color scheme.
Dimensions | 48' x 38.5'' x 27'' |
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Pros
- User-friendly set up process
- Foldable food bowl
- Waterproof curtain for entryway
Cons
- Base isn't elevated
Make the stray cat feel welcome thanks to the foldable food bowl: the slats can be divided to keep food and water or milk! The anti-grip floor is a helpful addition for kittens that claw at everything.
Dimensions | 13" X 17" X 20" |
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Pros
- Fun entrances, including a floor hole
- Asphalt roof and weather-resistant coating
- Available in white and gray variation
Cons
- Assembly isn't easy
Get a glimpse of San Francisco architecture from your own back porch! Featuring multiple entrances, the floor hole is an adorable way to slither into their home like the top spy your cat is convinced they moonlight as. The home includes a PVC curtain, glass windows, and a removable middle floorboard for cleaning.
Dimensions | 21.75" x 37.5" x 31.5" |
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How to Choose an Outdoor Cat House
Depending on the purpose of your outdoor cat house and the number of cats you have, your reasonings for investing in a cat house may vary. Here are some factors to consider when shopping.
Size: Whether your cat is on the Garfield side or you have multiple cats, you should find a home that can accommodate your pet's needs. A cardboard box won't cut it! The doorway should be just enough the slide in and remain comfortable and the overhead should have room for your cat's curiosity to shine.
Weatherproof: Insulation is key to protecting your cat from harsh winds or glaring solar rays. Choose a home with built-in insulation or tight enough that the cat's body can provide enough heat to keep the air warm. An asphalt roof and water-resistant paint coating are two factors to look for if you are in a region that sees four seasons. Plus, if the roof is slanted or windows include awnings, your cat can escape the rain or snow.
Entry and Exits: Rain or shine, your cat should be free to run in and out of their home with ease (especially if you are not home to save them from the rain). Multiple exits are an important feature to have in case of emergencies with predators or a longstanding war with your dog or another stray cat.