Cat houses for outside cats

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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 just too many of them for all of them to find safe, warm forever homes. While spaying, neutering, and cat adoption are critical to solving the problem of feral cats long term, many cat lovers take the extra step of buying or building outdoor shelters for the feral cats in their neighborhood — especially during wintertime. The folks at Bushwick Street Cats help further their mission to serve the feral cat population by teaching people how to make winter shelters out of a plastic storage bin and a flowerpot. Check out the DIY instructions.

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. It is lightweight and may need to be weighed down.

Learn more. Just avoid leaving out so much food that it attracts animals like raccoons. It has a little bit to do with the oil found in its leaves, and a lot to do with its blissful effects.

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. To understand which features are essential to a good outdoor cat house, we consulted five experts on outdoor cats and pet safety.

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. While this can offer protection from animals to which your cat is equally matched, it will do little to save your cat from a vicious domesticated or wild dog. This website offers a guide to discouraging coyotesr from entering your property. The entire tube is insulated and is excellent at containing heat during cold weather.

Cat houses for outside cats

We've been independently researching and testing products for over years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Whether you've adopted a cat that spends most of its time outdoors or a feral cat has decided to adopt you , setting up the proper weatherproof outdoor cat shelter will keep felines comfortable all year round. For those who live where it gets cold in the winter, cat houses with door flaps help keep a cat cozy and dry. If you live where it gets hot, a light-colored cat enclosure can best maintain a good temperature inside. She shared her thoughts on the features that are worth paying extra for, including an escape door and high perches. We evaluated dozens of highly-rated options, sifting through the reviews and speaking with pet experts to find the best outdoor cat houses. At the end of this guide, read more about what to consider when picking the right outdoor cat house and how you can insulate it for winter. Keep your kitty and a friend or two warm and dry with this roofed cat house featuring a scratching pad and a second-floor porch, perfect for bird watching.

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For bedding that won't retain moisture, use straw or wood chips. During the summer, insulation can help block heat from entering the cat house, ensuring the cats who use the shelter stay comfortable year-round. A small door discourages larger, bolder animals, such as raccoons, from entering. Is it simple to assemble? The slanted roof and weather-treated wooden planks help your kitty stay dry, while the plastic cat flap keeps the wind out. Copy Link. Plus, you can customize them, too. We operate independently from our advertising team. The slightly elevated floor helps promote air circulation while keeping cats off cold or wet ground. USD

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!

According to Wolko, you should never put blankets or towels in an outdoor cat shelter because they will trap moisture and may even freeze. Two smaller shelters are better than one large one. 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. Email us at reviews businessinsider. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. She is passionate about veterinary education in the community and hosts a weekly radio show on the topic at KJAX Be sure to add plenty of straw bedding to the interior. Place two shelters with the doorways facing each other and put a large board on top of both shelters — this weighs the shelters down and provides a protected entryway. Converted doghouse Halfway between a premade and DIY solution, plywood and straw turn this sturdy doghouse into the perfect winter shelter for feral cats. Lower level isn't insulated. Many panels come with dowel rods that can be inserted into pre-drilled holes. Aivituvin Cat House Introduction For many cat lovers, their cat is an essential part of their family. A slanted roof might also discourage predators from sitting on the roof to stalk. Gaffud helped us understand how to choose a cat house for rainy or wet weather and what to look for when choosing houses for senior cats.