Having an outdoor cat house provides many benefits for cats and their owners. According to The Humane Society, outdoor enclosures allow cats to experience fresh air and interesting sights and sounds while protecting local wildlife from hunting. Outdoor houses also provide security, shelter from the elements, and stimulation for cats.
There are a few main types of outdoor cat houses:
- Enclosed cat patios or “catios” attached to the home
- Freestanding outdoor cat houses or shelters
- Fenced outdoor enclosures or “cat runs”
This article will provide instructions for building a simple freestanding outdoor cat house that can provide warmth, comfort, and security for feline friends.
Materials Needed
The main materials needed to build a simple outdoor cat house are:
For the structure of the cat house, you’ll need wood, plywood, or plastic bins. Plastic storage bins or totes work well as they are inexpensive and provide a waterproof base for the shelter. Wood or plywood can also be used to build a more customized structure.
For assembling the shelter, you’ll need basic tools like:
- Hammers
- Nails or screws
- Staple gun
- Saw (if using wood)
Make sure to use materials that are sturdy and will withstand the outdoor elements. Pressure-treated wood or exterior grade plywood are good options. For plastic bins, look for thick, durable plastic that won’t crack or warp.
Size Recommendations
The ideal dimensions for an outdoor cat house for 1-2 cats is at least 12″ x 18″ x 12″, with an entrance of 5-6″ wide (Winter Shelters for Community Cats). This provides enough room for cats to turn around and curl up comfortably. For larger shelters designed to accommodate multiple cats, the size can be expanded to 36″ x 24″ x 24″. This allows enough space for 3 or more cats while retaining warmth.
When determining the appropriate size, consider the number of cats that will be using the shelter. However, make sure the space is not too large, as this can make it difficult to retain heat. The ideal cat house is snug and insulated.
Design Tips
When designing an outdoor cat shelter, there are a few key factors to consider for functionality and cat comfort:
The shelter should be waterproof to protect cats from the elements. Use water-resistant materials like wood or plastic instead of cardboard. You can coat the roof and walls with waterproof paint or sealer for added protection. Apply weather stripping around doors and windows (Source 1).
Insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling for warmth in colder months. Straw, foam boards, or fiberglass insulation are good options. You can also line walls with carpet scraps or blankets (Source 2).
Include a raised floor to prevent dampness and cold from the ground. Build a wooden pallet base or place cinder blocks underneath (Source 1). Raise the shelter at least a few inches off the ground.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Building the outdoor cat shelter is a pretty straightforward process. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Start by cutting the plywood into the desired sizes for the floor, walls, and roof using a circular or jig saw. Make sure the corners are square for proper assembly. Refer to the cut list for dimensions.
Assemble the floor first by attaching the plywood pieces together with wood screws. Then attach the walls to the floor, making sure the corners fit tightly. Use wood glue and screws for maximum strength.
For the roof, cut a piece of plywood for the top and an overhang on one side to protect from rain. Attach these pieces using wood glue and screws. Then attach asphalt shingles with galvanized roofing nails to make the roof waterproof (Alley Cat Allies).
Make sure all screws are countersunk so there are no sharp points sticking out. Sand any rough edges. Then paint or stain the exterior if desired.
Doorway
One of the most important aspects of an outdoor cat house is providing a doorway that allows the cat easy access in and out of the shelter, while still keeping drafts out.Feral Cat Shelter Outdoor with Escape Door Rainproof … To create a doorway, use a jigsaw to cut out an opening about 8 inches across in one of the side panels, near the bottom corner. This allows enough room for the cat to comfortably enter and exit. Avoid making the doorway too big, as you want it just large enough for the cat.
Next, hinge a flexible flap over the doorway using duct tape, a strip of bendable plastic, or similar material. This flap should open inward, so when the cat pushes against it from the inside, it swings open. But when closed, it covers the doorway and prevents rain, wind, and snow from getting inside the shelter. For extra weatherproofing, attach draft blocker material or weather stripping around the edges of the flap. This seals up any gaps when closed.
Position the flap about an inch above the bottom of the doorway, so it doesn’t drag on the ground when open. Check that it opens and closes easily. The flap gives the cat privacy and protection from the elements while still allowing easy entry and exit at any time.
Insulation
Proper insulation is critical for keeping your outdoor cat warm and comfortable during winter. The best insulation materials are straw, styrofoam, and fiberglass batting. Avoid using materials like towels or blankets, as these can retain moisture.
You’ll want to line the walls and ceiling of the shelter with 2-3 inches of insulation material. Straw works well for the walls since it’s a loose, natural fiber that allows for air pockets. For the ceiling, rigid foam boards like styrofoam provide excellent insulation from above. You can use staples or water-resistant caulk to secure the foam boards in place (Source 1). Alternatively, fiberglass batting can be effective for both the walls and ceiling. Just make sure it is covered or protected so cats don’t come into direct contact with the fiberglass.
Lining every surface of the interior with insulating material will help prevent drafts and keep the inside temperature more regulated. Your cats will stay much warmer and more comfortable through harsh winter weather if their shelter is well-insulated on all sides.
Waterproofing
One of the most important elements for an outdoor cat house is making sure it is waterproof and sealed from the elements. This will ensure your cat stays warm and dry inside. To waterproof the exterior of the cat house, you can use a waterproof sealant or coating such as Thompson’s WaterSeal or a silicone roof coating (Amazon.com).
Prior to adding any sealant, make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. Apply 2-3 coats of waterproof sealant, allowing it to dry completely between coats. Focus on fully coating the roof and any exterior walls or panels. The sealant will create a protective barrier against rain and moisture (Wayfair.com). Opt for a sealant that is safe for pets once dried.
In addition to sealing the exterior, you can also line the interior floors and walls with a waterproof liner or mat. This adds an extra layer of protection. Be sure any exterior seams are fully sealed as well, using a silicone caulk if needed.
Bedding
Choose the right bedding material for your outdoor cat house to ensure your cat stays warm and dry. Many experts recommend using either cedar chips or straw as the best options for bedding in outdoor cat shelters. As the Alley Cat Allies explains, “Straw—not hay—provides the best bedding for outdoor cat houses for shelter.” Straw is more absorbent than hay, helping to wick away moisture and keep cats warm and dry.
Avoid using fabric for bedding in outdoor cat houses, as fabric tends to hold moisture and can get moldy. Straw or cedar chips allow airflow and will not trap moisture like fabrics can. You can purchase straw bedding specifically designed for cat shelters and outdoor cat houses from many major retailers. Refresh the straw regularly to keep it clean and dry. Proper bedding materials like straw or cedar chips are important for your outdoor cat’s comfort and wellbeing.
Placement
When determining where to place your outdoor cat house, it’s important to find a spot that provides both warmth and safety for your cat.
Ideally, the shelter should be placed in a partially shaded area. This provides protection from the hot midday sun while still allowing sunlight to warm the house during the morning and afternoon. Direct sun can make the interior too hot during peak hours. Look for areas that receive morning sun but become shaded by trees or structures by early afternoon.
It’s also key to place the shelter near your home for safety. Keep it within eyesight of your house if possible, so you can easily monitor your cat. Avoid putting it too close to blind spots or hiding places where predators could sneak up. Your yard is generally safer than remote areas of your property. Place the house against a wall or fence to limit access points.
Additionally, keep the shelter off grass or dirt that could get muddy. Elevate it a few inches on a patio, deck, or concrete blocks. Make sure it’s leveled and stable. Point the opening away from prevailing winds or rain.