Outdoor cats need proper shelter for their health and wellbeing. Living outdoors exposes cats to the elements like extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow. Without adequate protection, outdoor cats are at risk of disease, injury, and even death. Providing a suitable outdoor shelter gives cats a place to rest comfortably, regulate their body temperature, and stay dry.
There are various types of outdoor cat shelters to consider, including handmade DIY shelters, feral cat houses, insulated winter shelters, and multi-cat shelters. When selecting the best option, key criteria include insulation, weather resistance, size, safety and security features, and customization for individual cats. The ideal shelter should be warm, dry, roomy, and make the cat feel secure. This article evaluates different shelter styles and materials to help determine the optimal outdoor cat house.
Safety
The outdoor shelter needs to protect the cat from weather, predators, and other hazards. It should be made of sturdy, predator-proof material like wood or durable plastic and have a weather-resistant roof (Source 1). The enclosed shelter gives cats a safe territory and place to retreat from dogs, coyotes, and other predators trying to harm them (Source 2). Make sure the shelter is secured on all sides with latches and locks to prevent predators from entering. Raising it off the ground or placing it high up will also help deter predators.
The shelter should be sized appropriately for the cat with room to move around, as well as insulated for protection from temperature extremes. Placing straw inside adds warmth and comfort (Source 3). Providing food, water, and litter nearby allows the cat to stay in its territory. Overall, a sturdy enclosed shelter provides security, protects from the elements, and gives the cat a place to call home.
Insulation
Insulation is critical for keeping outdoor cats warm in winter weather. An uninsulated shelter allows the cat’s body heat to escape, while an insulated one retains heat and keeps the interior warmer than the outside temperature. According to experts, insulation is the most important feature in a winter cat shelter.
The best insulating materials are straw, rigid foam boards, and fiberglass insulation. Straw provides excellent insulation as well as padding, though it needs to be replaced regularly as it compresses down. Rigid foam boards like Styrofoam are lightweight and easy to work with. Fiberglass insulation offers high R-value insulation, though it requires caution when handling. Experts recommend using a combination of materials, with straw or foam boards on the exterior and fiberglass batts on the interior walls (source). Thick layers of insulation are key, with recommendations of 3-4 inches for foam boards and 6 inches or more of straw.
Reddit users emphasize insulating the floor as well as walls, with a double layer of foam board and tons of straw for maximum warmth. The entrance hole should be as small as possible to retain heat. Well-insulated shelters maintain livable temperatures even when it’s below freezing outside.
Size
The interior space of an outdoor cat shelter should allow enough room for the cat to turn around and stretch out comfortably. Most experts recommend a minimum interior size of 2 feet by 3 feet and 18 inches high for a single cat (source). Larger interiors are not always better, as the heat will disperse quickly. The entryway should be kept small, around 5 inches across, to retain heat and keep out the elements (source). Customizable shelters with removable panels or partitions allow you to adjust the interior size as needed.
Having some customizability in size and configuration is ideal for outdoor cat shelters. Removable walls or panels allow you to make the interior smaller in winter for warmth, and more open in summer for ventilation. You can also add extensions or additional compartments as needed over time.
Placement
One of the most important factors when providing a shelter for an outdoor cat is where you place it on your property. Ideal locations will protect the cat from the elements while allowing easy access between the shelter, food/water, and other areas the cat frequents.
It’s usually best to place the shelter within reasonable distance from your home, so the cat doesn’t have to travel too far for food and water. 10-20 feet from the house is ideal in most cases. Consider visibility as well – choose a spot that allows the cat to observe any activity around your home. But don’t place it too close to high-traffic areas or noisy locations that could startle your cat.
Look for areas that are naturally protected from wind, rain, and sun. Under a deck or porch is often a good option for coverage. Face the opening of the shelter away from prevailing winds. And ensure it’s in a well-drained area, not prone to puddling or flooding.
With an ideal placement that balances protection, comfort, and accessibility, your outdoor cat will be happy to call their shelter home.
Materials
The materials used to build an outdoor shelter are crucial for ensuring it properly protects your cat from the elements. You’ll want to consider the following when selecting materials:
Durability – Since the shelter will be exposed to sun, rain, wind, etc., you need very durable materials that can withstand the weather without deteriorating. Hard plastics, treated woods, and metals work well. Avoid cardboard or fabric that can easily get ruined.
Waterproofing – Any areas exposed to rain or snow should be made of waterproof materials so moisture doesn’t seep in. Metal, hard plastics, and wood treated with weatherproof sealant are good options. The roof in particular should be waterproof.
Accessibility – Opt for common, inexpensive materials you can easily purchase at your local hardware store. Special order items will be costlier and harder to replace. The shelter should also be easy for you to access in order to clean and maintain.
Style
One important aspect to consider when choosing a cat shelter is the style. There are a few main options:
Open Air vs. Enclosed
Open air shelters, like platforms or open boxes, allow for airflow and visibility. However, they don’t provide as much insulation or protection from the elements. Enclosed shelters with a doorway provide more privacy and insulation.
Combination Styles
Some shelters are a hybrid between open air and enclosed. For example, a shelter may have three enclosed sides with one open side, or panels that can be adjusted to allow for more openness or privacy.
Entryway Styles
The entryway is also an important design aspect. Curved entrances, offset doors, and tunnels help block wind and precipitation. Multiple entryways give cats more escape routes. But small kittens may have trouble with tunnels, so keep that in mind.
Bedding
Proper bedding materials are crucial for keeping outdoor cats warm and dry in their shelters. The best insulation comes from natural, organic materials like straw or wood shavings. Straw is preferred over hay because it wicks moisture away from a cat’s body and resists matting.
Cedar and pine shavings make decent bedding, but avoid using fabric, towels or materials that absorb moisture or get moldy. Always make sure bedding is deep enough for cats to burrow into, at least 3-4 inches.
Regularly replace dirty or soiled bedding to keep the shelter clean. Clean shelters at least monthly, or every 2 weeks in wet weather. Completely change out all bedding to remove parasites, fleas and waste.
For extra warmth, add a safe heating pad under part of the bedding, leaving room to move away from the heat. Microwavable heat pads made for pets can provide portable warmth as well.
Customization
When choosing or building an outdoor cat shelter, customization is key for creating a space your cat will love. Consider your cat’s personality and preferences when deciding how to personalize their shelter.
For shy or anxious cats, focus on making the interior space cozy and enclosed, using blankets over the doorway or partial walls to block views and drafts. For active cats, opt for more open designs and include high perches or scratching posts. You know your cat best!
When decorating, choose colors and materials your cat seems to prefer. Observe if they like sleeping on certain textures or colors. Add some of their worn blankets or favorite toys. Custom details make it your cat’s special space.
While pre-made shelters offer convenience, DIY builds allow total creative freedom. If you’re handy, you can construct and customize a shelter to your cat’s exact specifications. DIY also allows choosing unique shapes or sizes. For less work, pre-made shelters with custom add-ons like porches, heated beds, or scratching posts can work great too.
With some thoughtful personalization and the right accessories, you can create an outdoor cat shelter your pet will adore. Focus on their preferences and getting creative, while keeping their safety and comfort top priority.
Conclusion
When choosing an outdoor shelter for a cat, there are several important factors to consider. The shelter should provide safety from predators and insulation from the elements. Look for a shelter that is appropriately sized for the cat with enough room to move around. Carefully choose where to place the shelter, avoiding areas of heavy rain or snow accumulation. Use sturdy and weatherproof materials like plastic, resin or wood. Consider the style of shelter, such as an enclosed cat house or open platform style. Ensure soft, warm bedding inside. And customize the shelter as needed by adding extra insulation or attaching to an existing covered area.
In summary, the optimal outdoor cat shelter balances all of these considerations. But the most important factors are insulation, protection from the elements, and appropriate sizing. An insulated plastic or resin cat house, elevated off the ground, with room for bedding materials, makes a safe and comfortable home for an outdoor cat. This type of shelter protects the cat from extreme weather while also allowing for ventilation and freedom of movement. With the right outdoor cat shelter, owners can rest assured their feline friend has a warm, dry refuge in the backyard.
