Did you know that there is an estimated 100 million stray cats in the U.S? Cat overpopulation is no news, however. All those kitties that live outside have it tough everyday, and their life span is usually half the one household cats have.
That’s why some good people build outdoor cat shelters for cats that pass by their house or garden. Maybe you are here because you want to help kitties and that’s very sweet, I congratulate you for the intention. I hope this list turns out useful to you and that you find the perfect outdoor cat house.
This list is very useful as well if you have indoor cats that love to look through the window or spend time outside. If you’ve been looking for the ideal outdoor cat house for your furry friend, you’ll surely find one you love here!
Now, onto the list!
DIY Outdoor Cat House Ideas
1. Simple Foam Shelter
Let’s kick things off with a simple, foam outdoor cat house. This is more of a shelter than a playground. If you are looking to offer stray cats in your neighborhood a cozy place to pass the night, this is a cheap way yo do so.
If you are doing it yourself, get a Styrofoam box and cut an entrance. You can add straw inside to make it warmer and comfortable. When you place it, keep in mind that it’s best to keep it a at least a few inches elevated from the ground, as it works as extra protection from bugs and other small animals, as well as harsh weather.
2. Wooden Cat Cottages
Want to make something cool out of wood? then a wooden cat cottage like the one above can be a great inspiration. This outdoor cat house made out of treated wood is not only great looking, but it can hold a bunch of cats inside comfortably.
The two floor layout is perfect for cats that love to climb and have an upper view of everything. Of course, a house like this takes time, patience and being handy to build it, but it’s highly customizable. I imagine that spending some time painting it to your liking can be very fun as well.
3. Upcycled Cooler Cat House
Is your main goal to give shelter to kitties around your neighborhood? Then there’s no excuse not to do it, even if you are on a tight budget. Take for example this good man, he builds shelters out of old coolers for cats to have a spot to take refuge during harsh weathers and cold nights.
You can do something similar! Go check if you have any old picnic coolers in your shed or garage. If you don’t you could ask your neighbors for one. Even a storage bin can do the tick, as we will se just now!
4. Storage Bin Cat House
As we were saying, a similar result can be achieved by using as the baseline an old storage bin.
You can follow this easy step-by-step (see picture above)
Styrofoam is for insulation, straw is a cheap way to make the shelter warmer. An easy project you can accomplish within a few hours!
Do you want more cat shelter ideas? Click here!
Store-Bought Outdoor Cat House Ideas
5. Insulated and Heated Cat Houses
Clawasable is a brand that makes amazingly well-built outdoor cat houses and shelters. They are sturdy, insulated, have ground clearance and they even come with heating.
Perfect for extreme weather conditions.
6. Multi-Level Outdoor Cat Condos
Looking for something bigger maybe? Are you not so worried about insulation? Then something like this spacious outdoor cat house can do the trick!
This is best for your house cats. Having multiple floors is useful for cat exploring and playing stimulation, which is very much needed for their happiness.
This model features a roofed part and a more open playground, all in one! you can even fit the litter box at the ground floor.
7. Portable Cat Tents
A portable cat tent that you can place wherever you want can be a versatile, lightweight solution for your outdoor cat house needs. This will work best for your own cats, and if you want to use it outside (probably the reason you are here) it’s best if you put it out after use, as it’s more of a temporary setup.
However, putting a leash to our cats every time we open the door can get tiring (been there, done that). If you want to spend some time with your cat in the yard without worrying about their safety, a tent like this one can be perfect!
8. Portable Outdoor Cat House With Wheels
Liked the portable idea but want something bigger? What about a cat house with wheels? Amazing right?
This model features a multi-floor setup that cats can use to safely play and sunbathe while enjoying the outside air. It’s a sturdy structure with a tiny house on top, reachable for cats by hopping through the platfroms.
Creative and Unique Outdoor Cat House Ideas
9. Camouflaged Tree Cat House
Like kids and some adults, cats can also enjoy the experience of spending some time in a high up, wooden tree house.
As you can see, a cat can surely get some relaxing time, enjoy the views and take a nap. They love being high up, and if camouflaged, even better. So a tree house is perfect for most kitties.
You can make it safer if you want by making a smaller entrance, or ensuring it’s easy to go up and down by adding platforms that work as a path.
10. Tower Bridge Tree House for Cats
If you are looking to take this a step further, you can make a cat tower bridge out of wood that looks as cool as this one!
Accesible from a bridge, this beautiful observation spot will be your cat’s new favorite place ever. You can make the pillar and frame out of wood and enclose it with mesh for your kitty’s safety.
A hard, but rewarding project!
11. Vertical Cat Towers for Outdoor Use
Have a small yard? then taking advantage of vertical space is crucial. In those cases, a vertical, small cat tower is the way to go. It looks great, cats love to climb, and you can make it out of recycled materials.
Perfect for indoor cats that have outdoors play time, or strays that pass by. You can kindly offer water and maybe some food on the top of the tower for those feral cats that visit it.
12. Solar-Powered Cat Houses
A truly unique idea! A solar powered cat house can be the definitive eco-friendly project. Although it may require some knowledge to accomplish it, it’s still a very interesting project. You can read the full instructions on how to make it happen by clicking the pin!
Bonus Tips: How to Make Any Outdoor Cat House Better
Insulate for all-season comfort: Insulation is crucial if you want to make a suitable refuge for outdoor cats that is usable all year long.
Elevate off the ground for extra protection: Keep water, bugs and other unwanted animals away by lifting the structure from the ground. a few feet is already very useful.
Add straw for warmth: A cheap solution to make any refuge or outdoor cat house cozier,
Always position the entrance away from prevailing winds: even if you add straw and heating, if wind blows directly inside, it will still be hard to keep it warm and cozy.
A Safe Haven for Every Cat
Whether it’s for your household cats or strays, outdoor cat houses are crucial for kitties that spend time outside. Your cats only benefit from some outdoors play time, and strays can have a safe place to spend the night or harsh days.
I encourage you to pick a project that fits your needs or capabilities. As we’ve seen, there’s something for every need and budget.
Do you have another great outdoor cat house idea? Share it in the comments!
