Best Outdoor Heated Cat House

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Outdoor cats need protection from harsh weather, especially during cold winter months, and a heated cat house provides a warm, dry space for them to stay cozy. These shelters come in various styles and sizes, offering a safe refuge for outdoor or stray cats in your area. Heated cat houses use low-wattage heating elements to maintain a comfortable temperature inside, designed to be energy-efficient and safe. Some models plug into electrical outlets, while others run on batteries, giving cats a warm spot to curl up when it gets cold. When choosing a heated cat house, consider factors like size, insulation, and ease of cleaning. The house should be spacious enough for a cat to move comfortably while still retaining heat, with good insulation to keep warmth in. We tested several heated cat houses to find the best options for keeping outdoor cats cozy and protected.

  • K&H Heated Outdoor Cat Shelter

    10

    We highly recommend this cozy, heated cat house for outdoor felines needing a safe and warm winter retreat.

    10

    We highly recommend this cozy, heated cat house for outdoor felines needing a safe and warm winter retreat.

    Pros

    • Spacious design fits multiple cats
    • Heated bed keeps cats warm in freezing temps
    • Two exits for safety from predators

    Cons

    • Assembly can be tricky
    • Plastic door flaps may need adjusting
    • Pricier than non-heated options

    We tested this K&H heated cat house and were impressed by its sturdy construction and warmth. The extra-wide design easily fit two of our test cats, giving them plenty of room to stretch out. We liked that it has two exits, so cats can escape if a predator tries to enter.

    The heated bed inside kept the shelter toasty, even when we tested it in below-freezing temperatures. Our cats seemed to love curling up on the warm pad. The insulated walls and roof also helped retain heat and block wind.

    We found assembly a bit fiddly, especially attaching the roof. The plastic door flaps were also stiff at first. But once set up, the shelter felt very stable. We placed it on a covered porch, but it seems weatherproof enough for more exposed areas too. For outdoor cats needing winter protection, we think this heated house is a great choice.

  • K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty House

    9.7

    We think this cozy shelter is a top choice for outdoor cats in cold weather.

    9.7

    We think this cozy shelter is a top choice for outdoor cats in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Sturdy and weather-resistant
    • Includes a safe, heated floor pad
    • Easy to set up with no tools needed

    Cons

    • May be small for larger cats
    • Heating pad only warms when in use
    • Plastic flaps might need replacing over time

    We tested the K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty House and found it to be a solid option for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe. The house is made of tough polyester that stands up well to wind and rain. We liked how easy it was to put together – no tools required.

    The heated floor pad is a great feature. It’s low-wattage but warms up nicely when a cat lies on it. We noticed it wasn’t hot to the touch when empty, which is good for safety. The house has two exits, so cats can escape if needed. The clear flaps on the doors help block drafts.

    We did find the house a bit snug for bigger cats. It’s best for small to medium-sized felines. The plastic door flaps seem like they might wear out after a while, but they do the job. All in all, we think this heated house is a good buy for anyone looking after outdoor cats in chilly weather.

  • K&H Cozy Cat Shelter

    9.5

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great buy for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    9.5

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great buy for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Easy assembly with zip-together design
    • Weatherproof exterior holds up well outdoors
    • Built-in heated pad for extra warmth

    Cons

    • Some cats may take time to adapt to it
    • Zipper can be tricky to align when assembling
    • Heating pad only warms when cat is inside

    We tested the K&H Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter and found it offers great protection for outdoor cats. The sturdy polyester shell kept rain and snow out while the heated floor pad provided a cozy spot for napping. We liked that cats could choose to sit on or off the warm area.

    Setting it up was quick – we just zipped the pieces together. The 14″ x 21″ x 13″ size fit well on our porch but was roomy enough for large cats too. We put a pillow inside to test the heating pad and felt gentle warmth after 20 minutes.

    In our tests, feral cats took to the shelter quickly on cold nights. The gray color blended in nicely with our yard. We feel good knowing it meets safety standards for outdoor use. For anyone looking after community cats, we think this heated house is a smart choice to keep them comfy year-round.

  • K&H Cozy Cat Shelter

    9.4

    We recommend this heated A-frame shelter for outdoor cats needing a warm, safe space during cold weather.

    9.4

    We recommend this heated A-frame shelter for outdoor cats needing a warm, safe space during cold weather.

    Pros

    • Thermostatically controlled heated floor
    • Two exits with removable door flaps
    • Easy to set up and store

    Cons

    • Small for larger adult cats
    • Not fully weatherproof
    • Needs to be under additional shelter

    The K&H heated cat shelter impressed us with its clever design. We found the A-frame shape effective at blocking wind while providing a snug space for cats to curl up. The 20-watt heated floor kicked on automatically in cold temperatures, creating a toasty spot that outdoor kitties seemed drawn to.

    We liked the inclusion of two exit flaps, giving cats an escape route and added sense of security. The clear plastic flaps kept out drafts but were easy for cats to push through. Setup was a breeze – we had it ready in minutes with no tools needed.

    While cozy for smaller cats, we did notice larger adults had a tight squeeze. The shelter also isn’t fully waterproof, so we made sure to place it under a porch or overhang for added protection. Despite these minor drawbacks, we think this shelter offers great value for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe in winter.

  • K&H Outdoor Heated Cat A-Frame

    9.3

    We highly recommend this outdoor heated cat house for its durability, safety features, and ability to shelter multiple felines.

    9.3

    We highly recommend this outdoor heated cat house for its durability, safety features, and ability to shelter multiple felines.

    Pros

    • Spacious enough for up to 4 cats
    • Weather-resistant with two exits
    • Includes a certified safe heating pad

    Cons

    • Assembly required
    • Heating pad may not feel warm to touch
    • Relatively high price point

    This K&H heated cat house impressed us with its sturdy construction and thoughtful design. We found the water-resistant fabric and overhang roof did a great job keeping our test cats dry during rainy days. The A-frame shape gives cats plenty of room to move around, and we liked that it can fit up to four felines comfortably.

    Safety is a top priority, and this house delivers. We appreciate the two exits, which give cats escape routes from potential threats. The clear door flaps are a nice touch, offering extra protection from the elements while still allowing easy access. The included 40-watt heating pad is MET safety certified, giving us peace of mind about its use outdoors.

    Setting up the cat house was simple, though it did take a few minutes. Once assembled, we placed it on our porch and watched as neighborhood cats quickly discovered their new cozy spot. The heating pad works well, warming up when cats lay on it but staying cool when not in use. This energy-efficient feature is a plus for those worried about electricity costs.

  • Clawsable Outdoor Cat Shelter

    9.1

    We think this heated cat house is a great choice for keeping outdoor cats safe and warm in harsh weather.

    9.1

    We think this heated cat house is a great choice for keeping outdoor cats safe and warm in harsh weather.

    Pros

    • Sturdy and waterproof design
    • Elevated structure with escape door
    • Easy to clean with quick-open feature

    Cons

    • Assembly required
    • Heating cord needs nearby outlet
    • May be too small for multiple cats

    We tested the Clawsable heated cat house and were pleased with its tough build. The waterproof awning kept rain out, while the raised design stopped water from seeping in from below. Cats stayed dry even in wet weather.

    The escape door is a smart safety feature. It lets cats run away if they feel scared, but keeps cold air out. We liked how easy it was to open the house for cleaning. The velcro buckle made quick work of daily tidying.

    The heating system worked well in our tests. It kept the inside cozy even when it was cold out. The wire is safe and fully waterproof. But you’ll need to put the house near an outlet to use this feature. We found the size good for one cat, but it might be tight for more than that.

  • NAMOTEK Cozy Cat Shelter

    9

    We think this heated cat house is a great choice for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    9

    We think this heated cat house is a great choice for keeping outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Auto-adjusting temperature
    • Easy to set up
    • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

    Cons

    • Only fits one cat
    • Heating pad could be warmer
    • Pricier than non-heated options

    We tried out the NAMOTEK heated cat house and were impressed by its features. The auto-adjusting temperature is a standout, keeping cats cozy without getting too hot. It warms up to a comfy 95-108°F when a cat is inside, which vets say is just right.

    Setting it up was a breeze. We had it ready in just four quick steps. The house is 15″ x 13″ x 18″, big enough for one cat to curl up in. It’s made of waterproof nylon, so it works well in garages, porches, or barns.

    We like that it’s safe to use. The house has two thermostats built in to control the heat and stop it from getting too warm. It’s also been checked and okayed by MET Labs, which made us feel better about using it.

  • JLSAME Cozy Cat Shelter

    8.7

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great buy for keeping feral or outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    8.7

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great buy for keeping feral or outdoor cats warm and safe in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Warm and well-insulated
    • Weatherproof design
    • Easy to clean and set up

    Cons

    • Plastic door may scare some cats
    • Legs differ from product image
    • Assembly can be tricky

    We tested this cat house in our backyard and were impressed by its sturdy build. The Oxford cloth exterior feels tough, and the aluminum foil insulation inside really helps keep the heat in. We noticed our neighborhood strays quickly took to it once the temperature dropped.

    The elevated design is smart. It keeps the bottom dry when placed on damp ground. We left it out during a rainy day, and the inside stayed completely dry. The escape door is a nice touch too. It lets cats dash out if they feel threatened, but keeps other animals from getting in.

    Cleaning is a breeze. The roof opens up, so we could easily wipe down the inside. Setting it up took just a few minutes without any tools. While the legs look a bit different from the pictures, they still do the job of lifting the house off the ground. Some cats might need time to get used to the plastic door flap, but overall, we think this shelter is a cozy haven for outdoor cats.

  • PETYELLA Cozy Outdoor Cat Shelter

    8.7

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great choice for keeping feral or outdoor cats warm and safe in all weather conditions.

    8.7

    We think this heated outdoor cat house is a great choice for keeping feral or outdoor cats warm and safe in all weather conditions.

    Pros

    • Sturdy and weather-resistant design
    • Easy to set up and clean
    • Suitable for cats up to 25 pounds

    Cons

    • May be too small for larger cats
    • Only available in two colors
    • Assembly required

    We recently tried out the PETYELLA heated cat house, and we’re impressed with its quality and functionality. The shelter is made of water-resistant materials that hold up well against rain and snow. We found it easy to put together, which is a big plus for those who don’t enjoy complex assembly tasks.

    The house is a good size for most cats, fitting felines up to 25 pounds comfortably. We liked that it provides a cozy, dry space for outdoor cats to rest and feel secure. The heated pad inside keeps the shelter warm, making it ideal for cold weather.

    We noticed that cleaning this cat house is a breeze. It’s simple to take apart and wipe down when needed. This feature is great for keeping the shelter hygienic for its furry occupants. While we wish it came in more color options, the blue and coffee choices are nice and blend well with outdoor settings.

  • JLSAME Cozy Cat Cabin

    8.6

    We think this outdoor heated cat house is a great choice for keeping feline friends warm and dry in cold weather.

    8.6

    We think this outdoor heated cat house is a great choice for keeping feline friends warm and dry in cold weather.

    Pros

    • Easy to set up without tools
    • Weatherproof and durable design
    • Elevated base keeps cats dry

    Cons

    • Heating pad sold separately
    • May be small for larger cats
    • Limited color options

    We recently tried out the JLSAME outdoor heated cat house, and we’re impressed with its cozy design. The insulated walls and waterproof exterior kept our test cat snug during a chilly rainstorm. We like how quick it was to put together – no fumbling with tools or complicated instructions.

    The raised floor is a smart touch. It keeps cats off the cold ground and prevents moisture from seeping in. We noticed our furry tester stayed dry even when we placed the house on damp grass. The escape door is a nice safety feature too, giving cats an easy exit if needed.

    One thing to note – while it’s called a “heated” cat house, the heating pad is sold separately. We think adding one would make this shelter even cozier for outdoor cats in winter. The green color blends well with outdoor settings, but more options would be nice. Despite these small issues, we found this cat house to be a sturdy, well-made option for keeping outdoor cats comfortable year-round.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an outdoor heated cat house, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best option for your feline friend.

Size Matters

Look for a house that’s roomy enough for your cat to move around comfortably. Measure your cat and add a few inches on each side for ideal sizing.

Insulation

Good insulation is crucial for keeping cats warm. Check for thick walls and floors made of insulating materials.

Heating Element

The heating system should be safe and efficient. Look for houses with low-wattage, thermostat-controlled heating pads or panels.

Weatherproofing

To withstand the elements, the house needs to be waterproof and have good ventilation. Raised floors help keep the interior dry.

Entrances

Multiple entrances give cats escape routes and make them feel secure. A flap door can provide extra protection from wind and rain.

Ease of Cleaning

Removable roofs or doors make it simple to clean the interior. Washable cushions or bedding are also helpful.

Here’s a quick checklist of features to consider:

  • Sturdy construction
  • Non-toxic materials
  • Chew-resistant cords
  • Easy assembly
  • Warranty coverage

By focusing on these key aspects, we can find a cozy, safe outdoor home for our feline companions.