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 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. We then researched dozens of shelters, including heated, multicat, and wooden houses. Our top pick, the Petsfit Outdoor Cat House , is well-insulated and waterproof. If you're looking for extra warmth during the coldest months of winter, we recommend The Kitty Tube Outdoor Cat House. It's made from durable recycled plastic and well insulated with foam and wheat straw.

Travel Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Insulation materials should only be used if the shelter can be periodically checked to see if they have gotten damp or too dirty and need to be replaced, cat houses for outside cats. When constructing a shelter, here are a few basic ideas to keep in mind.

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.

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.

Cat houses for outside cats

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.

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Outdoor Cat House. Insulated Pet House. A jumbo-sized clear plastic bin is the foundation for this winter cat shelter. The GDLF cat house's elevated design keeps cats off wet or muddy ground, while the insulation helps keep them warm on chilly nights. Athena Gaffud is a licensed veterinarian from Isabela, Philippines. To understand which features are essential to a good outdoor cat house, we consulted five experts on outdoor cats and pet safety. Cut out a doorway in the Styrofoam interior wall where the doorway has already been cut out in the storage bin. This is the most stringent level of certification that is available within the payments industry. It indicates the ability to send an email. Style Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

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!

But according to Quandt, one cat typically needs around four to six square feet of space. To assemble: Cut a doorway six inches by six inches in one of the long sides of the bin towards the corner. Although the house has a second escape door, a swinging plastic flap provides only partial protection. Shop at Chewy Shop at Amazon. Only one entrance to keep water and wind out Check mark icon A check mark. Straw is a good insulating material to use. It is lightweight and may need to be weighed down. You can safely use electric pet heating pads in cat shelters near your home if you regularly monitor, clean, and dry them. If you're setting up a shelter for feral or community cats, it's also important to remember that they may not want to bed down together. Rest assured, an indoor cat house won't take up too much space for you. Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting.