9 Best Cat Houses in 2023 — Reviews & Top Picks

Don’t tell your cat we said this, but your house doesn’t actually belong to them. As a result, they need a place of their own: stylish digs that can keep them warm and safe, regardless of what sort of environment you live in.

Cat houses are one of the more expensive accessories that you’ll buy for your furry friend, so getting it wrong has more dire consequences than, say, buying the wrong toy. Also, a few of the more expensive and attractive options aren’t worth the price, making it hard to find the perfect house for your cat.

In these reviews, we reveal our picks for the 10 best cat houses on the market today. You can’t really go wrong with any of them, and each one is capable of being your cat’s new favorite hiding place.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

The 9 Best Cat Houses

1. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House — Best Overall

Your cat will be just as cozy inside the K&H Pet Products Heated Kitty House as they are in your actual house, as it does a remarkable job of shielding them from the elements.

The roof hangs over the doors, ensuring that rain can’t get in and spoil the coziness of the interior, and the 600-denier nylon does a great job of keeping the wind out. Unfortunately, the nylon also traps moisture, so you might want to keep it out of the rain.

It comes with a Lectro-Soft heated bed, which should keep the interior warm on even the coldest of nights.

The house has two exits, as you’ll find flaps at either end. These give your cat somewhere to go if they get cornered by a predator, while also making it convenient for them to get in and out at their leisure.

There’s room inside for two cats simultaneously, but if you just have a single pet, they’ll appreciate the extra space.

If you want the best for your cat, the K&H Pet Products Heated Kitty House is the best overall cat house we’ve found.

2. TRIXIE Outdoor Wooden Cat House — Best Value

No one will ever accuse the TRIXIE Outdoor Wooden Cat House of not being sturdy, as it’s made with reliable pine that’s been weather-treated to prevent warping. Despite its solid construction, it’s also quite affordable, making it our choice for the best cat house for the money.

It has an elevated foundation, and that allows air to circulate underneath it. This keeps it cool in the summer while also preventing the floor from freezing or getting wet in inclement weather. The interior shouldn’t get wet at all, actually, as the roof has asphalt shingles that keep the moisture out.

The front door can fold up or down, so it can serve as a ramp for easy entry and exit. This is particularly useful for senior cats or those with mobility issues, as they won’t have to jump in and out. It’s the only way in or out, however, so your cat will be trapped if something big and hungry comes along.

The weather treatment is a double-edged sword, though, as it gives the whole thing a strong chemical odor that many cats will find off-putting.

If you want a great cat house that won’t cost an arm and a leg, though, the TRIXIE Outdoor Wooden Cat House is definitely the way to go.

3. Aivituvin Outdoor Cat House — Premium Choice

If you want a cat house that can be used to keep indoor kitties safe outside, the Aivituvin Outdoor is right up your alley. It’s a wheeled enclosure that can keep cats comfy while they take in their surroundings.

The wheels make it easy to transport in and out of the house, and there are brakes on two of them to keep it in place. The wire mesh will keep predators at bay while allowing a breeze through, and the asphalt roof keeps moisture out.

There are three platforms inside, enabling your cat to jump from place to place, and there’s a hideaway box at the top. Your cat can enter and exit via a door at the bottom, or you can keep it closed if you don’t want them to wander.

Catios this nice are not cheap, and this one is no exception. It also doesn’t provide much protection from the cold, so it’s not ideal for snowy climates.

4. Furhaven Pet House for Cats — Best for Kittens

The tiny little Furhaven Pet House looks like an ottoman, so you can stash it in your house without making it obvious what it is. It’s available in over a dozen colors, which means you can even match it to your existing décor.

Its small stature makes it a great choice for kittens, as they’ll have plenty of room while still feeling safe and secure. Of course, that also means that larger cats may be a little cramped inside it, and you may need to trade it in for something bigger as your little one grows.

It won’t become useless if your cat outgrows it, though. The lid comes off, and you can use it for storage, so it can house books, pillows, or anything else after it’s done housing cats.

There’s a spot for a dangling cat toy inside it, making it even more attractive to youngsters (or the young at heart). Don’t let them become too rambunctious, though, as it’s basically just cardboard wrapped in fabric, so it’s not the most durable option.

If you need a spot for your kitten to hang out, the Furhaven Pet House is the perfect choice. Just don’t expect it to be the perfect choice for long.

5. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House

If your cat idolizes Snoopy, they’ll love this A-frame from K&H Pet Products. It has room for multiple cats, making it a great choice for anyone with an outdoor menagerie.

It comes with a Lectro-Soft heated bed, so regardless of how many cats are inside, they’ll stay warm and comfy. The waterproof fabric also keeps rain at bay, ensuring that they’ll also stay dry.

There are two removable door flaps, and taking them off and putting them back on is a cinch. Putting the thing together is easy, too, and should only take you a few minutes. This makes it a breeze to take down if you need to. However, the frame is somewhat flimsy and tends to bend or collapse, especially in severe weather.

If you take the flaps off, though, it basically turns into a wind tunnel, and the heated bed will be unable to keep up. The flaps can also get creased if stored improperly, allowing all the hot air out.

The K&H Pet Products Multi-Kitty A-Frame is great for those with many cats to look after, but it has a few flaws that keep it from being truly exceptional.

6. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Outdoor Cat House

If you care about your cat house’s appearance, the New Age Pet ecoFLEX is about as classy-looking as these things get. Made of recycled wood and a plastic polymer composite, it may actually dress up your backyard a bit.

The plastic polymer ensures that the wood doesn’t leak or warp, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. It’s easy to assemble because there are predrilled holes that you simply tap the panels into, and it’s lightweight enough to move around if need be.

It’s good that it’s easy and intuitive to assemble, as the included instructions are worthless. However, the fact that it uses predrilled holes means that things won’t always line up perfectly. It’s not unusual for there to be slight gaps here and there that allow cold air to enter.

Also, the flaps are just thin strips of plastic, so if there’s even a slight breeze, they’ll swing in the wind. It all adds up to quite the drafty experience for your cat.

The New Age Pet ecoFLEX is an attractive, durable cat house, but it’s probably not the best idea if you happen to live somewhere that experiences extreme weather.

7. Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter With Escape Door

The Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter is an attractive option for anyone whose primary concern is their cat’s safety.

It has two openings, each of which is on a different level, so predators will have a near-impossible time trying to pin your cat down. One of the exits is on a completely different side of the house, which gives them a chance to sneak out unnoticed.

There’s plenty of room inside, especially since the bottom two floors are removable. That makes them less than sturdy, though, and they tend to slide around.

It’s also not as waterproof as it claims. If you leave it in the rain, don’t be surprised to find the inside is damp, and that could eventually lead to issues with mold. This is especially disappointing given the fact that you’ll pay a premium price for this house.

The Rockever Outdoor Cat Shelter is attractive and roomy, but it has a few serious issues that need to be worked out.

8. TRIXIE Natura Insulated Cat House

It may not look like much, but the TRIXIE Natura is a comfortable option that’s capable of keeping your cat seriously warm.

It’s not heated, but it has thick foam insulation that will trap your cat’s body heat, keeping the interior quite warm. It also has an elevated floor, so the cold won’t be able to penetrate from the bottom of the house.

Cleaning it is easy, as the hinged roof can open up to give you entry. The arms also lock, so it won’t fall on your head mid-cleaning.

There’s only one exit, though, so the safety is a bit questionable, and it’s not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep it out of the rain. The wood is also fairly cheap and held in place with staples, and your cat may get poked if any come loose.

The TRIXIE Natura is one of the warmer options available, which is remarkable given the fact that it’s not heated. However, it has a few safety issues that give us pause.

9. Petsfit Cat House for Outdoor Cats With Escape Door

The stunning Petsfit Cat House with Escape Door looks like a miniature chalet for your cat because in addition to a house, it has a ladder and a deck for lounging.

While this undoubtedly makes it more picturesque, it’s not like your cat needs more places to stretch out when they’re outdoors. It also eats into the available space, and both the house and deck will likely be tight squeezes for your cat.

The house isn’t that warm, and the manufacturer recognizes this, which is why it recommends placing a heated bed inside. It also needs heavy caulking to keep the rain out, and even that may not be enough. The awning does provide relief from the sun and rain, though.

Putting it together isn’t easy, and it will take up the better part of an afternoon. Don’t take your frustrations out on it, though, as the wood is flimsy and likely to snap.

The Petsfit Cat House With Escape Door may well be the most gorgeous option that you’ll find anywhere, but you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of functionality in exchange for that beauty.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Cat House

You may know exactly what questions to ask if you’re shopping for a home for yourself, but looking for your cat is a whole new ball of wax. Unless you know exactly what to look for, it’s easy to make a big mistake when purchasing a cat house.

To help you avoid a pricey mistake, we put together a brief guide that covers everything that you should consider when buying your pet’s next digs.

Does My Cat Really Need a Cat House?

For much of the year, a cat house may be a luxury for your cat — one they might not even use. If the weather’s perfect, they may prefer to lounge on your patio or even in the grass rather than curl up inside a store-bought cat house.

Once the weather takes a turn for the worse, though, they’ll need a place to get out of it. A cat house provides them someplace to curl up and stay warm and dry so they don’t freeze to death or get sick from exposure.

Cat houses can also offer your kitty a place to hide when they need to escape from something, regardless of whether that “something” is the sun or a hungry owl. By having a ready-made panic room available, they may just be able to survive being hunted.

By giving your cat someplace comfy and safe to call their own, you increase the odds that an outdoor cat will stick around rather than run away. While they’re not necessary, strictly speaking, if you like your cat and want to spend more time with them, a cat house is definitely a wise investment.

What Should I Look For in a Cat House?

There are a few things that all great cat houses have in common. Some are obvious and others are less so.

The most important thing is that it is durable and weatherproof. The whole point is to give your cat a place to escape inclement weather, so if freezing rain and wind can penetrate it, there’s little point in having one at all.

It also needs to be warm. Some accomplish this by having heated beds or other gadgets that artificially raise the temperature inside, while others are insulated to trap your cat’s body heat. Some don’t have insulation or heat, in which case you’ll need for it to be fairly snug so your cat’s warmth doesn’t escape.

Your cat should want to spend time in it too. That means it needs to be comfortable, entertaining, or both. Look for something that has multiple platforms, attached toys, or plush carpet.

Last but not least, it needs to be safe. Ideally, it should have multiple exits, so if a predator tries to get to your cat, they have a way to escape. It should also be sturdy enough that a larger animal can’t tear it apart to get inside.

Are Cat Houses Just for Outdoor Cats?

Not necessarily. While it’s true that most cat houses are designed for outdoor cats, there are also some designed for indoor kitties.

However, indoor cat houses are usually flimsier and less durable, with more of an emphasis on comfort. That’s because they don’t have to stand up to harsh weather or determined predators, so the only thing that matters is making your cat feel warm and cozy.

As such, indoor cat houses shouldn’t be used outside because they’re simply not up to the task. Likewise, outdoor cat houses will likely be too rough and tumble for indoor use.

There are a few that function equally well indoors or out, but as you might expect, these tend to be more expensive. They usually fall under the category of “catios” rather than cat houses, as they’re usually intended to give indoor cats a way to safely spend time outside.

Conclusion

The K&H Pet Products Heated Kitty House is our favorite cat house because it’s warm and cozy while also being sturdy and durable.

For a cheaper option that’s just as good, consider the TRIXIE Outdoor Wooden Cat House. It’s made of quality pine and makes the perfect digs for cats of any age.

Choosing a quality cat house isn’t easy, and hopefully, these reviews have helped you settle on your cat’s next abode. If you’re still struggling, remember that you can always let them stay with you, but don’t be surprised if they try to kick you out and take over.

Featured Image Credit: Yodgi, Shutterstock