Whether you have an indoor/outdoor cat yourself or you’ve noticed several strays around the neighborhood, you may be looking for a heated cat house to put outside this winter.
I’ve looked at dozens of heated outdoor cat houses across several popular brands and retailers to help you determine which one is best for your favorite felines this winter. I looked at the size and safety features of each product as well as its versatility, ease of setup, and customer satisfaction. You can check out my entire methodology and my top picks below.
9 of the Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses for Winter
As colder temperatures begin to set in, you may be looking for ways to help keep your favorite outdoor felines warm for the winter.
If you’re crafty enough, you may be able to build your own insulated outdoor cat house. However, many people (myself included) prefer to leave it to the professionals. Thankfully, you can buy a prebuilt heated cat house that’s made for outdoor use with weather-resistant material. They use electricity and/or insulation to keep the space at a safe, warm temperature for outdoor cats.
I spent a few hours reading through customer reviews on Amazon and Chewy of the most popular and highly-rated outdoor heated cat houses. I also checked out the size and safety features of each one to help you determine which one will best meet your needs.
Based on my research, here are nine of the best outdoor heated cat tents available now:
Best Overall Outdoor Heated Cat House | K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House | |
Best Heated Cat House for Stray Cats | K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House | |
Best Heated Cat House for Sheltered Areas | K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter | |
Best Elevated Heated Cat House | Furhome Collective Heated Cat House | |
Best Insulated Outdoor Cat House | The Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House | |
Best Heated Cat House for Multiple Cats | K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House | |
Best Budget Outdoor Heated Cat House | Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter | |
Best Outdoor Heated Pet Bed | K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed | |
Best Indoor Heated Cat Cave | K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Pet Bed |
Below, you’ll find additional details on each heated outdoor cat house including its size, pros and cons, and where to buy it.
K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House
Best Overall Outdoor Heated Cat House
Based on my research, the K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House (Amazon; Chewy is the best overall outdoor heated cat house.
It measures 19” x 22” x 17” and is weather resistant for outdoor use. It’s also insulated and easy to assemble. Two exits provide multiple escape routes for cats, and the entire product is safety certified by MET Labs. According to the manufacturer, it exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards.
At the time of writing, the K&H Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House had over 9,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. On Chewy, over 1,700 customers have left an average rating of 4.7/5 stars.
After reading through several of the reviews myself, here are a few of the biggest pros and cons that customers are reporting with this heated outdoor cat house:
Pros:
- The structure is easy to assemble and use
- The structure is durable, which makes it great for outdoor use with domestic or stray cats
- The electrical aspect of the heated house has been tested and certified as safe
Cons:
- The size dimensions of the house are from the outside of the structure, so some customers have reported that the house was smaller than expected
- There’s no indicator to let you know that the house is heating up; however, customers report that it does get appropriately warm
You can read full reviews and check out the current price of the K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House on Amazon or Chewy.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House
Best Heated Cat House for Stray Cats
Over half of the heated cat houses on this list are made by K&H Pet Products, which isn’t surprising based on the company’s excellent customer feedback. For example, our top pick for the best heated cat house for stray cats is the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat House (Amazon or Chewy).
This outdoor heated cat house has tons of space for multiple stray cats and measures at 21.5” x 26.5” x 15.5”. It’s weather resistant, easy to assemble, and insulated. It features a 20-watt MET Safety Listed plush heated cat bed and two exits so cats never feel trapped.
At the time of writing, this heated outdoor cat bed had nearly 4,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. Customers on Chewy express similar opinions with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars from nearly 900 reviews.
After spending some time reading through customer reviews, here are the biggest pros and cons I’ve found with this heated outdoor cat bed:
Pros:
- Customers report excellent results with this house for outdoor cats during the winter. Several reviews mention perfect use in sub-zero temperatures.
- Many customers report that cats love using this house and there are several pictures and videos in the reviews to prove it!
Cons:
- Some customers report water getting into the house when it rains.
- Some customers have created their own insulation to add to the heated cat house.
- Several customers report that the house arrives smaller than they expected.
You can read full reviews and check the current price of K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty house on Amazon or Chewy.
K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter
Best Heated Cat House for Sheltered Areas
The K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter (Amazon; Chewy) is another excellent choice for an outdoor heated cat bed. If you’re planning on placing it in a sheltered area, like on your porch or in your garage, the Thermo Mod Shelter is a perfect pick.
The shelter is weather-resistant, easy to assemble, and insulated. It features a waterproof rugged heavy denier polyester exterior and a 25-watt MET Safety-listed plush heated cat bed. It measures 14” x 21” x 13”.
At the time of writing, the Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter had over 2,400 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.4/5 stars. On Chewy, over 220 customers left an average rating of 4.3/5 stars.
I read through several of the customer reviews myself to see what people liked and disliked about the Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter. Here’s what I found:
Pros:
- Many reviews mention excellent use outdoors, but most customers seem to have this outdoor heated cat house in a covered area.
- Customers report that the heated outdoor cat house definitely stays warm.
- Several customers report that this house and heating pad combo is a great value compared to similar products.
Cons:
- Some customers report a smell from the waterproof lining which your cat may not love.
- Several customers report having issues with the zipper enclosure- specifically during assembly.
- Some customers report that the heating pad doesn’t get as warm as expected.
You can check out the full reviews yourself and see the current price of the K&H Pet Products Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter on Amazon or Chewy.
Furhome Collective Heated Cat House
Best Elevated Heated Cat House
The Furhome Collective Heated Cat House (Amazon) is an excellent choice for a heated outdoor cat house that’s raised off the ground. In addition to being elevated, it’s also waterproof and insulated.
This house includes a separate bed pad, heating pad, and a luxurious padded bolster faux fur cover to keep your favorite outdoor felines warm in any weather. Like other cat houses on this list, it features two exits so your cat never feels trapped. It also features PVC door covers, a chew-proof cord, and a plug-in 24-hour timer.
At the time of writing, the Foursome Collective Heated Cat House had over 1,500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.3/5 stars. After reading through several of the reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:
Pros:
- Several customers report excellent use outdoors during the winter.
- The price is excellent compared to similar products from competitors.
- The product is easy to use and assemble, plus it comes with an optional 24-hour timer.
Cons:
- Several customers report that their cats were apprehensive about the plastic door flaps; however, they’re easily removable if your cat isn’t a fan.
- Some customers report that the house itself isn’t as sturdy as it could be.
- Some customers report that the house seems smaller in person than they expected it to be.
To read full customer reviews and check the current price of the Furhome Collective Heated Cat House, visit Amazon’s website.
The Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House
Best Insulated Outdoor Cat House
The Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House (Amazon) is perfect for heavy-duty weather. While it isn’t heated with an electric pad, it is intensely insulated to help keep outdoor cats warm during cold weather.
It features elevated floor insulation for protection against cold ground with a layer of flow-through foam that prevents moisture from reaching the interior. It comes with awnings and removable clear flap doors, and it’s environmentally friendly; it’s made from 100% post-consumer HDPE plastic primarily from milk and detergent bottles.
At the time of writing, the Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House had 1,500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7/5 stars. After reading through several of the customer reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:
Pros:
- Customers report that the structure is incredibly sturdy and stays as warm as a heated cat house with an electric pad.
- Many customers report that it’s worth the price and stands the test of time.
Cons:
- Unlike many other cat houses on this list, the Kitty Tube only features one exit, which isn’t ideal for feral cats especially.
- Some customers report that assembly wasn’t the easiest.
You can read full customer reviews and check the current price of the Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House on Amazon.
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House
Best Heated Cat House for Multiple Cats
If you’re looking for an outdoor heated cat house for more than one cat, check out the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House (Amazon; Chewy). It measures 35” x 20.5” x 20” and is designed with multiple cats in mind.
The structure itself is weather resistant and includes a 40-watt MET Safety Listed plush heated cat bed. There are two exits for multiple escape routes and removable clear door flaps to protect cats from the elements.
At the time of writing, the Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House had over 1,300 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7/5 stars. On Chewy, 230 customers had given it the same rating on average.
After reading through real customer reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:
Pros:
- Multiple customers mention that cats love the shelter, especially for outdoor use. In fact, several customers have bought more than one of these houses for strays and feral cats.
- Customers report excellent warmth and protection even in sub-zero temperatures.
- The size is perfect for large cats or multiple cats.
Cons:
- Customers agree that while the floor insulation is excellent, the walls could be better insulated. Several customers have added their own insulation around the walls to help protect against the wind.
- Some customers report that the house isn’t completely waterproof and could be sturdier.
You can read full reviews and check the current price for the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House on Amazon or Chewy.
Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter
Best Budget Outdoor Heated Cat House
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter (Amazon) is one of the best, most affordable options I’ve found.
The heated cat house is available in two sizes: Small (13.4” x 16.9” x 15.7”) and Medium (16.2” x 18.1” x 17.7”). It’s easy to assemble and disassemble with hook and loop fasteners and zippers. It’s also durable and insulated with a waterproof roof and base. It comes with dual-resistant cord protection to ensure safety as well as a machine-washable cover for comfort and convenience.
At the time of writing, the Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter had over 1,300 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. After reading through several customer reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:
Pros:
- Customers report that the medium size house is large enough for two cats, and there are photos in the reviews to prove it!
- Customers agree that the house works perfectly for outdoor cats, especially in covered locations.
- Assembly is easy.
Cons:
- Several customers report that the heating pad doesn’t get very warm.
- The structure is water resistant, but not waterproof. Customers agree that it doesn’t hold up well in strong rain.
You can read full customer reviews and check the current price of the Toozey Heated Cat House for Winter on Amazon. Also, be sure to check for additional coupons- at the time of writing, there was a 5% coupon available on Amazon!
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed
Best Outdoor Heated Pet Bed
If you don’t need an actual house for your cat (or if you already have one) a heating pad may be more than enough. While many heating pads are just made for indoor use, the K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed (Amazon) is perfect for inside or outside.
The heated pet bed comes in three different sizes:
- Small (14” x 18”)
- Medium (19” x 24”)
- Large (25” x 36”)
It features a soft orthopedic foam base and a soft, washable fleece cover. It’s thermostatically controlled to automatically warm to your pet’s body temperature only when it’s in use. Plus, it’s waterproof. It features a steel wrapped cord and uses only 40 watts of power for safety.
At the time of writing, the Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed had over 10,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. After reading through several customer reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:
Pros:
- Many customers report that the heated pet bed works exactly as described: warm but not hot, especially when not in use.
- Several customers have used the pet bed outdoors as well as indoors and agree that it works well as described.
- Customers report excellent customer service, which is always a bonus!
Cons:
- Some customers agree that the design is a bit thin and simple.
- Some customers have had issues with the pet bed working as described, but many have been able to get it replaced with a working product.
You can read full customer reviews yourself and check the current price of the K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed on Amazon.
K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Pet Bed
Best Indoor Heated Cat Cave
If you’re shopping for a heated cat house but don’t necessarily need it to be outside, the K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Pet Bed (Amazon) is worth checking out. It’s highly rated for a budget-friendly price, and cats love it.
The cat cave features a unique zip-together bowl design with a low-wattage heated pet bed inside. The heater itself is removable for use during all months, plus the cushion is removable and machine-washable.
At the time of writing, the Thermo-Mod Dream Pod Heated Pet Bed had over 1,300 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.4/5 stars. After reading through several customer reviews myself, here are the biggest pros and cons I found:
Pros:
- Customers report the heated bed working perfectly and staying warm without getting too hot.
- The majority of customers’ cats seem to really like this cat cave and use it regularly indoors.
- The heating pad stays warm while cats aren’t on it but only heats to your cat’s natural body temperature when in use, which helps to conserve energy.
Cons:
- A few customers said that the heating pat didn’t get warm enough and that their cats preferred a different heating pad inside the cat cave.
- Some customers report a chemical smell when they first open the bed; however, other customers agree that it fades quickly.
- Not intended for outdoors.
You can read full customer reviews yourself and check the current price of the K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Pet Bed at Amazon.
Methodology
When I started researching the best heated outdoor cat houses, I followed the same process I would before making a purchase for my own cats. I read customer reviews, I looked at the manufacturer, retailer, and price of the cat house, and above all, I considered the comfort and safety of your cat.
Here are the main factors I considered while choosing the best cat tent:
- Size. Each of the cat houses on this list is large enough to comfortably fit at least one medium-to-large size cat. Several of these cat houses can comfortably house two cats. However, I did include a range of sizes (and favored cat houses that were available in multiple sizes) to accommodate all spaces and uses.
- Safety. All of the cat houses I included in this roundup are made from a safe material. All of the outdoor cat houses feature weather-resistant linings and low-watt energy for electrical heating pads.
- Ease of Setup. All of the cat houses on this list are relatively easy to assemble and none of them require additional tools. Most of them are also easy to disassemble for storage as well. I favored cat houses that were easy to set up without having to sacrifice the quality of the structure.
- Customer Satisfaction. Before I make any purchase, I always take the time to read customer reviews and consider the overall product rating. For each cat house on this list, I checked to make sure that customer reviews were overall positive and that each one had an average rating of at least 4/5 stars. That helped me to understand how accurate the cat house description was as well as the reliability of the brand and seller.
Final Thoughts
No matter which heated outdoor cat house you choose, take the time to test it out before setting it up outside for cats to use. Make sure that the heater is working correctly and that the cat house is in a safe (preferably covered) space to help protect it (and the cats) from inclement weather. If you notice any defects, contact the manufacturer immediately.
For the best overall heated outdoor cat house, I recommend the K&H Pet Products Original Outdoor Heated Kitty House. It has outstanding ratings, a perfect balance between value and size, and the manufacturer is a well-known brand with good customer service.
If you’re hoping to house multiple cats, check out the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty A-Frame House for a bit more room.
For an insulated option with no electrical component, I recommend the highly-rated Kitty Tube Pillow Outdoor Insulated Cat House.