Last Updated on 01/10/2025 by Liza Brits
Disclosure
We share trusted product recommendations through affiliate partnerships with leading brands. This means when you find something you love and purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you.) It’s our way of keeping the lights on while helping you discover the best smart pet tech products. 🐶😺
❓ Why Use a Heated Outdoor Cat House?
Outdoor, stray, or feral cats face real dangers during the colder months. Exposure to wind, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and illness. A heated outdoor cat house provides a warm, dry, and safe space where these vulnerable cats can rest and stay protected from harsh weather.
These winter cat shelters are especially helpful for:
- Animal lovers who care for stray or community cats
- Pet parents with indoor-outdoor cats
- Farmers or rural dwellers with working cats
By investing in a heated cat house, you’re giving your feline friend the gift of comfort and safety year-round.
🏆 Our 5 Best Heated Outdoor Cat Houses
- K&H Heated Outdoor Cat House
- GDLF Heated Outdoor Cat House (Top Choice)
- Stdily Heated Outdoor Cat House with 2 cameras
- K&H Extra-Wide Cat House
- GUTINNEEN Heated Outdoor Cat House
Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between our top picks:
| Product | Dimensions | Waterproof | Heating Pad | Exit Doors | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K&H Heated Cat House | 19″ x 22″ x 17″ | ✅ Yes & weatherproof | Yes (MET-listed) | 2 | ❌ |
| GDLF Heated Cat House | 21.5″ x 34.5″ x 27.2″ | ✅ Yes & weatherproof | Yes (UL-tested) | 1 | ❌ |
| Stdily Cat House w/ Camera | 26.5″ x 17″ x 20.5″ | ✅ Yes & weatherproof | Yes (UL-tested) | 1 | ✅ 2 |
| K&H Extra-Wide Cat House | 21.5″ x 26.5″ x 15.5″ | ✅ Yes & weatherproof | Yes (UL-tested) | 2 | ❌ |
| GUTINNEEN AIR12 Heated Cat House | 20.9″ x 23.6″ x 18.3″ | ✅ Yes & weatherproof | Yes (UL-tested) | 1 | ❌ |
1. K&H Heated Outdoor Cat House
Key Features
✅ Dimensions 19″ x 22″ x 17″: Compact design that fits into small spaces
✅ Weather-resistant & insulated: Made from durable, weather-resistant fabric. Insulated walls & roof help retain warmth and provides a dry and safe environment in rain, wind, and light snow
✅ Built-in heated pad: Includes a 20-watt MET Safety Listed heating pad that only warms when in use, ensuring energy efficiency.
✅ Dual escape doors for safety to prevent cats from feeling trapped. Includes removable clear door flaps to block wind and rain.
✅ Trusted brand with safety certification: K&H has over 20 years of experience designing heated pet products and is MET Safety Listed, ensures safe, low-energy heating
✅ Quick & easy setup, easy to clean and lightweight.
Considerations
❌ No raised base – sits directly on the ground.
❌ Heating pad requires electricity and there is no temperature control.
Reviews:
“This housed our feral neighborhood cat in some of the worst weather. The material is virtually waterproof, and the warming mat kept his old bones toasty. It has a back door for emergency escapes, and the vinyl door flaps keep it even more insulated. It was easy to put together. It just needs to be placed where it can be plugged in.”
“Absolutely love this product. It wad delivered right before the first snow of the season. It has the best value for the money. Weatherproof is awesome. We love the appearance. The size is just right for one cat. Great cat house. We had to take off the front flap cause our cat wouldn’t go in with it one. All around great quality.”
2. GDLF Heated Outdoor Cat House – Our Top Choice 🏆
Key Features
✅ Dimensions: 21.5″D x 34.5″W x 27.2″H. Larger space for 2 cats.
✅ Fully waterproof & elevated: 6 wooden foam-insulated sides and the 8″ raised base, which prevents moisture from seeping in.
✅ Heating Pad: UL-tested waterproof heating pad with temperature adjustment range of 86 – 146°F, with a time setting range of 4 – 48 hours.
✅ L-Shaped Entrance: Offset entrance size prevents other large-sized animals from getting in.
✅ Innovative design: Dark and natural colors help the house to blend into the outdoor environment.
✅ Easy to clean & maintain: Opening slanted roof (for rain) and removable outer layer of heating pad, makes cleaning a breeze.
✅ Chew-proof wires.
Considerations
❌ Requires a power source for the heating pad.
Reviews:
“This outdoor cat house is VERY good quality and easy to put together. It’s definitely worth the price. It’s 100% waterproof and insulated, which is important for the area I live, which is in a mountainous area, where it snows in the winter. I have a lot of strays that come around my house all the time because I leave food out for them. I LOVE that it has a heating pad that does NOT turn off automatically. Looks very easy to clean, although I haven’t had to yet. It’s PERFECT in every single way. I wouldn’t change one thing about it. Highly recommend. It’s DEFINITELY worth the price. I expect it to last for years to come.”
“The winter cat shelter was very easy to put together. Took about 15 minutes for me. The material is water-proof but I put the shelter under a tarp with other shelters to make a little ‘community of shelters’ for my colony. I plan to buy a couple more of these as I like the shelter having legs to be up off the ground and the inside is roomy for a couple of cats to be comfortable. All in all I give it five stars.”
3. Stdily Heated Outdoor Cat House with 2 Cameras
Key Features
✅ Sizes: Small (19″D x 12″W x 16″H) and large (26.5″D x 17″W x 20.5″H). Supports up to 150 lbs.
✅ 2 Cameras: One inside and outside for 24/7 real-time monitoring and provides clear IR black & white night vision.
✅ Audio Feature: You can speak directly to the cat/s.
✅ Weatherproof Construction: Made with 6 layers of premium insulated Oxford cloth and a raised base. Comes with spikes for extra stability.
✅ Integrated heating pad provides continuous warmth without overheating. Waterproof and removable for machine washing.
✅ 2 airy side windows for vision and sunlight.
✅ Easy Assembly: Sets up in minutes. Unfold and secure design makes installation effortless.
Considerations
❌ Higher price point.
❌ Requires a power source and no temperature control for the heating pad.
Reviews:
“It comes with written directions with pictures. Or you can scan a QR code for a video. The video shows step by step assembly directions. Easy to assemble. Seems to be good quality. I bought it for a feral cat. It stays dry and warm inside in rainy and snowy conditions. Really glad I bought it.”
“The short time it was used with the heat turned on, my 2 then outside cats loved it. I even bought a second one. They are now inside and I’ve enclosed my Porch into a giant catio for all 7. Next season I’ll put them out under a big shrug for any other fur baby that needs a warm place to sleep.”
4. K&H Extra-Wide Heated Bed
Key Features
✅ Size and Design: 21.5″D x 26.5″W x 15.5″H with 2 clear removable door flaps for exits. Large enough for 2 cats.
✅ Weather Resistant: The insulated exterior surface is made from heavy denier polyester making it water and weather resistant.
✅ 20W Energy-Efficient Heating Pad: Thermostatically controlled and provides continuous warmth without overheating. MET safety listed.
✅ Quick & Tool-Free Assembly: Sets up in minutes. Unfold and secure design makes installation effortless.
✅ Heating pad’s cover is removable and machine washable.
Considerations
❌ Requires a power source for heating.
❌ No temperature or time control. Always on when plugged in.
❌ No raised base – sits directly on the ground.
Reviews:
“This is a great house for cats. Good size. We got it for a mama cat and her 3 babies. They all fit in it perfectly. The heated pad inside kept them nice and warm. Easy to put together and plenty sturdy.”
“Just bought this one and love it! This is our second one. We got the single one years ago and it is still in great condition! We live in northern Canada and it gets to -40c here at times. The heating pad works great and our old guy hates to come inside, so I feel comfortable with him outside to about -20c and he is very comfortable. Actually warm to the touch when he comes in.”
5. GUTINNEEN AIR12 Heated Outdoor Cat House
Key Features
✅ Dimensions: 20.9″D x 23.6″W x 18.3″H. Large enough for more than one pet.
✅ Fully weatherproof + Extra Insulated Liner: 100% solid fir wood multi-layer insulated design with advanced thermal insulation to withstand harsh weather conditions, as well as flame-retardant protection. The insulated liner provides an extra layer of warmth and protection for your outdoor pets.
✅ Heating Pad: UL-tested heating pad with automatic heat control and temperature adjustment from 89° – 116°F. High temperature protection prevents overheating or chilling and ensures constant warmth
✅ Entrance: Front entrance with a PVC curtain for your pet’s safety.
✅ Easy to clean & maintain: The roof opens which makes it easy to clean inside and the insulated liner is machine washable.
✅ Chew-resistant wires.
Considerations
❌ Requires a power source for the heating pad.
Reviews
“This cat outdoor insulated condo was very easy for me to assemble by myself, it’s very good quality. I like the way the whole top opens for when you want to clean the hole inside.”
“Easy to assemble. Sturdy, xtra insulation for the winter for the feral cats. Very worth it to safe a life from Freezing weather. Go splurge and buy one for your outdoor cats.”
“Exactly what I was looking for. Easy to put together and a nice size for a cat up to a small dog size. Nice value for the price. Had the insulation zippers in the package and the floor heater. Will purchase again for my backyard kitty.”
💡 Safety Tips for Heated Outdoor Cat Houses
When setting up a heated shelter, safety comes first. Here are a few essential tips:
- ✅ Use only safety-certified heated pads (look for UL or MET certification).
- ✅ Place the house on a raised platform or under a shelter to avoid snow and puddles.
- ✅ Secure power cords to prevent chewing or tripping hazards.
- ✅ Keep the area clean and dry, and regularly check the condition of the heating pad.
- ✅ Do not cover air vents, if included, to prevent overheating.
By following these tips, you can keep your cats both cozy and safe all winter long.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a heated outdoor cat house be used in the snow?
Yes, many are designed for cold, wet environments. For best results, place the house in a semi-sheltered location and ensure it has waterproof features or an elevated base.
Are heated cat houses safe for outdoor use?
They are. Iif you choose models with UL or MET safety-listed heating pads. These products are specifically designed to warm pets safely in low temperatures.
Can multiple cats share one heated house?
It depends on the size. Larger options like the GDLF cat house are spacious enough for 2 cats. For a colony, consider purchasing multiple houses or one large shelter.
How do I get a cat to use the house?
Place it in a quiet spot your cat frequents, add familiar bedding, and avoid strong-smelling cleaners. Some cats take a few days to warm up to new shelters.
Final Thoughts: Warm Shelter = Happy Cat 🐾
Whether you’re caring for a feral feline or just want extra peace of mind for your outdoor cat, these heated cat houses are a thoughtful investment. They offer warmth, protection, and safety during cold and wet months.
You might also like:
PetSmartify is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. We may earn a small commission from purchases (at NO additional cost to you)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon or any other retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply.