Building an outdoor cat house is a great way to provide your feline friends with a safe, cozy space to relax and play outside. Using wood is an inexpensive, durable material that allows you to customize the house to your cat’s needs. With some basic carpentry skills and tools, you can construct a quality cat house that will withstand years outdoors.

Selecting the Right Location

When deciding where to build the outdoor cat house, consider these factors:

Weather Protection

Look for a spot that offers shade from hot sun and shelter from wind, rain, and snow. Under a tree or porch overhang works well. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds or storms.

Comfort

Cats like quiet, private places to nap undisturbed. Choose a low-traffic area, away from noise and foot traffic. Make sure the spot stays dry and doesn’t collect standing water.

Safety

Keep the house in a secure part of the yard, away from potential dangers like cars, poisonous plants, or aggressive animals. Don’t place it near equipment that could harm a curious cat.

Convenience

Pick a spot you can easily access for cleaning and maintenance. Near the house is ideal, but make sure it’s not in the way. Consider your cat’s preferred toilet spots when positioning.

Height

Elevate the house on blocks or posts so it’s off the ground. At least 12 inches high helps deter crawling predators. But not too high for older cats to access.

Choosing Materials

Constructing the cat house from exterior grade wood ensures it will hold up outside.

Wood Types

Use naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or pine. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, as the chemicals can be toxic. Reclaimed and upcycled wood works great.

insulation

Insulate the walls and ceiling to regulate temperature. Rigid foam panels work well. Fiberglass or natural insulation like straw can also be used.

Water Protection

Seal all wood surfaces with outdoor waterproofing paint or stain. Apply a deck sealer to the floor to prevent dampness and rotting.

Hardware

Use exterior-grade waterproof wood glue, nails, and screws to assemble the pieces. Galvanized hardware won’t corrode.

Constructing the Frame

Follow these steps to build a basic rectangular cathouse frame:

Cut Pieces

Cut the floor, walls, and roof panels to size from plywood or boards. Optimal floor size is 24 x 24 inches up to 36 x 36 inches. Cut a front panel with a door opening.

Assemble Frame

Screw or nail the side and back walls to the floor piece. Then attach the front wall with door opening. Check corners are square.

Add Roof

Cut a roof panel to size and nail into the wall framing. Overhangs on all sides help protect from rain. Attach a ceiling panel underneath for insulation.

Install Siding

Using tongue-and-groove boards or plywood siding, encase the outer walls. Leave door panel exposed for now.

Paint Exterior

Seal all wood surfaces with quality exterior primer and paint for weather protection. Let dry completely.

Door, Windows, & Accessories

Finish off your framed cat house with these features for comfort and security:

Hinged Door

Cut out the door panel area. Install hinges and latch hardware so door swings freely. Add insulation inside.

Windows

Cut openings on side and back walls for ventilation. Glass panes can be set in, or cover with wire mesh for safety.

Inner Platform

Install a raised wooden platform for lounging and scratching. Or attach a cat tree for climbing.

Access Ladder

For elevated houses, attach an exterior ladder or ramp so cats can easily enter. Wrap in outdoor carpeting for grip.

Heated Pad

For cold climates, include a heated pet mat with chew-proof cord, controlled by a thermostat.

Weather Flaps

Hang plastic flaps or plywood covers over the door and windows in cold weather to block drafts.

Customizing Your Cat House

Personalize your DIY cat house with fun additions:

• Give it a fresh coat of paint in bright colors. Stencil on names or designs.
• Decorate the walls with feline-themed murals, tiles, or wallpaper.
• Attach bells or a weathervane to the roof peak for visual interest.
• Add modular wall panels to create separate lounge areas or hidey-holes.
• Put in scratching posts, dangling toys, cat bridges, and perches for playing.
• Plant cat-safe greenery and flowers around the house.

Maintaining the Outdoor Cat House

Regular maintenance will keep your handbuilt cat house in good shape for years:

• Check for damage after storms and make any needed repairs to keep structure sound.
• Sweep out dirt and leaves, wipe down surfaces, and refresh bedding regularly for cleanliness.
• Inspect annually for any rot or deterioration. Repaint exterior wood to maintain waterproofing.
• Make sure door hinges and latches operate smoothly. Lubricate with waterproof grease if needed.
• Monitor for pest infestations. Treat humanely if found.
• In winter, ensure heated pads function properly to keep cats cozy.

FAQs About Building Outdoor Cat Houses

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about constructing and using outdoor cat shelters:

How big should an outdoor cat house be?

Aim for a floor space of at least 24 x 24 inches, up to 36 x 36 inches, to provide room to move around and lie down comfortably. Take your cat’s size into account.

What should I put inside a cat house for outdoor use?

Include a raised platform or cat tree for lounging, and ample warm, dry bedding like blankets, towels, or straw. In winter, add a heated mat for warmth.

Do outdoor cat houses need insulation?

Yes, insulation will help regulate temperature. Install rigid foam boards, fiberglass, or natural materials like straw in walls and ceilings to maintain warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

How do I make an outdoor cat house warm?

Face away from prevailing winds. Seal drafts around doors and windows. Paint the exterior black to absorb heat. Insulate thoroughly. Use a heated pet mat and hang protective weather flaps over entrances.

Should outdoor cat houses be elevated?

Elevating the house up on feet, blocks, or posts at least 12 inches keeps it safe from potential predators and flood waters. But not so high that older cats have trouble accessing.

What special considerations are needed for a winter cat shelter?

Use extra insulation and draft blocking materials. Attach a heated, chew-resistant pet heating pad controlled by a thermostat to keep interior temperature comfortable. Provide plenty of cozy, dry bedding.

How often should I clean an outdoor cat shelter?

Scoop litter daily. Fully clean out soiled bedding and refresh with new materials weekly. Check for pests monthly. Deep clean all surfaces thoroughly every 3-4 months or as needed to control odors and germs.

Can outdoor cat houses be moved?

Constructing the house in removable modular panels allows you to take it apart and move it to a new location if needed. Just reassemble and secure back in place.

Conclusion

Building your own custom wood cat house is a very rewarding DIY project for any cat owner. By providing your feline with a safe, cozy shelter tailored to their needs, you can extend the amount of time they can happily spend outdoors. With proper construction techniques, high-quality materials, and routine maintenance, your hand-crafted outdoor cat house will serve your pet for many years of outdoor fun.

Conclusion

In summary, building an outdoor cat house out of wood is a straightforward project that can add great enjoyment and comfort for cats. With careful planning of design factors like size, placement, insulation, accessories, and customization, you can construct a sturdy, weatherproof haven tailored your cat’s needs. Proper materials like rot-resistant woods and waterproofing sealants help the house hold up in outdoor conditions for many years. Following basic carpentry techniques for assembly and including special features like heated pads will result in an ideal shelter that your felines will adore spending time in as they safely enjoy the outdoors. With some DIY skills and creativity, you can build a charming wooden cat house that both you and your pet will love.