Building an outdoor cat house is a great way to provide your feline friend with a safe, cozy space to relax and play outside. An outdoor cat house offers shelter from the elements while allowing your cat to enjoyfresh air and sunshine. With some basic carpentry skills and supplies, you can create acustom cat house suited to your cat’s needs. This comprehensive guide covers everything youneed to know to build a functional, comfortable outdoor cat house your cat will love.
Choosing a Location for the Cat House
When deciding where to place your outdoor cat house, consider these factors:
Sun and Shade
Cats enjoy basking in the sun, but they also need access to shade to cool down. Choose alocation that gets a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. A shady spot under a tree or bush isideal.
Protection from Wind and Rain
The cat house should be in a covered location, safe from strong winds and heavy downpours. Under an eave or porch is a good choice. Make sure it won’t get water runoff during storms.
Comfortable Temperature
Avoid areas that get extremely hot in summer or cold in winter. Look for a spot with relatively stable temperatures.
Safety and Security
Pick a low-traffic area of your yard away from noisy equipment. It should be elevated off the ground and not easily accessed by dogs or wildlife.
Convenience
Choose a spot you pass by often so you can monitor your cat’s use of the house. Near a doorway or path is optimal.
Selecting the Right Size
Consider your cat’s size when choosing the dimensions of its outdoor house. Here are some general guidelines:
- For small cats under 10 lbs, build a house at least 2 feet long by 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
- For medium cats up to 15 lbs, make the house at least 3 feet long by 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
- For large cats over 15 lbs, dimensions of 4 feet long by 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall will provide ample room.
The house should be big enough for your cat to freely enter, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. Include extra height so you can add insulating bedding material.
Choosing Building Materials
Constructing your cat house is simple when you select the right materials. Avoid toxic treated lumber since cats may gnaw and lick the wood. Opt for these safe, durable options:
Untreated Natural Wood
Cedar and pine work well. Avoid very aromatic woods like redwood, which may be overpowering.
Exterior Plywood
Use 3⁄4 inch plywood rated for outdoor use. Avoid thin interior grades.
Plastic Lumber
Latex-impregnated wood/plastic composite materials resist moisture and rotting.
Corrugated Tin or Steel
A basic metal shelter insulated with straw or foam works fine. Avoid zinc galvanized metal.
Concrete Blocks or Bricks
Sturdy and easy to insulate, but more complex to build.
Necessary Tools and Materials
You don’t need fancy tools or great DIY skills to assemble a simple outdoor cat house. These basicsupplies are all you need:
- Circular or hand saw
- Electric drill and screws
- Tape measure and pencil
- Safety glasses and dust mask
- Sandpaper
- Caulk, foam sealant, adhesive or construction glue
- Roofing materials like shingles, tin, or tar paper
- Insulation such as straw or foam
- Optional: paint, door flap, windows
Choose eco-friendly, low-VOC products whenever possible. Avoid pressure-treated wood sealed with chemicals. Wear proper protective gear when cutting and drilling.
Step-by-Step Building Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to construct a basic outdoor cat house:
1. Cut Pieces to Size
Use your chosen lumber to cut pieces for the floor, walls, and roof. Follow your planned dimensions for an appropriately sized house.
2. Attach the Floor
Screw the floor pieces together using an electric drill. For extra protection, you can stain or seal it.
3. Build the Wall Frame
Screw the wall pieces together at the corners to assemble a four-sided frame. Make sure corners are square.
4. Attach Siding to the Walls
Use exterior plywood, planks, or other siding material to cover the outer walls for weather protection.
5. Attach the Roof
Using shingles, corrugated metal, or another waterproof material, construct a peaked roof. Overhangs help keep rain out.
6. Add Insulation and Bedding
Line the walls and floor with straw, foam boards, old blankets, or other insulating materials. Add soft bedding like hay or fleece for comfort.
7. Include Access Openings
Cut entrance holes or flaps on one or more sides so your cat can come and go freely. Cover with flap doors or plastic strips to block drafts.
8. Apply Weatherproofing
Caulk cracks, install door flaps, and seal openings to prevent wind and moisture getting in. Paint or stain the exterior as desired.
9. Optional: Add Accessories
Include amenities like a cozy cat bed, toys, scratching posts, litterbox, food and water bowls to create a kitty paradise!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Follow these extra pointers to improve your outdoor cat shelter:
- Elevate the house on cinderblocks or stilts to prevent flood damage and deter pests.
- Use reflective insulation or light colored shingles to reduce heat absorption in hot climates.
- Add extra bracing and hurricane ties in windy regions for stability.
- Include adjustable vents or windows with screens for ventilation on hot days.
- Stain or paint the wood to protect against sun, rain, and chewing damage.
- Check the house frequently for leaks, holes, and needed repairs.
- Provide fresh food, water, and litter daily. Scrub and disinfect litterbox weekly.
- Rotate bedding material and blankets every few days to control odors and fleas.
- In winter, use extra insulation like straw or foam and cover openings to retain heat.
- In summer, ensure good airflow through open doors, windows, and vents.
With some DIY skills and basic tools, building an outdoor haven tailored for your cat doesn’t requiremuch effort. Just follow the steps for measuring, cutting, assembling, and weatherproofing a simpleenclosure with cozy amenities. Soon you’ll have a purr-fect outdoor cat house your best friend willenjoy for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Building an Outdoor Cat House
Many cat owners have additional questions when constructing an outdoor shelter for the first time.Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How much does it cost to build an outdoor cat house?
The cost depends on the size and materials used, but expect $50 to $200 for a basic wood constructed house. Buying a pre-fab kit can be more expensive. Use scrap lumber to save money.
What is the best material for a cat house outside?
Untreated natural wood like cedar resists moisture and rotting. Plastic lumber composites, tin, and concrete are other good options. Avoid zinc, pressure-treated lumber, and aromatic redwood.
Should an outside cat house be elevated?
Yes, elevate the house on cinderblocks or stilts at least 12 inches off the ground to prevent flooding and deter pests.
Does an outdoor cat house need insulation?
Some insulation is recommended to maintain a comfortable temperature. Use straw, old blankets, foam boards, or fiberglass insulation.
What size should an outdoor cat house be?
Match the size to your cat – small for cats under 10 lbs, medium for up to 15 lbs, and large for cats over 15 lbs. Make sure they can move around freely inside.
How do you keep an outside cat house warm?
Use thick insulating materials like straw or foam. Cover openings with flaps or plastic sheeting. Paint the exterior a dark color to absorb heat. Position out of the wind, open to sunshine.
Where should I place an outdoor cat shelter?
Choose an elevated, covered spot near your house in an area with sun, shade, protection from wind/rain, moderate temperatures, and safety from people/predators.
Can I build a heated outdoor cat house?
Yes, you can add a heated pet mat, space heater, or heated bowl to an enclosed outdoor cat house. Be sure to take proper safety precautions against electrical hazards and overheating.
How often should I clean an outdoor cat house?
Scoop litter at least once a day. Empty and sanitize the litter box weekly. Clean food and water bowls daily. Replace soiled bedding every 2-3 days. Deep clean the entire interior monthly or as needed.
What accessories can I add to an outdoor cat shelter?
Consider amenities like a litter box, cat bed, scratching post, toys, food and water bowls, enclosed cubbies, ramps, perches, windows, and cat flaps for entry/exit.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor haven tailored just for your cats takes a bit of planning, but is straightforwardfor any DIYer. Select an ideal spot, choose suitable materials, follow the construction steps, and addweatherproofing, insulation, and accessories. With a cozy, sheltered cat house that protects themfrom the elements, your feline friends will enjoy hours of safe outdoor fun and fresh air! Provide the basics – food, water, litter – and frequent cleaning, and your outdoor cat house will provide yearsof healthy enjoyment.