How to Make an Outdoor Cat House - Outdoor Cabinets

Having an outdoor cat house is a great way to give your feline friend a safe space to relax and take shelter outside. An outdoor cat house provides protection from the elements and gives cats a sense of security in their territory. With some basic DIY skills and materials, you can easily build a customized outdoor cat house suited to your cat’s needs. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Choose a Good Location for the Outdoor Cat House

The first step in creating an outdoor cat house is deciding where to put it. Here are some tips for picking the best spot:

Select a quiet, low-traffic area of your yard away from loud noises and commotion that might startle your cat. Avoid placing it next tofrequently used doors, walkways, or play areas.
Ensure the location gets some shade during the hottest parts of the day to keep your cat cool. If using an enclosed house, avoid full sun exposure.
Elevate the house slightly off the ground to prevent water from pooling underneath during rains. You can place bricks or pavers under the edges.
Make sure the house will be level and stable so it doesn’t shift around or tip over easily.
Pick a spot with convenient access back to the indoors, such as near a door, porch, or window that your cat already uses.

Choose the Right Size for Your Cat

When selecting or building an outdoor cat house, make sure to choose one that will accommodate your cat comfortably:

For a single cat, opt for a house with a floor space of at least 3 square feet. Larger breeds may need 4 square feet or more.
For multiple cats, allow for 3-4 square feet of floor space per cat.
The interior should be tall enough for your cat to freely stand up without hitting their head. At least 18-24 inches of headroom.
Make sure entry and exit holes are wide and tall enough for your cat to pass through with ease. The opening should be about 1.5 times your cat’s shoulder width.

Pick Durable, Weatherproof Materials

The materials you choose for building your outdoor cat house will impact how long it lasts and how well it protects your cat from the elements. Here are some ideal options:

Wood: Cedar and redwood are naturally weather-resistant woods that make excellent choices. Use exterior-grade plywood at least 1/2 inch thick. Avoid thin, warped, or treated woods.
Plastic: Look for UV-resistant plastic such as HDPE or polycarbonate. Plastic igloo-style houses are readily available. Ensure any seams are properly sealed.
Metal: Galvanized steel, aluminum, and powder-coated metals can be used for framing and roofing. Watch for rough edges.
Waterproof paint/stain: Use outdoor-rated, non-toxic paints or stains made for wood, metal, or plastic to add color and extra weather protection.
Water-resistant fabric: For covered framed houses, utilize durable canvas or vinyl fabrics. Avoid regular cotton fabrics.
Insulation: To keep the interior warm, line the walls with straw, foam board, or recycled denim insulation.

Add Warm, Soft Bedding

To make the interior extra cozy, provide your cat with soft bedding materials:

Place a padded mat, towel, or small rug on the floor for cushioning. Avoid loose fibers that could tangle on claws.
Use a washable cat bed or line with cedar chips or straw for an insulating layer.
Add a folded blanket or fluffy pet bed your cat already enjoys indoors. Look for outdoor-safe fabrics.
In winter, include a covered heated pet mat (made for outdoor use) on one part of the floor for warming. Test to ensure it’s safe.
Don’t use loose materials like hay or shredded paper that can blow away. Opt for materials secured in liners or pads.

Include Litter Box Accommodations

For full comfort and convenience, incorporate a litter area into your outdoor cat house design:

Build an attached covered litter box cubby accessible through a swinging door or curtain.
Use a plastic storage tote with a cut entryway as a makeshift outdoor litter box placed inside the house.
Try a grass litter box or training your cat to use a designated outdoor area.
Use liners and scoop daily to keep the outdoor litter tidy. Dispose of waste properly.
Place the litter box in the opposite far corner from food and bedding to prevent contamination.

Provide Food and Water Access

Your outdoor cat house should have designated stations for water and food:

Use a tip-proof bowl secured to the floor for dry food. Elevated feeders can deter pests.
Choose a water dispenser or bowl that attaches to the wall or side. Refresh water daily.
Place food and water in opposite corners from the litter box and bedding.
In cold climates, utilize heated, insulated bowls to prevent freezing. Test electric products for safety.
Clean food and water vessels frequently with gentle soap and hot water to prevent bacteria.

Build the Frame

Now it’s time to build the basic structure of the cat house. Here are some tips:

Construct a sturdy wood frame using 2×2 or 2×4 lumber. Attach pieces at corners with exterior screws or nails.
If using plastic, assemble side walls first according to the product directions. Then attach a roof panel.
Build the walls approximately 18-24 inches high to allow standing room. Slope the roof slightly for drainage.
Include openings for windows or ventilation on at least two sides. Screen with hardware cloth to keep out pests.
Frame a covered front entryway to protect from wind and rain. Use exterior-grade plywood.
For flooring, use treated plywood cut slightly smaller than the footprint so rain drains away.

Add Insulation and Siding

Insulation and siding will protect your cat from temperature extremes:

For framed houses, insulate walls with rigid foam boards or fiberglass batts. Seal any gaps.
Use moisture-barrier house wrap over the walls before installing siding.
Cedar boards, vinyl, composite, and metal panels make durable sidings.
If painting wood siding, apply weatherproof primer and paint. Allow proper curing time.
Add mold-resistant sill plates under wall edges to prevent rotting.
Install tight-fitting doors or flaps over window and entry openings to block drafts.

Install a Protective Roof

A sturdy, waterproof roof is essential for keeping your cat house dry inside:

Wood or plastic panels are easy to attach for a flat roof. Use generous amounts of exterior caulk at seams.
For sloped roofs, metal and asphalt shingles are weather-resistant options to install.
Cover flat roof panels with a rubber membrane or floor liner sealed down with exterior caulk.
Extend the roof outwards several inches from the walls so rain drips off eaves away from the siding.
Anchor a sheet metal drip edge along the roof perimeter to prevent water from seeping underneath.

Add Finishing Touches

Apply any final decorative details to complete your outdoor cat house:

Paint or stain wood surfaces for added weather protection and color.
Affix roofing material like shingles, tiles, or corrugated tin for visual interest.
Install hooks, shelves, or hideaways for extra cat play spaces and climbing.
Attach an exterior-rated cat scratching pad or cardboard scratcher panels.
Consider adding strategically placed overhangs, decks, or enclosures for shelter.
Mount the house on a raised platform or legs to elevate it off wet ground if desired.

With attention to detail and sturdy construction, your DIY outdoor cat house will provide your feline friend with years of enjoyment and security. Be sure to monitor its use and maintain the house regularly. And watch as your cat claims their new kingdom!

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Cat Houses

How to make outdoor cat house?

Making an outdoor cat house involves choosing a suitable location, sizing the house for your cat, selecting durable and weatherproof materials, constructing a sturdy frame, adding insulation and siding, installing a waterproof roof, including amenities like bedding and litter areas, and adding decorative finishing touches. Use weather-resistant woods like cedar or plastic, ensure proper ventilation and drainage, elevate the house off wet ground, and make sure entryways are sized for your cat.

What should I put in an outdoor cat house?

Include soft bedding like mats, towels, or pet beds for comfort. Use materials that won’t blow away. Provide food and water bowls secured to the sides or floor. Add a litter box lined with liners, covered for privacy. Raised feeders, heated products, and scratching surfaces create a complete living space.

What is the best insulation for outdoor cat house?

The best insulation for outdoor cat houses is straw, rigid foam boards, recycled denim batting, or fiberglass batts. Avoid loose materials that can shift and use moisture barriers. Insulate walls and ceilings for warmth and install draft-blocking doors, flaps, and gaskets around openings. Test any electric heating products for outdoor safety.

How do I make an outdoor cat house warm?

To make an outdoor cat house warm, add insulation inside walls and attic space. Use double-walled wood or plastic construction. Seal any gaps or cracks thoroughly. Paint or stain wood exteriors for weatherproofing. Install draft blocking flaps on doors, windows, and openings. Position the house out of cold winds. Use heated pet mats tested for outdoor safety. Place the house on bricks to minimize cold rising from the ground.

How do I keep my outdoor cat house from getting too hot?

To keep an outdoor cat house from getting too hot: provide shade by locating it under trees or overhangs, allow for cross ventilation on two sides with screen openings, choose light-colored siding and roofing, add ridge vents at roof peaks to release hot air, elevate the house to prevent heat rising from the ground, and avoid direct sun exposure by positioning the entryway facing away from sun.

Should an outdoor cat house be elevated?

Elevating an outdoor cat house off the ground has some benefits, such as improved drainage in wet weather, reduced dampness and moisture damage to wood structures, prevention of pets walking off cool surfaces onto dewy grass or hot sand, obstacles for burrowing pests and predators, and added air flow. But an elevated house may be more prone to tipping or moving. Weigh the pros and cons for your specific site.

How do I keep my outdoor cat house clean?

To keep an outdoor cat house clean: scoop litter daily and replace soiled bedding promptly. Sweep out debris often. Use disinfectants and gentle cleaners weekly on surfaces and bedding. Allow the house to air out fully between washings. Keep food and water vessels clean. Trap or deter pests before they nest in the house. Check for leaks after rains. Make thorough seasonal cleanings part of your maintenance routine.

How do I keep pests out of my outdoor cat house?

To deter pests from an outdoor cat house, install tight screening over ventilation openings, seal gaps in walls or roof, position house away from brush and grasses, keep interior clean and dry, use cedar bedding, elevate off the ground if possible, apply pest-repelling fragrances, use bait traps cautiously, and eliminate any exterior food or water sources that could attract pests near the house. Consult a professional exterminator if infestations persist.

How do I keep stray cats out of my outdoor cat house?

To discourage stray cats from entering your outdoor cat house, ensure openings and entryways are sized specifically for your cats, avoid catsized holes in walls, position house away from sheltered hiding spots, use motion-activated sprinklers or deterrents outside, make interior less appealing by limiting bedding and amenities, use pheromone sprays to deter trespassers, and place house within a fully fenced yard if possible. Ultimately, the best solution is having your own cats fixed and working with rescue organizations to humanely reduce feral and stray populations.

Conclusion

Building a customized outdoor cat house is a very rewarding DIY project that your cherished feline friend will adore. With attention to choosing suitable materials, proper construction for weather durability and thermal insulation, amenities for comfort and play, and strategic placement in your yard, you can create the perfect outdoor retreat suited just for your cats. Don’t forget to make routine maintenance and cleaning part of caring for your new outdoor cat oasis. Most importantly, have fun designing and assembling a unique dwelling that both you and your kitties can enjoy for years to come!