20 DIY Outdoor Cat House Ideas

I’m a big cat lover! And usually, cat lovers have the most creative DIY outdoor cat house ideas, so you’re in good hands if you’re searching for some DIY cat houses.

You can use some of the following ideas for making a feral cat shelter and keeping stray cats warm and dry in winter. I’ve included both simple and more complex ideas.

Making a shelter for homeless cats is one of the noblest things you can do. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some ways you can keep kittens safe and dry.

What Do Outdoor Cats Like To Sleep In?

Outdoor cats pick the places where they sleep very carefully. As you probably know, living outdoors isn’t safe for cats, especially when they’re asleep.

Therefore, their seeping space must meet certain criteria. Usually, cats pay attention to the next factors when choosing a permanent sleeping space.

Safety

Although cats count as predators, they’re still small creatures that can easily become the prey of bigger animals. And they’re aware of the possible danger, so they pick their home carefully. For instance, most cats pick a sleeping space that’s high up and secluded.

That way, they can keep a close eye on everything that goes in and out of their area and act accordingly. As you can notice, cats aren’t big fans of any surprises.

Isolation

Cats, in general, prefer a private and quiet sleeping space. Therefore, it’s not surprising if a cat that lives at home has a few favorite blanket-lined sleeping spots around the home.

Stray cats, on the other hand, must provide that for themselves. So, they often pick a secluded sleeping space outdoors. They can sleep behind a bin, amongst a pile of boxes, etc.

Warmth

Cats hate the cold. And since stray cats live outdoors, they must find space that’s both warm and dry. In winter, you can find cats sheltering in public places like parking garages.

Usually, cats will cuddle together in dry spots for heat and companionship. Meaning, the warmth stays at the top of their priorities when searching for sleeping space in winter.

This Is Where Cats Go When It Rains. Watch This Video to Know:

How Do You Make An Inexpensive Outdoor Cat House?

If someone doesn’t like cats, I don’t trust them. How can you not like these small creatures that remove stress and anxiety, and improve your mood?

Luckily, you can return the favor by building a simple and inexpensive outdoor cat house where they can feel safe and sleep without worrying about anything in winter.

This section includes a few DIY outdoor cat house ideas that can help you make a weatherproof, strong, and safe shelter for both home and stray kittens like a real pro.

They’re fairly easy to put together and won’t take too much out of your time. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the greatest cat shelter ideas.

DIY Bucket Outdoor Cat House Idea

The popular bucket shelter provides waterproof and safe sleeping space for stray cats. You can make it from two similar buckets.

Then, cut a small hole in one. Finally, connect the two buckets with a drill. Or nails. You can also add some canopy against rain and water.

Learn More About How To Make Cat Shelters Easily with This Video:

East DIY Box Outdoor Cat House Idea

If you’re looking for a cheap solution, you can take hay layers and two boxes of different sizes. You can make a hole for easy access in the front part and provide a comfortable shelter for winter. The hay and two-fold boxes will keep stray cats warm during the cold days.

This Is How To Make A Box Outdoor Cat House.

DIY Styrofoam Outdoor Cat House Idea

The Styrofoam outdoor cat house doesn’t take much time or supplies to make. All you need is a cutter, a large Styrofoam box, and hay or other soft materials you can place inside. Make sure to put two wooden beams that will keep the cat shelter above the ground.

Detailed Instructions On How To Make A Styrofoam Outdoor Cat House.

The Ultimate Guide To Create Shelters For Strays:

Simple Tyre Outdoor Cat House Idea

Another simple cat house idea includes a large tire. Rubber tires provide warmth and enough space for cats.

You will need two rubber tires for this project with two larger holes for easier access. You can also attach wooden panels on the sides and top for climbing.

Step-by-step guide on how to make a type cat house. Let’s watch this video:

Double-Deck Outdoor Cat House Idea

The double-deck outdoor cat house idea includes two tiers with doors at different sides as entries. Add legs for support and bottom protection against water during the rainy season.

It’s a project that needs only basic and easily available materials. Finally, you can paint the DIY house in different colors. You can also leave the natural wooden color and save money.

Tutorial On How To Make A Stackable Insulated Cat House. Watch This Video:

Easy Pallet Outdoor Cat House Idea

If you have a wooden pallet hanging around the house, you can build a cat house and put it to good use. First, split the pallet into two parts.

Then, place a hay layer on the bottom and a mattress on top. Finally, use a metal sheet as a roof and make two holes at the bottom for easier access.

Detailed Guide On How To Make A Pallet Cat House. Watch This Video Below:

Chicken Wire Outdoor Cat House Idea

The chicken wire outdoor cat house looks like a jungle gym for kittens. Made of wood, chicken wire, and small roof tiles, this project won’t take too much of your time and money.

You can connect the mesh cages with a wooden bridge. However, make sure the bridge is also protected by the wire, enabling the kittens to roam around and explore. I would also suggest that you decorate the whole thing with some flower pots. They will add a lovely touch to the area.

Learn How To Make A Large Cat Enclosure (Cheap and Easy):

Barrel Pot Outdoor Cat House Idea

The barrel pot outdoor cat house requires a plant container and reused barrel. There’s no better way to reuse a barrel that you don’t use than building a cat house. It’s very spacious, so your cats can hang out comfortably inside. Make a large hole, then fill the barrel with soft materials.

Just make sure that the bottom of the barrel is completely dry. Once you’re done with the basics, add a wooden platform that will serve as both a dining table and stairs for your cats. Also, if you want to take this project to the next level, use the top part of the barrel as a flower planter.

This Is How To Make A Dog/Cat House Out Of Barrels. Let’s See:

Cooler Outdoor Cat House Idea

The cooler outdoor cat house is one of my favorite ideas on this list. You can easily reuse the old cooler in your garage and provide a safe and warm sleeping spot for kittens in your area.

You will need a large cooler, mounting base, zip ties, zip ties, carpet or some other type of bedding, wood screws, foam pad, jigsaw, glue, hot glue gun, and rope lighting if you have harsh winters.

With these materials, you can create a heater house that will keep your kittens warm and safe all winter long. The best part? There’s also space for water and food inside this DIY house.

Tips On How To Make Cat Houses Out Of Coolers. Watch This Video:

DIY Floating Outdoor Cat House Idea

You can easily make a floating outdoor cat house. The project consists of a plastic platform on the wall. The inside of this outdoor cat house can accommodate both food and water bowls, and a sleeping area.

More Information On How To Make Plastic Floating Cat Houses.

Cylindrical Outdoor Cat House Idea

If you don’t prefer square cat house ideas, then you can build a cylindrical cat house. It’s a wooden shelter with a tubular shape and a hole as the access point.

You can coat the exterior with some warm materials and paint. It’s a simple but functional house that will keep stray kittens warm in winter.

Learn How To Make A Cylindrical Cat House From Scratch:

Cardboard Outdoor Cat House Idea

Many people opt for cardboard outdoor cat houses because they’re easy to make and don’t cost money. If you find this idea interesting, just grab some old cardboard boxes. Then, cover all the boxes with some old t-shirts for protection. Fill the boxes with soft materials and place them in a safe area.

The best part? You can build as many houses as you have cardboard boxes and old t-shirts. This solution provides the same warmth and comfort as the rest of the options mentioned in this article.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make A Cardboard Cat House.

Container Outdoor Cat House Idea

Another easy idea that will blow you away includes plastic containers. Grab a plastic container with a lid. You can insulate this shelter with a ½ sheet of foam. Then, cut out a hole at the front and add something soft such as a pillow or cushion inside for warmth and comfort.

This Is How To Make A Cheap Container Cat House. Watch This Video:

Converted Dog House Outdoor Cat House Idea

You can easily transform a dog house into a shelter for stray cats or your new kitten at home. Since dog houses are bigger, you can easily divide the inside with some plywood and provide holes for each part of the house as entry points. Then, fill the divided parts with soft materials like hay, old shirts, etc.

Tutorial On How To Turn Dog Houses Into Cat Houses:

Heated Igloo Outdoor Cat House Idea

You can easily build a heated igloo outdoor cat house using a Styrofoam cooler and a heated pad with a fleece cover. I saved this idea for last because it’s a little expensive.

However, if you have harsh winters, you can spend a couple of dollars and provide a heating system for your cat or stray cats in your area that will keep them warm and dry.

Instructions On How To Make A Heated Igloo Outdoor Cat House.

Tree Outdoor Cat House Idea

If you have low trees in your yard, you can build a cat house inside the tree using wooden panels. It’s a bit challenging and time-consuming. However, it’s not impossible.

First, explore the structure of the tree and see where you can realize your idea. Cats love trees, so they will also appreciate your effort and enjoy the treehouse in winter.

More Tree Outdoor Cat House Ideas You Can Try.

Cabinet Outdoor Cat House Idea

If you have a small old wooden cabinet that’s just rotting in your basement, you can use it as a house for stray cats. Just provide access and fill the cabinet with hay or old t-shirts.

Then, place it in a secluded place. You can do the same with similar old pieces of furniture that seem like they can be transformed into a house that will keep stray cats warm in winter.

This is how to make a cat house out of cabinet. Watch this video:

Old TV Outdoor Cat House Idea

Remember those old TVs that your grandfather had? Well, if you have one of those old TVs just hanging around somewhere, you can use it as a cat house.

Just take out all of the electronics and everything else that could harm the cats, and use the shell of the TV as a setting for a cat house. Fill the inside with some materials that will keep the cats warm in winter. Then, put the house somewhere safe and hidden.

Tutorial On How To Turn Your Old TV Into A Cat House:

Kitchen Cabinet Outdoor Cat House Idea

Another cool idea I have for you is a cat house made of a kitchen cabinet. It’s very easy! Just transform your old kitchen cabinets into cat shelters by providing holes for access on the sides. Then, fill the cabinets with some materials that will keep the cats warm.

Instructions On How To Make A Kitchen Cabinet Cat House:

Adopt!

I know that you can’t adopt all the stray kittens in the world. However, if you have free space at home, consider adopting abandoned kittens, at least for the winter period.

Hopefully, today’s list of ideas can help you make something that will keep your kittens dry and warm in winter. If you have any other ideas, please drop a comment below!

This Is How To Tame A Feral Kitten. Watch This Video:

Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted

After exploring, tired cats need a safe and warm resting place where they can spread their paws and just chill. However, stray cats don’t have a secure resting place where they can keep themselves warm in the winter. Luckily, you can create simple but still comfortable shelters for stray cats.

Just click through the list of DIY outdoor cat house ideas above and pick the one that seems most doable to you. Cats don’t need much. A weatherproof spot with food and water somewhere in a secluded place will do the job. Share this article with other cat lovers and inspire people to help!