While dog houses have always been a thing, did you know that cats are now also enjoying outdoor setups? Some cats simply can’t stand being cooped up inside homes, particularly if they used to be feral and grew up outdoors.
They may have become used to you and decided to keep you, but living outside is all they know. Other cats, who grew up as pets, just like to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air outside. So why keep them away from all that if you can safely allow your cats to enjoy the outdoors in comfort?
at a glance: Best Outdoor Cat Houses
We’d like to help you make the right choice, so we’ve drawn up a list of the top-selling and high-rated ones in the market and chose what we believe is the best outdoor cat house from among them. But before you read our detailed reviews, here’s a list of reasons why you should get one.
Also Read: Best Cat Harnesses of 2021
Top Outdoor Cat Houses 2024
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Kitty City Stackable Cat Cube
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Check Price on Amazon | |
ROCKEVER Outdoor Cat Shelter
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Check Price on Amazon | |
TRIXIE Natura Insulated Cat House
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Check Price on Chewy | |
Merry Products Cat House
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Check Price on Chewy | |
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Outdoor Cat House
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Check Price on Chewy | |
K & H Birchwood Manor Cat House
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Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Petsfit Outdoor Triangle Cat House
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Check Price on Amazon | |
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat House
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Check Price on Amazon | |
PETYELLA Cat House
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Check Price on Amazon | |
Extreme Consumer Products Cat House
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Check Price on Amazon | |
AmazonBasics Elevated Pet House
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Check Price on Amazon | |
Petfactors Kitty House
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Check Price on WalmartCheck Price on Amazon |
Before going any further, here is a list of the reviewed products on this article:
- Kitty City Stackable Cat Cube
- ROCKEVER Outdoor Cat Shelter
- Trixie Natura Insulated Cat House
- Merry Products Cat House
- New Age Pet ecoFLEX Outdoor Cat House
- K & H Birchwood Manor Cat House
- Petsfit Outdoor Triangle Cat House
- K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat House
- PETYELLA Cat House
- Extreme Consumer Products Cat House
- AmazonBasics Portable Pet House
- Petfactors Kitty House
Our Choice for the Best Outdoor Cat House: Kitty City
It was close, but we had to pick just one model as our pick for the Best Outdoor Cat House. Features, cost, durability, and overall value were what we looked into.
We also took into account the reviews of other customers for each product. Based on all of these, we found Kitty City’s Stackable Cat Cube to provide the best value for customers.
1. Kitty City Stackable Cat Cube
Features:
- Water-resistant
- Stackable up to two cubes high
- Contains two exits with clear removable door flaps
- Measures 22.5 x 19.5 x 21.5 inches
- Walls have insulated layers
- Includes a privacy panel
What we like about it:
It’s a tough little insulated cat house with a double layer of insulation between water-resistant fabrics. This makes it extremely handy for cold snaps and extra windy days. The cat cube is fairly easy to assemble and will only take you about several seconds to do so. You just need to unfold the box and place the ceiling and roof on top.
Because it doesn’t use any zip closures or velcro to close it up, there are no gaps in the product where water can come through. The walls and floor are all in one piece with the exception of the door flaps, which are removable by the way. A solid panel can also be attached to a door to give your kitty a bit of privacy.
If you have multiple pets, you can stack another cube on top to save on space. Don’t worry about the height because the cube is sturdy and the attachment is strong so it won’t be pushed over easily. You can also remove the roof and use the top base as an extra space for resting for your cat.
It’s also one of the most cheaply-priced outdoor cat house we’ve reviewed, and for this competitive amount, we think it’s a bargain.
What needs improvement:
It’s not raised up and needs to be placed atop a platform when you bring it outdoors, otherwise the cold from the ground can chill your cat. While the fabric is water-resistant, we still suggest that you place it under a cover or tarp during heavy rains or snowfall.
Hard Plastic and Wooden Builds Cat Houses
Outdoor cat houses made of hard plastic or wood are the best for placing outside, directly under the sky. The strength of the materials can often withstand heavy downpours and snowfall. Here are the top market finds, in no particular order.
2. ROCKEVER Outdoor Cat Shelter
Features:
- Made of wood
- Well-made and sturdy
- Weather-resistant
- Has 2 openings
- Elevated design
- All you need is a Phillip's screw driver
- Measures 23.6 x 16.1×16.1 inches
- For pets up to 15 pounds
- There is also a 2-storey option for multiple cats
What we like about it:
If you are looking to keep feral cats or other small animals in your backyard, try this small animals house outdoor! With its super sturdy wooden construction, roomy inner space and a escape door, this pet house is undoubtedly perfect for your cats!
The high quality texture and multi-color design offers you with wide selections that would sit great in your backyard! It provide cats a cozy retreat in winter and a cool one in the summer.
There are three functional peeking holes on the sides. Perfect for peeking purposes for your curious and alert furry friends. The holes are covered by acrylic windows, to keep warm in winter.
Once you unscrewed the acrylic plate, you can put through the plug of the heating pad. Makes more ventilation when unscrewed all during summer.
There’s a fleece mat included with each purchase. Not only does it help keep a kitty feeling warm, it can also double as a scratching pad to help cats condition their nails.
The roof is treated with real asphalt shingles. The emergency opening on the back is covered with an acrylic flap door. The front opening is sheltered by asphalt rain stoop.
If you have multiple cats, you may want to avail their 2-storey cat house.
What needs improvement:
While setting up this outdoor cat house doesn’t need special tools, it will still take you a bit of time to fit the roof and the bottom part together. Some reviewers even indicated that they didn't get any manual for the assembly. But we saw that the instructions are posted on their Amazon listing, so you can refer to that.
3. Trixie Natura Insulated Cat House
Features:
- Made of eco-friendly weatherproof glaze and foam
- Plastic flaps for easy access
- Hinged roof that opens
- Easy assembly
- Elevated floor and ventilated holes
- Measures 16.5 x 20.2 x 16.9 inches
- Weighs 20 pounds
What we like about it:
Trixie’s outdoor cat house is an extremely functional dwelling with a cute and classy design. The front door folds down and acts as a ramp. The top can be propped open during sunny weather and be used as an additional entry or exit point.
There’s no problem with heat, because the outdoor cat house is raised, allowing air to circulate better. This elevated design also prevents your cat from feeling the chill of the ground beneath in winter.
If you decide to keep your pet inside during colder months, there’s a slide lock on the door that you can use to keep other “guests” from utilizing the cat condo.
It’s lightweight, and you can easily place it in another location should there be a need to. It’s also easy to assemble though the hardware you’ll need to set it up is not included.
What needs improvement:
While the brand says its cat house is weather-treated, it’s not waterproof. It’s not ideal for wet and snowy seasons, unless you attach a large tarp over the whole structure to keep the moisture out.
4. Merry Products Room With a View Cat House
Features:
- Made of kiln-dried natural cedar wood
- Comes with stairs and a lattice fence
- Has a single entrance/exit point
- Includes hardware and instructions
- Measures 28.54 x 21.73 x 25.67 inches
- Interior surface measures 17.48 x 18.3 x 13.98 inches
- Weighs 17.64 pounds
- Weight capacity is up to 100 for bottom and up to 50 for top part
- Includes a 1-year limited warranty
What we like about it:
If your cat not only loves the outdoors but also being on high places or on top of structures, he or she will love this shelter. The Room With a View Cat House is a comfy retreat with a classy design. The first floor is for when your cat likes to sleep undisturbed in a dark and cozy area, while the second is for sunbathing and looking over his “property.”
The cat house is made from kiln-dried cedar wood, which is highly resistant to mold and humidity. It assembles easily and is easy to clean with its removable bottom and top panels.
It’s extremely sturdy! The cat condo is an excellent deal for a cat that loves to scratch or chew stuff. They won’t be able to chew their way out of this one, and the wood is not flimsy at all.
What needs improvement:
While wood that has been kiln-dried is resistant to mold and moisture, this outdoor cat house still needs to be placed inside when it rains, snows, or becomes extremely cold. There are gaps between the boards that will let the chill in, and the wood will quickly rot if left under direct rain or snow. This is best used during dry, sunny weather only.
5. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Outdoor Cat House
Features:
- Made of ecoFLEX (wood and plastic polymer composite)
- Weatherproof
- Has two entrance/exit points
- Uses non-toxic and recycled materials
- No tools required
- Measures 21.8 x 19.1 x 20.2 inches
- Weighs 17.4 pounds
- Available in mossy oak and tan colors
What we like about it:
If you need an outdoor cat house that will last a long time, this is probably it. The shelter’s plastic-wood composite material does not crack, split, or warp. It’s quite a solid structure that will see your kitty through rain or shine. It’s weatherproof, so your pet or a feral cat will stay dry inside even under direct rain or snow.
It has an elevated floor that aids in air circulation and keeps the cold of the ground from seeping through. The two exit/entry points make it a safe structure for feral cats to shelter in because it lets them get away in case of an intruder.
The top is completely removable so cleaning the interior is a breeze. Give it a wipe down or quick rinse, and it’s good to go again.
What needs improvement:
The vinyl doors can be difficult to use because they are all in one piece. Your cat may have a hard time getting in or out. However, a reviewer has conceived of a workaround which includes cutting the vinyl flaps into even slices like a fringe curtain but with wider panels. Then attach the vinyl panels into the window and door from the inside to keep the elements out.
6. K & H Birchwood Manor Cat House
Features:
- Made of natural birchwood
- Has a UV-resistant coating
- Contains two doors with flaps
- Comes with a padded cushion
- Assembles in minutes
- Measures 18 x 16 x 15 inches
- Weighs 9 pounds
- For pets up to 25 pounds
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
What we like about it:
The rugged construction and beautiful design of this outdoor cat house will allow it to blend with any decor in or outside your home. It’s small but cozy and perfect for cats since most look for a den-like feel. The natural birch wood gives this kitty shelter a studier build.
Although you’ll need a screwdriver to set this up, the screws come with the purchase. Also, there are pre-drilled holes that make it easy to assemble. Just a few minutes, and your wee cat condo should be up.
Heavy-duty flaps cover the two entrances of the little home to keep the interior as snug as possible during cold snaps. There’s a comfy padded cushion that comes with the purchase, but it’s removable for easy cleanups.
What needs improvement:
Although cats like snug places, this might prove to be too tight a squeeze for big felines. If your pet or target feral cat is on the large side, this cat home won’t be able to accommodate them. Also, the kitty house sits directly on the ground. If you need to use this on anything but a sunny day, place it on a platform first.
7. Petsfit Outdoor Triangle Cat House
Features:
- Made of 12 mm thick cedar wood panels
- Has a main door and an escape door at the back
- Front door has an overhang
- Comes with pre-drilled holes for easy assembly
- Measures 19.69 x 19.69 x 20.87 inches
- Interior space measures 18 x 17 inches
- Weighs 15.65 pounds
- Fits pet up to 15 pounds
- Available in light grey, no paint, and wine red colors
What we like about it:
It’s a nice, little safe haven for cats. This outdoor cat house is sturdy, well-fabricated, and quite easy to set up. There are pre-drilled holes in the panels, so all you’ll have to do is put the screws in place.
The triangle shape of the shelter makes it look and feel cozier, a perfect place for cats to lie down in and relax. The sloping design of the top keeps the rain off and snow from building up on top, while the door’s overhang keeps the water from dripping inside.
The front door is open but a flap is available for the back one to keep your pet from being trapped by predators and also to keep it warmer inside. The floor of the outdoor cat house opens up with a simple push from underneath, making it easy to clean.
What needs improvement:
While alright for the summer and cool weather, it’s not designed well for winter. The bottom floor opening allows for easy cleanups, but it also allows for more cold to come in. You can fix this by putting a floor pad, but the front door remains open (there’s no flap), and there’s a hole in the shape of a paw print on the back door. A cat can become extremely cold inside during harsh weather.
Fabric Build Cat Houses
Most outdoor cat houses made of soft fabric can withstand all weather conditions, but are often used on porches or covered decks. While water-resistant or waterproof materials can keep moisture and the cold out, the soft tops won’t stand up to heavy rain or snow if placed directly under the sky. Here are the top fabric-covered cat houses, in no particular order.
1. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat House
Features:
- Made of 600 denier nylon with vinyl backing
- Water-resistant & machine-washable
- Has two doors with removable door flaps
- Has a zippered roof design
- No tools required
- Measures 22 x 17 x 18 inches
- Sleep surface measures 18 x 14
- Includes a 1- year limited warranty
- Available in olive, red/black, gray/black colors and barn, cottage, and log cabin print designs
What we like about it:
This product by K&H Pet Products is a sturdy shelter that pets and feral cats alike will love. It’s easy to assemble and doesn’t require tools to set up. Just zip the walls and roof up, and it’s good to go. Cleaning up is a breeze as well because you can either machine wash the cat house or just wipe with a damp cloth and dry.
Two doors allow your cat to escape in case a predator tries to or does get inside. There are removable door flaps too, to keep rain, wind, or snow from getting in the interior. The top also opens up and provides an additional escape route for your kitty.
The outdoor cat house is lightweight, so you can quickly change its location whenever necessary. And if the color or design is important to you, well, it comes in many varieties so there’s plenty of options to choose from. Another great plus is that the price is extremely competitive. No need to break the bank with this kitty house.
What needs improvement:
This K&H outdoor cat house is water-resistant and not waterproof, although it’s not really the product’s fault because it’s clearly stated in the description. If you get a steady rain, it will fill up inside. One thing to remember is, if you’re going to buy this and then buy a heating pad later, there will be some issues about fit, because it simply won’t.
2. PETYELLA Heated and Weatherproof Cat House
Features:
- Water-resistant roof and waterproof bottom
- Has two doors
- Velcro roof and walls
- No tools required
- Measures 17 x 13 x 17 inches
- Includes a heated pet mat with cord, timer, and extension cord
- Comes with a full refund guarantee
What we like about it:
This outdoor cat shelter comes with a heated bed designed to provide a toasty feeling for cats even in the midst of harsh winter weather. What’s great about this is the cord that comes with it. It’s chew-proof! There’s also a 4-meter extension cord for plugging into outlets located far from the outdoor cat house and a timer you can program to turn the heat off in the morning.
It’s easy to assemble and doesn’t require tools. It will literally set up in a couple of minutes. All you need to do is to zip up the sides and then attach the roof. Despite its cute and charming appearance, this shelter is actually sturdy and the Velcro that holds it together is strong.
There’s a removable cover for the heated bed, and it’s washable for easy cleanup. Best of all is the price, which is remarkably low.
What needs improvement:
The timer that comes with this is strictly for indoor use. You’d need to buy a separate outdoor timer if you need to plug it outside. Also, the house won’t be able to handle heavy rains and snow. The roof will be in danger of caving in. It could work outside if you keep it on your porch or under something firm and stable.
3. Extreme Consumer Products Collapsible Outdoor Cat House
Features:
- Has two doors with flap openings
- Uses a zip-up structure
- No tools required
- Measures 22 x 18 x `17 inches
- Interior space measures 18 x 14 x 16 inches
- Includes a 20w heated pet bed
What we like about it:
When it comes to ease of assembly, this outdoor cat house is one of the best we’ve found. It can be set up in a matter of two to three minutes. It’s also attractive and well-built. Your cat can go up the top and it won’t cave in.
The heated pad works great and will bring a toasty warmth to any pet snoozing inside, even on very harsh winter nights. Its flap doors open and close without difficulty, so cats won’t have a hard time getting in or out.
It does do a great job of keeping the wind and the chill out. Plus, if cost is a big deciding factor for you, this has one of the most competitive prices we’ve seen. Definitely a steal.
What needs improvement:
It’s not waterproof. The top and the bottom will absorb moisture, so it’s not ideal to place somewhere where the ground can get wet or where there is no cover. The door flaps won’t keep the rain off, either. Also, the cord for the heated pad is not heavy-duty enough for the outdoors nor thick enough to stop bitey cats from chewing.
4. AmazonBasics Elevated Portable Pet House
Features:
- Made of oxford and mesh cloth with metal and plastic components
- Waterproof
- No tools required
- Measures 35 x 32 x 26 inches
- Weighs 10.1 pounds
- Includes a roll-up canopy
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty
What we like about it:
This is a large, comfy dwelling that’s excellent for large feline breeds or multiple cat households. Or, if you’ve got a doggy, he can share it with your cat since the space can accommodate both. It has a lightweight design that makes it easy to bring anywhere, from the yard to inside your home.
It sets up in a few minutes without tools. The frame is made of a metal and plastic component, which gives the structure a sturdy characteristic. You simply join the tubes together to make up the frame and then pull the fabric over the framework.
The outdoor cat house is elevated so there’s no danger of wetness or cold from the ground getting to the floor of the shelter. You can also roll up the canopy if the day is sunny to reveal the mesh material underneath for extra ventilation and fresh air. A great plus is the heavy-duty stitching and the thick fabric that provides decent protection from the wind.
What needs improvement:
While the material is waterproof, there is the matter of the large, uncovered door. You would need to add additional material inside, such as straw, for your cat to burrow in to keep the cold away. The roll-up canopy also has a tendency to lift up, so you’d need to tape it down during rainy weather.
5. Petfactors Kitty House
Features:
- Waterproof
- Comes with a fireproof, waterproof, and dustproof heated pad
- Has two doors
- No tools required
- Measures 22 x 18.5 x 16.5 inches
- Interior space measures 18 x 14 x 16 inches
- Heating pad’s temperature can be adjusted by 7 levels
What we like about it:
Petfactors’ Kitty House is a truly comfy and safe space for any cat. It comes with a heated pad that is not only fireproof, but also waterproof and dustproof as well. You can manually adjust the temperature from 77℉ to 131℉ every time you push the ‘Up’ or ‘Down’ buttons. It also uses a low DC voltage that’s much safer than AC-based electrical units.
Assembly only requires a few snaps of the Velcro tape in place, while the roof is attached by means of a zipper. There are two exit points here, so your cat can easily escape from danger, but the flaps keep the chill and wind out.
Since the top is zippered, you can simply unzip half and fold it back during summer to let your kitty get some sun and more fresh air.
What needs improvement:
While the material is waterproof, the rain can still get inside this little home through the doors and the little gaps in each corner (the Velcro doesn’t fully extend top to bottom). This is where the water seeps through. It is also too lightweight, which means it might need to be tied down or placed in an area that won’t allow it to fly off in case of a stiff wind.
Why You Should Get an Outdoor Cat House
Being outdoors offers a cat plenty of benefits like lots of exercise and the ability to express his or her natural behavior, to name a few. But what about outdoor cat houses? Why should you get one? Here are some reasons:
- An outdoor shelter offers an excellent place for cats to rest safely from the elements and, in some cases, away from predators.
- An outdoor cat shelter lets your cat or cats observe the outdoors up close and provide a place of rest when he’s done with his exploring.
- Outdoor cat houses are not just for pets. If you’re concerned about the welfare of feral cats around your area, an outdoor feral cat house is a perfect way to ensure that they have somewhere warm to stay in during cold weather. An outdoor feral cat house also gives them a safe space away from animals that might prey on them.
- An outdoor feral cat house can be a great way to get close to an outdoor kitty to befriend them. While it’s rare for an adult feral cat to change into an indoor kitty (it’s different for kittens), quite a few do like being kept as outdoor pets. Even if ferals don’t fit your standard concept of a pet, they can make excellent outdoor companions.
Don’t forget to make sure that you put all safety measures in place (microchip, a pet tracker, cat proof fence, etc.) before you let your cat out!
Things to Look for to Get the Best Outdoor Cat House
While your cat will probably be very appreciative of any cat house you will buy (they’ll most likely even go for a box, if that’s what you have), it wouldn’t hurt to check the following out to ensure that you purchase only the best outdoor house for him/her that will last you for years.
1. Comfort and Weather-Resistance
Consider all seasons and weather when buying an outdoor cat house. It will be cheaper in the long run if you will purchase one made for all-weather and seasons. If you need it to function for winter, a heated cat house is necessary to keep your pet cat warm and cozy even during the chilliest of nights. If it tends to rain in your region, look for one that’s waterproof too to keep your cat or cats dry on rainy days.
The best outdoor cat house should be elevated. Elevation keeps the floor of the interior away from the cold ground during winter and helps make it feel cooler inside during summer.
The exit points matter, too when it comes to comfort. Flap doors that close behind your cat will keep out the elements such as cold, snow, and rain from the cat house’s interior. Make sure that the doors are easy to open as well. You don’t want your cat to be trapped inside.
2. Safety
A heated cat house model usually features a mat that’s heated through a long cord that you plug in. Make sure the cord is chew-resistant, since many cats just looove nibbling on cords. A built-in timer for the heated mat is also a great safety feature you should look into.
3. Size
While bigger is often better when it comes to other cat things, it’s the opposite if it’s an outdoor house and you’ve only got one cat. It’s not a big deal during summer, but come winter, a very large cat house will quickly become cold for a single feline. Choose a cat house that will accommodate your cat’s size but won’t be very much bigger than him, unless it’s a heated model.
A big model does have its perks. It allows cats to have more room for playing and exploring, particularly those with two or more storeys. Just make sure to provide heating options come the cold winter months.
4. Portability
If you’ve already figured out a fixed place to put the cat house in, you don’t need to bother with this feature. However, if you’d like to be able to move it around your yard or bring it inside the house on some occasions (for example, really cold winter days), portability will be an issue. The best outdoor cat house should be lightweight so you can carry it with no problem but not too light that a strong, gusty wind will easily sweep it away.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Some cat houses (fabric ones) feature washable materials for easy cleanup. Some use kiln-dried wood that are resistant to molds. Others have openings that make it easy for you to reach inside to clean up. Make sure that whatever fabric or material your cat outdoor house uses, it comes with features or characteristics that allows you to clean the whole house with ease.
6. Entry and Exit Points
If you’re purchasing an outdoor cat house and placing it inside an area that is not enclosed by a wall or fence, make sure that you choose one with multiple entry/exit points in case your cat or cats ever encounter a predator. At least two entrances/exit doors will be sufficient to give them the chance for escape.
If possible, look for cat houses with small doors. This will help keep larger animals from entering it.
But if you’re only placing it inside a well-protected area, the number of entrance or exit points shouldn’t matter as much.
Points to Remember When Setting Up an Outdoor Cat House
Once you’ve purchased an outdoor cat house, it’s time to set it up. Here are some things you need to do:
1. Keep the cat safe from predators.
If you live in an area where there may be predators, such as raccoons, the entrance of your outdoor cat house should be facing a wall so that only cats can get in. This also lessens the effect of wind by having the wall act as a sort of windbreak.
It should also be out of sight as much as possible. Don’t place it in an area with lots of foot traffic or your outdoor kitty might be too frightened of getting inside.
2. Raise your cat house.
If you did not purchase a raised outdoor cat house, then place materials such as wood underneath to raise it from up the ground by at least 2 inches. This makes it possible for cats to warm up better inside, reduces the chances of insects crawling in, and prevents snow or rain getting through.
3. Add insulating materials.
During cold or wet weather, insulating materials such as straw can be used. Blankets will retain wetness and absorb body heat. Straw, meanwhile, absorbs moisture and is not as prone to mold as hay. Also, cats love burrowing into it.
4. Make it level.
Place your outdoor cat house on level ground to avoid wobbling whenever your kitty moves inside it. The best outdoor cat shelter remains stable no matter how much activity goes on inside of it.
5. Keep it away from the feeding station.
Food will attract your outdoor kitty, but it will also call out to unwelcome visitors such as insects and larger predators. The best place for your cat outdoor house is somewhere that’s hidden from the notice of others.