Build a cozy, waterproof outdoor cat house this winter with a simple, budget-friendly DIY project. Protect your feline friends from the cold and snow, creating a safe haven they’ll love.
Winter can be a tough time for our outdoor feline companions. The chilly winds, frosty mornings, and occasional snow can make finding a warm, dry spot a real challenge for them. If you’ve noticed stray cats or even your own adventurous house cats spending time outdoors, providing them with a dedicated shelter can make all the difference. Building a DIY outdoor cat house is a wonderfully rewarding project that ensures they have a safe, snug place to escape the elements. Don’t worry if you’re new to DIY – I’m here to guide you through each simple step, making it easy and enjoyable to create a genius shelter for your furry friends. Get ready to give them a home away from home!
Why Outdoor Cat Houses are Essential
Outdoor cats, whether they are strays or your own brave explorers, need protection from harsh winter weather. Extreme cold can be life-threatening, leading to hypothermia and frostbite. A simple shelter offers a vital refuge from wind, rain, ice, and snow. It provides a dry place to sleep, reducing heat loss from their bodies. For stray populations, these shelters can significantly increase their chances of survival during the winter months. Creating a safe space shows compassion and helps care for vulnerable animals in your community. It’s a small act of kindness that can have a huge impact.
Planning Your DIY Outdoor Cat House
Before you grab your tools, a little planning goes a long way! Thinking about a few key elements will ensure your cat house is effective, safe, and easy to build.
Size and Design Considerations
- For One or Two Cats: A good rule of thumb is to make the interior just large enough for a cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you anticipate multiple cats using it, slightly larger is fine, but avoid making it too big. A smaller space retains body heat better.
- Entrance Placement: Position the entrance off-center. This creates a windbreak inside, protecting the sleeping area from direct drafts. A single entrance is best for heat retention.
- Elevated Floor: Keeping the bottom of the house off the ground is crucial. This prevents cold from seeping up through the floor and keeps the interior drier by staying above potential ground moisture and snow.
- Sloped Roof: A sloped roof helps to shed rain and snow, preventing water from pooling and leaking into the shelter.
- Ventilation: While you want to keep it warm, a little ventilation is important to prevent condensation buildup. Small holes drilled high on the walls, under the eaves, can provide this without creating drafts.
Materials for Durability and Warmth
Choosing the right materials is key for a long-lasting, cozy shelter. You want materials that are readily available, affordable, and offer good insulation.
- Wood: Untreated wood is the best choice. Plywood (exterior grade is best for water resistance) or solid lumber like pine or cedar are good options. Avoid pressure-treated wood as the chemicals can be harmful to cats.
- Insulation: While not always necessary for a basic shelter, insulation can significantly improve warmth. Consider Styrofoam sheets, rigid foam board, or even natural materials like straw (though straw can harbor moisture and pests if not managed carefully).
- Waterproofing: A waterproof coating for the exterior is essential. Exterior paint, sealant, or even roofing felt can do the job.
- Fasteners: Rust-resistant screws are preferable to nails, as they provide a stronger hold and are less likely to loosen over time.
- Comfortable Bedding: For the interior, use bedding that wicks away moisture and provides insulation. Straw is an excellent, natural choice. Avoid blankets or towels, as they can absorb moisture and freeze.
Simple DIY Outdoor Cat House Plan
This plan is designed for ease of construction, even for beginners. We’ll focus on a sturdy, basic box design with essential features for winter survival. You can adapt this plan based on your available materials.
Materials and Tools List
Gathering everything before you start will make the process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- One sheet of 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood (e.g., 4ft x 8ft sheet)
- Four 2×4 or 4×4 posts (about 6-10 inches long each) for elevated feet
- Exterior wood screws (e.g., 1 5/8-inch and 2-inch lengths)
- Exterior wood glue (optional, but adds strength)
- Waterproof exterior paint or sealant
- Silicone caulk (for sealing seams)
- Styrofoam board or rigid foam insulation (optional, for extra warmth)
- Straw (for bedding)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or even a handsaw)
- Drill with drill bits (for pilot holes and screws)
- Screwdriver bit for your drill
- Jigsaw or hole saw (for entrance hole)
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Paintbrush
- Utility knife (if using foam insulation)
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Let’s get building! Remember to always prioritize safety. Wear your safety glasses and gloves.
Step 1: Cut Your Plywood Pieces
Using your measuring tape, pencil, and saw, cut the plywood into the following pieces. These dimensions are for a good-sized house suitable for one or two cats.
- Front Panel: 18 inches wide x 16 inches tall
- Back Panel: 18 inches wide x 17 inches tall (this extra inch allows for a sloped roof)
- Side Panels (x2): 16 inches wide x 16 inches tall (at the front edge, slanting up to 17 inches at the back edge to match the back panel height)
- Floor: 18 inches wide x 16 inches deep
- Roof: 24 inches wide x 20 inches deep (this allows for an overhang to protect the entrance and sides)
Tip: If cutting angles for the side panels feels tricky, you can cut them as rectangles (16″ x 16″) and then cut the roof to fit squarely, ensuring a good overhang.
Step 2: Assemble the Walls and Floor
This is where the house starts to take shape!
- Take the floor panel and the two side panels. Apply wood glue (if using) to the edges of the side panels that will meet the floor. Position the side panels on top of the floor panel, aligning the edges.
- Drill pilot holes through the side panels into the floor panel. Secure them with wood screws (e.g., 1 5/8-inch screws).
- Now, attach the front and back panels. Apply glue to the edges that meet the side panels and the floor. Position the front panel (16″ tall) and the back panel (17″ tall).
- Drill pilot holes and secure with wood screws through the front and back panels into the side panels and the floor. Ensure the taller back panel is at the correct side.
You should now have a sturdy, open-topped box.
Step 3: Create the Entrance Hole
This is a critical step. The entrance should be large enough for a cat but not so large that it lets in excessive drafts.
- On the front panel, measure about 6 inches up from the bottom and center it horizontally.
- Using a jigsaw or hole saw, cut a circular opening. A diameter of 6 inches is generally suitable for most adult cats.
- If your entrance hole is a bit rough, lightly sand the edges.
Tip: You can add a small lip or sill around the entrance with an extra strip of wood if you wish, but it’s not essential.
Step 4: Attach the Roof
The roof needs to overhang to provide protection.
- Position the roof panel on top of the walls. Ensure it has an overhang on all sides, especially the front, to direct rain and snow away from the entrance. The slope will naturally be created by the taller back panel.
- Apply wood glue to the top edges of the walls where the roof will sit.
- Drill pilot holes down through the roof into the top edges of the walls. Use longer screws (e.g., 2-inch screws) for a secure attachment.
Step 5: Add Elevated Feet
This keeps the house off the cold, damp ground.
- Flip the house upside down.
- Position the four 2×4 or 4×4 posts at each corner of the floor panel. They should be flush with the outer edges.
- Drill pilot holes through the floor into the posts. Secure each post with at least two screws.
Step 6: Seal and Waterproof
Protect your hard work and the cats from the elements!
- Use silicone caulk to seal any gaps or seams, especially where the walls meet the floor and roof, and around the entrance hole. This prevents drafts and water ingress.
- Once the caulk is dry, paint or seal the entire exterior of the cat house with your chosen waterproof coating. Use multiple coats for best results.
- Allow the paint/sealant to dry completely. Ensure there are no fumes before placing it outdoors. Natural, low-VOC options are always a good choice for eco-conscious projects.
Step 7: (Optional) Add Insulation
For extra warmth in very cold climates, add insulation.
- Cut pieces of Styrofoam board or rigid foam insulation to fit snugly against the inside walls, floor, and ceiling of the cat house.
- You can adhere these using a non-toxic adhesive or simply cut them to size so they fit tightly.
- Make sure the insulation doesn’t obstruct the entrance or create a risk of cats chewing on it.
Step 8: Add Bedding
The final cozy touch!
- Fill the bottom of the house with a generous layer of straw. Aim for at least 4-6 inches. Straw is ideal because it’s insulating and wicks away moisture, keeping the cats dry even if they track in a little snow or rain.
- Avoid using blankets, towels, or hay. These absorb moisture and can freeze, making the shelter colder and potentially leading to frostbite.
Placement and Maintenance Tips
Where you put your cat house and how you maintain it are just as important as how you build it!
Optimal Placement
- Shelter from Wind: Position the house against a wall, under a porch or deck, or near bushes that can act as a windbreak. The entrance should ideally face away from prevailing winds.
- Protection from Sun and Rain: While you want it out of the worst weather, a spot that gets some morning sun can help warm it up. Ensure the roof overhang protects it, and it’s not in a low-lying area that collects water.
- Away from High Traffic: Place it in a quieter area of your yard where cats will feel safe and undisturbed.
- Accessibility for You: Make sure you can easily access the shelter for cleaning and checking on your feline friends.
Regular Maintenance
- Check Bedding: Replace the straw bedding periodically, especially if it becomes wet, matted, or soiled. In snowy conditions, you might need to check more frequently.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect the structure for any signs of wear and tear, loose screws, or damage. Make repairs promptly to ensure the shelter remains intact and waterproof.
- Cleaning: Give the interior a good clean at least once a season, or more often if needed. Remove old bedding, brush out debris, and check for any pests. A quick wipe-down with a mild, pet-safe disinfectant can be beneficial.
- Snow Removal: If heavy snow accumulates, gently clear around the entrance and on top of the roof to ensure easy access and prevent structural stress.
Alternative DIY Ideas and Materials
Not everyone has a workshop full of tools, or perhaps you have some unique materials lying around! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity.
Storage Tote Shelter
This is one of the simplest and quickest DIY options, perfect for beginners or those needing a temporary solution. You can find large, sturdy plastic storage totes at most discount stores.
- Choose a sturdy, opaque tote with a lid that seals well. Darker colors absorb more heat.
- Cut an entrance hole (about 6 inches diameter) on one side, a few inches up from the bottom. Use a jigsaw or a sharp utility knife.
- Elevate the tote by placing bricks or scrap wood underneath to keep it off the cold ground and allow for drainage.
- Add a layer of straw inside for bedding.
- Optional: Insulate the inside walls with foam board cut to fit, or add a second, slightly larger tote over the first one, leaving an air gap between them for insulation.
- Secure the lid with zip ties or bungee cords to keep it from blowing off in high winds.
For more detailed instructions and visual guides, resources like Alley Cat Allies offer excellent, proven designs and community tips.
Pallet Wood Shelter
If you have access to heat-treated (HT stamped) pallet wood, it can be a great source of free building material. Always ensure pallets are safe and haven’t been treated with harsh chemicals.
- Disassemble the pallets carefully. Sand down any rough edges or splinters.
- Use the planks to construct a small box, similar to the plywood plan. You can use scrap plywood for the floor and roof, or build a wooden roof as well.
- Add insulation between inner and outer walls if you’re feeling ambitious, or simply focus on a well-sealed, insulated interior with straw.
Upcycled Materials
Get creative! Old wooden crates, small dog houses, chicken coops, or even modified furniture can be repurposed into excellent cat shelters.
- Crates: Reinforce the sides, add an insulated floor, and cut an entrance.
- Dog Houses: If an old dog house is too large, you can partition it to create a smaller, cozier space that retains heat better.
The key is to ensure the final structure is safe, dry, insulated, and draft-free.
FAQ: Outdoor Cat Houses for Winter DIY
Here are some common questions beginner DIYers have about building winter shelters for cats.
Q1: What is the best size for an outdoor cat house?
A: The ideal size is just big enough for a cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For one or two cats, an interior around 18x14x14 inches (width x depth x height) is a good starting point. A smaller space helps retain body heat more effectively.
Q2: Should I insulate my outdoor cat house?
A: Insulation is highly recommended, especially in very cold climates. It significantly reduces heat loss and keeps the interior warmer. Rigid foam board (like Styrofoam) is a great, easy-to-
