Building an Outdoor Cat House for Multiple Cats: A Comprehensive Guide

Providing adequate shelter for outdoor cats is crucial, especially during harsh weather. Several years ago, we embarked on a project to create a functional outdoor cat house for the three feline residents in our backyard. Two of the cats, Midnight and Charcoal, spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Pork Chop initially visited mainly for food but began utilizing the shelter during a particularly cold winter. This guide shares our journey, exploring different shelter options before detailing the successful conversion of a shed into a reliable Outdoor Cat House For Multiple Cats.

Before committing to the shed project, we experimented with temporary solutions, including storage bin shelters and a makeshift straw fort. Understanding the pros and cons of these early attempts helped inform our final decision for a more permanent structure.

Exploring Temporary Outdoor Cat Shelters

In previous winters, we utilized simple, temporary shelters to provide some protection for the backyard cats.

Storage Bin Cat Shelters

A popular DIY method involves converting plastic storage bins into cat shelters. Numerous online videos demonstrate various techniques for building these shelters. The key recommendation is to use high-quality plastic bins with flat lids.

Our experience with storage bin shelters revealed a vulnerability: the yellow lids on the bins cracked, likely due to freezing and thawing temperatures. While a plastic bag offered a temporary fix to maintain functionality, it highlighted the need for more durable materials in colder climates.

DIY outdoor cat shelters made from plastic storage containers

The Straw Fort as a Cat Shelter

Another temporary solution was a straw fort constructed using our outdoor table, chairs, and bales of straw. This structure was then covered with a tarp, held down by flower pots.

This straw fort served its purpose well for one winter, offering a very inexpensive option since we already owned the basic components and straw was readily available and cheap. However, its temporary nature became evident by mid-summer as the tarp deteriorated from sun exposure and weather, leading to wet straw and a collapsing structure. It was no longer safe for the cats.

This method was first employed during the winter of 2013 for a neighborhood feral cat. While that cat eventually disappeared, the food we provided attracted other cats, including Violet, to our yard.

Upgrading to a Shed for a Multi-Cat Shelter

Recognizing the need for a more durable and safe option, we decided to invest in a shed conversion specifically designed as an Outdoor Cat House For Multiple Cats. Given that one of our cats, Midnight, is quite large, and the smaller shelters weren’t consistently used by all cats, a larger, more stable structure was necessary.

We chose a small resin shed that could be placed on our deck. Assembly was manageable for one person but would be easier with two. This particular shed offered features beneficial for feline inhabitants:

• A Window: Providing natural light inside the shelter was important, preventing it from being completely dark during long winter days.
• Two Vents: Proper ventilation helps ensure fresh air circulation and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and stuffiness.
• Discreet Appearance: From the outside, the shed looks like standard garden storage, which can be advantageous if neighbors are not supportive of outdoor or feral cats.

Setting Up the Shed for Your Outdoor Cat House

Converting the shed into a functional outdoor shelter involved several key steps to make it safe and comfortable for multiple cats.

Firstly, we cut two entrances into the sides of the shed. The size of these openings is crucial – large enough for a cat to easily enter and exit, but small enough to deter larger predators like big dogs or coyotes. Smaller animals like possums and raccoons may still be able to access the shelter, but the primary goal is to protect the cats from larger threats. To prevent cuts, the edges of the plastic were smoothed with tape after cutting.

Secondly, we lined the interior walls of the shed with Reflectix insulation. This material is excellent for helping to retain warmth inside the shelter. It’s easy to work with, requiring only regular scissors to cut and tape to attach to the walls. This insulation is a key component in making the shed a warm outdoor cat house, especially in colder climates.

Thirdly, we added shelves inside the shed. To accommodate the three cats, we placed three dog houses, also lined with Reflectix, within the shed. One of the dog houses was positioned on a shelf, maximizing the usable space inside the shelter for the cats.

In 2019, we further upgraded the setup by replacing the dog house closest to the door with two heated cat houses. Since we had outdoor electrical outlets nearby, we could provide additional warmth. It’s important to note that these heated cat houses are not designed for direct outdoor exposure and require the protection of the shed or a covered area like a porch to function safely.

Two heated cat houses placed inside a converted shed for outdoor cats

Fourth, to help keep rain and snow out of the entrances, we taped small shelves to the exterior of the shed, positioned just above the cut openings.

Shelf installed above a cut entrance on the exterior of the outdoor cat house shed to protect from rain and snow

The final step was adding straw inside the dog houses and around them. Straw is the recommended bedding for outdoor cat shelters as it allows moisture to wick away, keeping the cats dry and warm.

An additional improvement was made in 2021 when the shed was moved to the deck. An electrician installed an outlet directly inside the shed, providing a more convenient and permanent power source for the heated cat houses.

Using a Dog House within an Outdoor Cat House Structure

Creating an insulated space within the larger shed using dog houses proved effective. The steps involved in preparing a dog house for use as a feral cat shelter were documented in a video. Dog houses were chosen because their openings are typically large and require no cutting, and they can be easily assembled and lined with insulation.

Reflectix insulation comes in various sizes, so you can choose a roll suitable for lining a dog house or a larger shed. Some people use dog houses as standalone shelters outdoors. If doing so, due to their lightweight nature and larger opening, they would need to be secured against wind and potentially modified to prevent rain entry. When considering shelter options, explore the different types of outdoor housing available, such as a cat house for multiple cats or a smaller outdoor cat house for 2 cats.

Results and Pictures of the Cat Shed Project

The completed shed conversion has been successful. We are happy to report that at least two of the cats are consistently using the shed as their shelter. A trail camera placed inside for a few days captured Charcoal sleeping comfortably in one of the insulated dog houses. Furthermore, the straw in all three dog houses shows signs of being matted down, indicating regular use by the cats.

Example of a small wooden outdoor cat house

More Tips and Resources for Outdoor Cat Shelters

Consider these additional points when setting up shelters for outdoor cats:

• Not all cats, particularly those sharing a space, may immediately use a shed. Providing alternative shelters, such as individual insulated boxes, can be beneficial.
• Many resources offer a long list of feral cat shelter options. Organizations dedicated to feral cat welfare often provide galleries or guides with various designs.
• If you wish to keep the shelter’s purpose private, position the entrances on sides of the shed not visible from the street or neighboring properties.
• Only use straw for bedding in outdoor shelters. Hay retains moisture and can make the cats cold and wet.
• If converting an existing shed, ensure any stored items are safe for cats – remove anything sharp or toxic.
• Consider the number of cats you anticipate using the shelter when selecting a shed size. Larger sheds can accommodate more individual sleeping areas.
• Wooden sheds may be more sturdy than resin ones, and shelves can be easily attached to wooden walls. Shopping around, potentially exploring local builders, can help find cost-effective options for wooden structures.
• It’s generally not recommended to place food and water inside the shelter as this can attract predators.
• Local animal shelters, rescues, or clinics that offer low-cost spay/neuter services for outdoor cats may sell premade shelters, particularly in the fall and winter months.

Finding the right home for an outdoor cat, whether it’s a shelter you build or a cat you plan to buy a cat at petco, requires careful consideration of their needs. Choosing a suitable name, perhaps one of the many 3 letter cat names or ensuring they have appropriate food like hairball dry cat food, are all part of responsible cat care.

Ultimately, providing a safe, warm, and dry space significantly improves the well-being of outdoor cats, especially during challenging weather conditions. Converting a shed offers a durable and effective solution for housing multiple cats comfortably.