How to Build an Outside House for Cats

Cats that spend most of their time outside tend to be slimmer; they eat when necessary and not out of boredom. They also get more exercise than cats that stay indoors. If you have a strictly outdoor cat, or a cat you allow to go between your home and the outdoors, you will want to have a shelter for the cat. Cat houses can be purchased, but they can be expensive. Luckily, you can easily make your own cat house at home for little money.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic storage tub
  • Permanent marker
  • Jigsaw
  • Work gloves
  • Protective eye gear
  • Sand paper
  • Heating thermal disc
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a large plastic storage tub from your local home improvement store. The size depends on the size and number of cats you want to be able to use the complete house at one time. You will not need the lid, so if they are sold separately, you can leave the lid behind.

    • 2

      Turn your plastic storage tub upside down on your workstation with one of the long sides facing you.

    • 3

      Use a permanent marker to draw an entrance. The exact shape and size is up to you. You should have enough room for your cat to comfortably climb in and out of the completed house. It is best to round the corners at the top of your entrance. This will keep your cat from becoming injured.

    • 4

      Use a jigsaw to cut out your drawn entrance. Wear work gloves and protective eye gear while sawing to prevent injury to you. Discard the pieces of plastic you cut out.

    • 5

      Use sand paper to smooth the edges of the cut entrance. This will also help prevent injury to your cat.

    • 6

      Place your completed cat house outside. If you would like, you can place a heating thermal disc inside the cat house during the colder, winter months. Thermal discs can be heated in the microwave and then placed in the cat house to provide hours of warmth for your cat.