Cats prefer to hang outdoors, or we have them stay there for our convenience. Either way, it’s important to keep the area comfortable. While that shouldn’t be a problem when the weather’s fine, inclement or snowy weather is a totally different story.
It’s also not enough that you build an outdoor cat house; you must also know how to heat it properly so that your feline friend stays warm and cozy. So, how do you go about doing that?
Why Should an Outdoor Cat House Be Heated?
Why do cat houses need to be heated, anyway? While cats are among the most resourceful creatures to ever walk this planet, there are times when even their craftiness isn’t enough to escape Mother Nature.
As responsible pet owners, one of the things we can do for our cats is provide them with winter- and cold-weather-appropriate shelter. These homes should also be ideal for warm or sunny weather, so our pets can stay comfortable all year round.
The region, storm presence, and other factors influence how cold the outdoors get. Make sure to consider these when implementing heating measures for your cat’s home. Too warm, and your cat may refuse to stay inside; not warm enough, and there’s no ruling out the possibility of your feline friend getting sick or freezing to death. Both are errors you want to avoid for the safety of your cat.
A cat’s body temperature is typically around 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes, their fur is not enough for maintaining a warm and balanced temperature, especially during the colder seasons. In times of extreme cold, supplemental warmth in the form of an adequately heated house is essential for these animals.
Like humans, cats can also suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. Depending on the severity, these can lead to permanent injuries and even death. Kittens, short-haired, and senior cats are among the most vulnerable to harsh weather in the cat community. In most cases, if it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for these felines, too.
How Do You Heat an Outdoor Cat House?
Now that it’s been established that both feral and domesticated cats living outdoors need appropriate heating, how do we ensure they get that? Here are some great ways to amp up the indoor temperature of your outdoor cat house.
1. Get an Outdoor Cat House With a Built-In Heater
There’s a vast assortment of cat houses to choose from. One of the more advanced ones comes with a built-in heater, which can afford your feline friend warmth and comfort throughout that stretch of harsh winter. If your area gets cold but not too cold, cat houses with heating pads may be sufficient.
When choosing between a non-heated cat house and a heated one, don’t let the latter’s high initial cost faze you. Besides, if you purchase the non-heated option, you’d probably end up installing a heating system anyway. This may set you back to a tune equal to that of the two models’ price difference or more.
What’s more, heated cat houses usually guarantee more safety versus a DIY heating system. Their 40-watt heated pads are usually listed in the MET Safety List, which means they’re unlikely to cause any accidents while keeping your feline companions warm.
2. Set Up Warming Pads
Warming pads are great for heating up the inside of cat houses sufficiently. These electric-powered items can really warm your cats up when the weather gets too cold. Their portability sets them apart from other items on this list.
Instead of being limited to heating your cat’s outdoor shelter, you can also place it in other spots your cat frequents. If your cat is hanging out on the porch or the garage, place a few of these pads in the area to keep the cold at bay.
3. Weatherproof Your Cat’s Home
Whether you’re buying a ready-made cat house or building a house for your cat, make sure it has a weatherproof system. This ensures adequate protection for your feline friend from the wet and cold throughout the entire year.
Weatherproofing ensures no moisture makes its way to the inside of your cat’s home. Thus, these animals can remain warm and dry inside their sanctuary until the weather lets up.
4. Go for a Solar-Powered Cat House
What better way to heat up your feline friend’s house than with the sun’s power? Granted, this is primarily an option for those building their own cat houses. With the sun shining on your little animal’s home daily, it should always have enough power reserves for warming up your pet through cold stretches.
Pick a Method That Works for You
You’ll hear no complaints from your pet, that’s for sure. No matter your decision on how to warm up an outdoor cat house, you’ll find that your feline friend would be happy regardless. At the end of the day, the choice rests on you, so find out what you like and go for it!
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