How to Heat a Cat House With an Outdoor Enclosure

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By Sara Michaels
eHow Contributing Writer

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If you have a cat that likes to go outdoors, a good way to keep it safe from wildlife is by building an enclosure that is accessible by a cat door. A popular element to enclosures are cat houses, which protect the animal from hot sun and cold winds. During the winter months, keep your cat warm using a heating pad made specially for felines. This will ensure your pet's safety and help keep her toasty during even the coldest weather.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tape measure
9x12-inch hard, heated cat pad

Step 1

Measure the interior of the cat house. Only one heated cat pad should be used for spaces that measure between 17 and 20 inches. For a 20-inch duplex, two pads will be needed. For a smaller house, use a smaller-sized pad.
Step 2

Make sure the cat house is located near an outdoor electrical outlet. If necessary, use an outdoor extension cord to reach the outlet.
Step 3

Place the pad cover on the pad. The pad cover is removable and can be washed.
Step 4

Place the heated cat pad in the house. It should only cover about half the floor of the house, since it is important that your feline be able to sleep on or only partially on the pad. Be sure your pet is able to get away from the pad easily if it starts to feel too hot.

Tips & Warnings

Try adding a Plexiglass sunroof to the cat house to warm the inside with solar heat.
Because pets don't have sweat glands, they pant. Excessive panting brought on by too much heat can affect the animal's heart, possibly leading to death.