You've placed a cozy outdoor cat house in your yard or community, hoping to offer stray cats a warm refuge—only to find them still huddling under cars or porch steps. It's not that the shelter isn't comfortable; it's that trust must come first. For a stray cat, safety isn't a feature—it's a feeling.

Cats seek spots where they're hidden but not trapped. Tuck the cat house near a wall, behind shrubs, or under a raised deck—anywhere that offers cover without cutting off escape routes. Make sure the main entrance isn't facing foot traffic or windy directions. A quiet corner says "shelter." A noisy path says "danger."

New cat houses smell like plastic, wood, or glue—all red flags for cats. Help by scent-familiarizing the interior: rub a soft cloth along the inside, place a bit of catnip nearby, or even sprinkle used (unclumped) litter from another cat. Start by placing food bowls a few feet away, then slowly move them closer to—and eventually inside—the entrance.

Your cat house features not one, but two thoughtfully designed exits. The front entrance gives cats a clear, welcoming access point, while the emergency exit at the back or side serves as a discreet escape route. This dual-entry system allows cats to always have an exit strategy—a crucial feature that helps shy strays feel secure enough to settle inside.

Leave some room for feline customization. A small mat or removable cushion lets them rearrange their space. Some cats prefer to scratch a certain corner before settling in—adding a sisal mat inside can encourage this natural ritual. You might even notice them peeking out from the entrance before fully committing. That's a good sign—they're learning to trust.

Don't be discouraged if they don't hop in right away. Stray cats operate on their own timelines:

Days 1–3: Watching from a distance

Week 1: Snacking near the door

Week 2: Brief explorations inside

Week 3+: Moving in, maybe with a friend

If it's been a month with no success, try shifting the location or style. Some cats prefer houses raised off the ground.

At the heart of it all, you're not just giving cats a place to sleep—you're giving them the courage to trust again. And sometimes, that begins with a square entrance for welcome and a round one for peace of mind.