Have you ever seen stray cats in your community and wished you could provide them with a warm place to sleep when the temperatures are dropping? We have a simple solution that won’t break the bank and is easy to assemble.
The two most popular choices for a makeshift shelter are either a plastic storage bin with a removable lid, or a bin made of Styrofoam. A small door should then be cut into the side, keeping it as small as possible, about 6 inches in diameter. Keeping the opening small will keep more heat within the bin, as well as keep larger animals from entering the shelter. The door should be cut several inches off the ground so that water cannot easily leak in. It is also wise to drill a small hole anywhere on the bottom of the shelter to drain any possible water that may collect.
One important factor is creating a space that is as small as possible, while allowing for the cat to rest comfortably. The smaller the space, the easier it is to keep the air warm with body heat. It is also important to insulate the bin well so as to not let any of the heat escape. If you are wanting to add additional insulation, straw is a great option to line the floor with.
When looking for a location to place your shelter, choose a place raised off the solid ground if it is possible. This will again help with maintaining heat within the shelter itself. Also, be mindful of securing the shelter and make sure that it will not be blown over by the wind. If this is of concern, place weights at the bottom of the shelter.
Happy shelter building!!
A photo example, courtesy of www.alleycatadvocates.org, is below:
Sources:
https://alleycatadvocates.org/communitycat-care-center/creating-winter-shelters
