How to Build a Feral Cat Shelter
Feral cats can have a hard life, and the cold winter months certainly don’t make it any easier. If you have some feral, stray, or outdoor cats in your area, one of the ways you can help them is by building an outdoor shelter to help keep them warm. There are plenty of “off-the-shelf” options but here are some tips if you prefer to DIY!
For your shelter’s main structure, we recommend plastic storage bins with removable lids or large Styrofoam coolers. Two smaller shelters are better than one larger shelter because a smaller interior area means less heat is needed for the kitty to stay warm!
Cut a 6” x 6” opening for the entrance.
To insulate the inside of the shelter, use hard Styrofoam or other insulation panels or straw, which is preferred over hay (more prone to mold). NEVER use blankets, towels, or newspapers. These can retain moisture and make a cat colder or even freeze to their fur.
A plastic bag or tarp can be added to the exterior for better rain/snow protection.
You can also place 2x4s underneath the shelter to slightly lift it off the ground and mitigate flooding.
Place the shelter and a feeding area out of sight in a low-traffic area, preferably with the entrance facing a wall.
Check regularly for dampness and replace insulation as needed.
Here are some other resources to help the outdoor kitties in your area this winter!
