How To Get A Feral Cat To Use A Shelter

How to Build a DIY Insulated Outdoor Cat Shelter

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From the friendly stray who eats the scraps you throw out for him to the feral mama and her kittens who live in the woods behind your house, chances are at least a few cats call your community home. But when it's cold outside, those poor cats may have a hard time finding a place to stay safe and warm. Luckily, you can help with a project that doesn't take much time, money or effort: a DIY insulated outdoor cat shelter.

Gather Your Supplies

Start by gathering or purchasing your supplies. You'll need two plastic bins with lids, one smaller and one larger. Rubbermaid 30- and 18-gallon bins are ideal. You'll also need a sheet of foam board or fiberglass insulation, duct tape, box cutters and a can of insulating foam sealant. For the completed project, you may want some straw or hay for bedding and something like two 2x4s or pavers to put the shelter on top of so it's not directly on the cold ground.

Cut the Entrance

Using the box cutters, carefully cut two same-size holes in both plastic bins. Make sure the holes line up, and use the duct tape to tape the two bins together. You can also tape around the edges of the plastic that you cut if it's jagged so it won't hurt the cats. You want an entrance that's large enough for cats to enter without shying away, but one that's also small enough that predators, like dogs and coyotes, can't get into.

Add the Insulation

Use the foam board or insulation to fill the gaps between the smaller and larger bins. While those items work best, if you can't get your hands on them, try using shredded newspaper, old towels or blankets, more hay or straw or anything else you have that can put some insulation between the outer and inner walls. Use the spray foam in any holes or gaps.

Seal the Tops

Next, place the lid on the smaller bin and seal it. You may want to place the straw or hay bedding inside first. After that, place the lid on the larger outside bin and seal it up. Use the duct tape to seal the lids so that the weather and predators can't open them easily.

Place the Shelter in a Good Spot

Once your shelter is complete, it's important to find a good spot for it outdoors. You may know where the stray cats in your area hang out, so consider placing it nearby. Just be sure you take precautions to keep it safe from predators. If possible, place the entrance facing a wall or out of sight so only the cat can get inside. If you can, put the shelter behind a fence or wall that dogs can't climb but cats can. You'll also want to avoid placing the shelter directly on the ground so that it doesn't get wet or freeze when it's icy or snowing out.

How To Get A Feral Cat To Use A Shelter

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