Building a Cat Shelter to Protect Outdoor Cats from the Cold
When temperatures drop, it is essential to provide an appropriate shelter for outdoor cats. Whether it’s a stray cat or your own, building a cat shelter helps protect them from the cold, wind, and moisture. Fortunately, with a few simple materials and some DIY skills, you can create an effective and insulated shelter by following these detailed steps.
What Materials to Use to Build an Outdoor Shelter?
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Here are the six essential items needed to make a well-insulated shelter:
- A styrofoam box with a lid
- A plastic box with a lid, large enough to fit the styrofoam box inside
- Insulating materials (straw, blankets, towels, etc.)
- A retractable knife (e.g., X-Acto™)
- Duct tape
- A permanent marker
By choosing high-quality materials, you’ll ensure a durable and effective shelter that protects against the elements.
Steps to Build a Cold-Resistant Cat Shelter
Building a reliable shelter for an outdoor cat requires some precision. Follow these ten steps to make sure your shelter is both efficient and comfortable:
- Use the marker to trace a door on the plastic box. Position it about 4 inches above the bottom, and draw an opening 8 inches by 8 inches. This size allows cats to enter while minimizing the entry of cold air and snow.
- Cut out the door using the retractable knife.
- Line the bottom of the plastic box with about 4 inches of insulating material.
- Place the styrofoam box inside the plastic box.
- Trace a door on the styrofoam box, exactly opposite the one on the plastic box, ensuring perfect alignment.
- Remove the styrofoam box and cut out the traced door.
- Apply duct tape around the edges of the openings to prevent cats from injuring themselves while entering or exiting the shelter.
- Fill the space between the two boxes with additional insulating material to enhance thermal insulation.
- Close the boxes with their lids. For extra protection, add insulation between the two lids.
- Place the shelter outside in a sheltered location, protected from wind and snow.
Tips for an Even More Effective Shelter
- Avoid placing blankets at the bottom of the shelter. They can absorb moisture and become cold, compromising the shelter’s effectiveness. Instead, opt for straw, which retains heat better and stays dry.
- Elevate the shelter slightly. A frozen or wet ground can quickly cool the shelter. A wooden support or bricks will help prevent this issue.
- Position the shelter’s opening away from the wind. If possible, place it near a wall or under a shelter to limit exposure to the elements.
If your cat insists on going outside even in winter, ensure it doesn’t stay outside too long without access to warmth.
