During these cold winter days and nights, thousands of stray cats are tested by very cold temperatures annually. This unfortunately is often fatal for those who could not find some kind of shelter against the bitter cold.  

Luckily, animal lovers all over the world have the power to change stray cats’ fate in winter. Here are three ideas to create easy shelters for cats from recycled materials!

A protected space

It is important to remember that your shelter should be protected from potential predators. A few handy tips are to put your shelter in a fenced garden, have it facing a wall so that only the agile cat can have access, put a weight on the roof so that it is difficult to move and make the size of the door not exceeding the width of a cat’s whiskers.

Withstand elements

Your shelter should be able to withstand the elements, so here are a few tips: don’t place the shelter directly on the ground, keep it elevated so that it holds heat. You can put straw, not hay, on all sides of the shelter; this will repel moisture and helps with insulation. Industrial insulation also does the trick!

Three ideas

#1 The double straw-lined box

 

It is possible to use an insulating coating instead of the straw between the two cases, as indicated below.

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#2 The polystyrene tray

 

These polystyrene boxes (or Styrofoam) are used by the distributors of perishable food or medical supplies companies. Grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies and hospitals regularly have these in stock. Do not hesitate to ask them to keep them!

 

After getting hold of a tray, you can cover the inside with insulation or fill with straw to heat the shelter up. Secure with a wide tape!

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#3 The waterproofed cardboard

 

This one is not the most appealing, but cheaper!

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Will you try one of these ideas at home? If yes, which one?

 

Sources: aideanimaux.com; amichat.org; rescue-forum.com

2 comments

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    jacqueline s All ready made a box for a stray, then he came in when it knew my dog would be fine with it, in fact it was too friendly with the dog gave it fleas which has been a devil to get rid of as my dog is allergic to the bites and the treatment you put on her after many baths she seems alright and now the cat after making her less scrawny and he put on weight not seen him since November 5th

    YummyOrNot Y Good idea