Help Strays Survive Cold Weather With This Easy DIY Cat Shelter

By J. Swanson

When winter arrives, most people bring their pets inside to keep them safe and warm. But this isn’t an option for homeless cats living their lives in the streets, where they’re forced to brave blizzards and freezing conditions without any shelter to keep them warm.

Fortunately, these winter dangers have inspired animal lovers to begin building their own cat shelters to protect feral cats. In Utah, one resourceful man makes insulated cat shelters from old coolers. In Atlanta, a boy scout troop fashioned “feline abodes” out of plastic storage tubs, then donated them all to a local cat rescue.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to build your own cat shelter. All you’ll need is a plastic storage tub, a Styrofoam cooler, a sharp knife, and plenty of straw. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Photo: YouTube/Cole & Marmalade

Step 1: Cut a hole

Photo: YouTube/Cole & Marmalade

Cut a 5 ½ inch diameter hole into one side of the plastic tub. This will be large enough for feral cats to access the shelter, but too small for bigger animals.

Step 2: Keep It Warm

Photo: YouTube/Cole & Marmalade

Insert the Styrofoam cooler and cut matching hole in one side.

Step 3: Make It Cozy

Photo: YouTube/Cole & Marmalade

Partially fill the cooler with clean straw, essentially creating a nest to keep the cat(s) warm.

Step 4: Find A Busy Corner

Photo: YouTube/Cole & Marmalade

Place the tub in an alley, near a dumpster, or wherever community cats gather. If there’s a large feral colony in your neighborhood, consider using a larger cooler/tub to keep everyone warm.

Step 5: Repeat!

The video below shows how can make your own feral cat shelter. It’s so easy!

Additional Resources:

  • How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs?
  • Pro Tips For Training Your Dog To Wear Winter Boots.
  • 6 Ways To Keep Dogs & Cats Safe In Sub-Zero Conditions
  • Remember To Knock On The Hood Of Your Car During The Winter To Check For Sleeping Cats
  • Protect Your Pets With These Winter Safety Tips
  • 7 Simple Steps That Will Help You Save Stray Animals’ Lives This Winter
  • Winter Games to Play with Your Dog to Beat the Seasonal Blues
  • Winter is Coyote Mating Season – How to Protect Your Pets
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    J. Swanson
    J. Swanson is a writer, traveler, and animal-enthusiast based in Seattle, an appropriately pet-crazed city where dog or cat ownership even outweighs the number of kids. When the weather permits, she likes to get outside and explore the rest of the Pacific Northwest, always with a coffee in hand.
    Whizzco for FAP