How to Make a Feral Cat Shelter for Cold Weather Areas

Neuter and return feral cats to their own territory, where there is readily available food and shelter.

Feral cats are born wild and are born from once-domesticated cats, often family pets that were abandoned, lost or allowed to breed indiscriminately. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, feral cats account for tens of millions of free-roaming felines in the United States. Unlike stray cats, feral cats have had little or no human contact and are typically too elusive and fearful to be handled or tamed. Despite this distrust of people, ferals often depend on human caretakers for their survival. A reliable source of food and adequate shelter from inclement weather can dramatically improve the lives of these animals.

Things You'll Need

• 18-gallon or 30-gallon plastic storage bin with lid
• Yard stick or tape measure
• Box cutter, utility knife or a pair of straight metal snips
• Two 8-foot by 2-foot sheets of 1-inch Styrofoam
• Straw, shredded newspaper or other appropriate insulating material

Instructions

1. Select the appropriate size plastic storage tote for the number of feral cats to be sheltered: an 18-gallon tote will house one adult or two kittens; a 30-gallon tote will accommodate three or four cats.

2. Draw a 6-inch square or round opening on the short end of storage tote. Use a utility knife, box cutter or pair of straight metal snips to cut out this doorway.

3. Measure and cut Styrofoam pieces to line all four walls, the floor and roof with insulation. Draw and cut out the doorway to match the opening on the storage tote. Place the Styrofoam floor and walls inside the storage tote.

4. Add insulating material such as straw or shredded newspaper on the Styrofoam bottom.

5. Add the Styrofoam lid to fit securely on the four Styrofoam walls. Cover the plastic tote with its lid.

6. Place the shelter in a quiet, safe and secure location.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a larger size tote or extra totes for additional cats.

• Add a plastic or vinyl flap to the doorway to further protect cats from weather conditions.

• Place a brick paver or large, flat rock on the bottom of the storage tote to anchor the shelter in place.

• In very cold climates, line the inside and floors of the cat shelter with a Mylar blanket, commonly marketed as thermal safety blankets for vehicle safety kits. The Mylar reflects heat back on the cat.

• Use an electric water dish to keep water from freezing in extreme climates.

• Do not use towels, blankets or folded newspapers as insulating materials. Cats can only lie on top of such materials, meaning they draw body heat out of the animal.

• Hay is not an ideal insulating material as it retains moisture and is prone to molding. Hay has also been reported to cause nasal sores.

• Make certain the doorway is at least two inches off the ground to prevent flooding.

References

• ASPCA: Feral Cats FAQs
• Spay and Stay: Winter Shelters
• Community Cats Maryland: Feral Cat Shelters & Care
• Neighborhood Cats: Feral Cat Winter Shelter

Resources

• Red's R10 Insulation Cat Shelter: Helping Cats Survive in Cold, Northern Climates
• Alley Cat Allies: Build an Inexpensive Cat Shelter
• Alley Cat Allies: Feral Cat Shelters
• Indy Feral Incorporated: Outdoor Cat Shelter and Feeding Station Ideas