How to Build an Outdoor Cat Shelter
Outdoor pets need protection from rainy days, wind and the heat of the sun. Convert a pet kennel into an outdoor shelter by using vinyl siding to make it waterproof. This project takes only a few hours to complete and is much easier than building a shelter.
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Things You'll Need
- Pet cage
- Measuring tape
- Vinyl house siding
- Drill & drill bits
- Rope or cable ties
- Carpet squares
- Heavy Utility knife
- Outdoor paint
- Straw or pet bedding
Instructions
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1
Buy and assemble the pet cage or kennel. Determine how many cats will use the cat shelter to figure out what size cage to purchase. A large dog or pet cage should comfortably accommodate 2 or 3 cats. Read the instructions completely to assemble the pet cage. You may leave the door off if you'd like but, it's not necessary.
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Measure the sides, top and back of the cage. Write these measurements down.
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Find vinyl house siding at any home improvement store. Cut the vinyl siding into sections that fit the sides, top and back of the cage. Use tin snips or a standard circular saw to cut the vinyl siding.
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Drill holes every 5 to 6 inches along the edges of the siding. Use a drill bit that can drill through metal. Thread the rope or cable ties through the holes in the siding and attach the siding to the pet cage. This prevents the vinyl from blowing away in high winds
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Purchase outdoor carpet and cut it into squares using a heavy utility knife. Place these carpet squares on the floor of the cage. You can also add more comfort to the outdoor cat shelter by putting the carpet on the sides and back of the pet cage. The carpet keeps out more wind and rain. Lay down straw in the pet cage on top of the carpeting to help keep out moisture.
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6
Put the cage in a place that the cats like to go. Find a place sheltered from the wind and bad weather as much as possible. Add cat trees or other items familiar to the cats to encourage them to use their new outdoor shelter. Put the cats' food and water inside the cat shelter.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the home remodeling store's employees if they can cut the vinyl siding into the right sized pieces you'll need for the outdoor cat shelter.
Lighter colors reflect heat away from the shelter keeping it cooler. If you can't find lighter color vinyl siding, then consider painting the vinyl white to reflect the heat.
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Comments
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jagsr
Apr 20, 2009
The carpet is going to hold water, and will not be of any benefit to a cat. The bottom of the box should be filled with straw (not hay) because it doesn't retain moisture. I like to use two rubbermaid storage containers that will fit inside each other, with insulation between the two containers for the perfect cat shelter. The lids are easily removable for cleaning out old straw and general maintenance.A box should be created as a food station, separate from the living quarters. As for water in the winter, you can buy heated water dishes that will keep the water from freezing. -
palegale
Dec 20, 2008
Note: This won't work in the winter time. Also, putting water in the shelter in the winter is dangerous due to the shelter and cat getting wet in the wintertime. Wintertime carpet is not good, use stray (not hay). I don't know how hot this would get in summer....
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palegale
Dec 20, 2008
Note: This won't work in the winter time. Also, putting water in the shelter in the winter is dangerous due to the shelter and cat getting wet in the wintertime. Wintertime carpet is not good, use stray (not hay). I don't know how hot this would get in summer....
