How to Make a Cat House

As cooler weather moves in, cats and kittens living outside will need a warm place to sleep and a shelter from the cold rain, sleet and snow. Cats like to stay very warm and will welcome a shelter, especially if you situate it in a sunny spot to catch the morning warmth. You can build them a cat house just like a dog house, only with a smaller door.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4 inch sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
• Staple gun
• Measuring tape
• Exterior caulk
• Exterior paint

Instructions

1. 

   Measure your 3/4-inch plywood. You will need to cut the following seven pieces: the base 16 inches square; two sides 16 by 24 inches; two sides 16 by 14 1/2 inches; the roof--two panels of 16 by 12 inches. On each large side panel, at 8 inches from the top, draw a line from the outer edge to the center, forming a point on either side. Cut out a 6-by-6 inch door on one of the large side panels.

2. 

   Assemble the base by laying down the bottom and attaching the two short sides with a staple gun, from the bottom. The 14 1/2-inch length should be centered on the base leaving 3/4 inch on either side. Fit the other tall sides on the base, stapling it from the sides.

3. 

   Staple the base to the sides every two or three inches to make it secure. Lay the roof on the top, centering the two panels with one lightly overlapping the next. With one hand holding it in place, staple the first panel in place and then the second panel.

4. Caulk any seams with weatherproofing caulk, and paint with exterior paint. Place on some bricks or stone to keep it off the damp ground. Decorate as you like with windows or weather vanes, and your cats will have no problem calling it home.