I don't know how many of you live in the northern states that have been hit so hard by the sub zero temperatures but I am in one of the states that has been blasted by the winter weather.
Up until this weekend, I have not seen any cats wondering around my area. Unfortunately there is a pretty heavy coyote population here so I think that any poor cats out there would have a difficult surviving in my area. BUT, I saw 4 cats...seemingly feral, roaming around in the corn fields.
The temps here are still cold and miserable. I plan to set out to the hardware store to get a few supplies to make a cat shelter or two.
I wanted to share a cheap easy way to make a shelter for cats during the winter. Hopefully when summer arrives, I will be able to trap these cats and get them to the Vet to have them spayed and/or neutered and hopefully some could be adopted out. Until then, I hate thinking about them being in the frigid cold.
Here is my shelter list and instructions for anyone who thinks they would like to construct one as well.
Rubbermaid Tote - 18 gallon
Styrofoam Cooler
Hay/Straw/Shavings - to use as insulating/bedding material
Duct Tape
Razor Knife or Exacto Knife
Cut a hole large enough for a cat to enter on the long end of the tote.
Place cooler in the tote and cut another hole in the foam cooler making sure that the holes of the tote and cooler line up. The cooler will be smaller than the tote so you will pack you hay/straw or shavings
around the cooler to insulate it. Add some of the hay/straw or shavings to the inside of the cooler for bedding - this will be where a cat will hopefully bed down. Tape the cooler lid on the cooler, cover again with insulating material and close the tote up. Tape the tote lid as well..very securely, ensuring that another animal cannot get to the cats inside. Place in an area away from other pets.
FYI: Some feral cats will not enter a box without a second hole. You may have to put holes on both long ends. Seems to me that this would be drafty but it would be better than nothing. I intend to leave a bit of food out hoping that no other creatures scarf it up. Maybe I will get a few overnight guests with this shelter. I will then wait for spring when I can really get some help for these cats.
