Winter Greetings to all !
Why not take some time out from your holiday chores and give a local
stray cat (or two) a warm place to retreat during the winter months.
Whether you feed a stray or not, they are out there and are vulnerable
to the cold and wet. Also nice for your indoor-outdoor kitty. This
would be the perfect weekend to do this project ! :-)
The following basic shelter is easy and cheap to assemble. What you
need:
- large capacity plastic storage tub, with lid (at least 18 gal. size
- adequate for one average size cat; the larger the
better)
- box cutter for carving entrance hole
- straw (not hay!) or shredded newspaper to fill the box (straw is the
best insulator and can be purchased at some home
centers You'd probably have to get a bale - less than $10, and
enough for about 8+ shelters)
- optional (for extra insulation) - flat pieces of styrofoam to line
the sides and bottom of container (before filling with
straw) - note: use a larger container if using styrofoam lining;
- large piece of cardboard, plywood, or lattice, wrapped in sturdy
plastic, to provide an overhang to extend several
inches beyond edges of the container
(Carefully) use the box cutter to carve an entrance hole (about 7"x7")
at one end of either side of the container, about mid height (several
inches from the bottom). If you have styrofoam to use, cut five
pieces to fit the the inner sides and bottom of container. Glue or
duct tape the pieces in place. Fill the inside with straw, padding it
thickly up the side walls and bottom, but keep entranceway clear
enough. Cats will compact the straw as they make their 'nest' in the
shelter, so use plenty of filling. Snap on the lid and place the box
in an area protected from the elements, preferable on your front or
back porch, or under your porch if there is space enough. If the
shelter is exposed to the elements, elevate the container with bricks
or pieces of wood and place it as close to the house as possible.
Make sure access is easy and the entranceway is protected from the
wind, draining rain water, and snow buildup.
Note: Do NOT use blankets or towels inside a winter shelter as they
don't absorb and dry sufficiently. A wet cat who enters the shelter
will have their core body temperature lowered by resting in damp
bedding. Straw absorbs and dries quickly, and is the best insulator.
In spring dispose of the straw and thoroughly clean the box.
This would be a great project to do with kids. Just don't let them do
the cutting! If you need help obtaining straw, please get in touch
with me.
Here are some great websites with photos and instructions for creating
different winter shelters:
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=631
http://www.pacthumanesociety.org/core/WinterShelter.htm
http://www.urbancatleague.org/Shelters.html
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_FERAL_CAT_WINTER_SHELTER
http://www.all-creatures.org/ak/feral-shelter.html
http://www.indyferal.org/index.php?page=shelters#
LEARN MORE ABOUT STRAY AND FERAL KITTIES AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM:
http://www.phillycats.org/
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=434
http://www.flatironwildcats.com/resources.htm
All the best,
Linda
