Hi all,
It's that time of year, when stray/homeless kitties are looking for
warm places to retreat. If you feed a stray kitty or are aware of any
near your home, consider setting up a winter shelter on your property!
The following basic shelter is easy and inexpensive to put together.
What you need:
- large capacity plastic storage tub, with fitted lid (at least 18 gal)
- box cutter/exacto knife for carving entrance opening
- clean straw (not hay!) or shredded newspaper to fill the box (straw
is the best insulator and can be purchased at
some home centers, but might only be available as a bale - about
$10 - and enough for about 8 shelters)
- optional, for extra insulation: flat pieces of styrofoam to line the
inner walls of container (before filling with
straw) - note: use a larger container if making a styrofoam lining
- large piece of cardboard, plywood, or lattice, wrapped in sturdy
plastic, to provide a protective overhang on top of
lidded shelter
If you'd like a shelter but aren't able to make one, let me know.
Also, I'm hoping to get a supply of straw in the next couple of
weeks. If anyone would like to put in a request please get in touch
asap.
SHELTER INSTRUCTIONS (see links below for variations and photos):
Carefully use the box cutter to cut out an entrance (about 7"x7") at
one end of either side of the container, about mid height (several
inches from the bottom). If lining with styrofoam, measure and cut
six pieces to fit the the inner walls, floor, and underside of lid.
Tape or glue the pieces in place, fill with straw, padding it thickly
on bottom (several inches) and up the side walls to the top, keeping
entranceway clear. 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 will be exposed to rain/snow, elevate the
container a few inches, with bricks or wood, and place it as close to
the house as possible. Make sure access is easy and the entranceway
is protected from wind, draining rain water, and snow buildup.
Note: Best *not* to use blankets or towels inside a winter shelter,
as they don't dry sufficiently when damp (which can cause
hypothermia). Straw (best insulator) or shredded newspaper retains
warmth and dries quickly. In spring dispose of the straw and
thoroughly clean the box.
More on shelters:
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.indyferal.org/index.php?page=shelters#
ARE YOU FEEDING FERAL/STRAY CATS ?
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM AND REDUCE THE NUMBER
OF STRAYS ON OUR STREETS:
http://www.phillycats.org/
http://www.alleycat.org/
If you would like help with TNR (trap-neuter-release) of a feral
kitty, let me know, or contact Project MEOW. FYI, there are three low-
cost spay/neuter clinics in Philly: PAWS Clinic (Grays Ferry Ave), The
Spayed Club Clinic (Sharon Hill), and The Cube (at PSPCA in N.Phila).
Happy weekend!
Linda
