Straw repels moisture, is a good insulator, and cats can burrow into it to stay warm. Straw is the best material to lay on the floor of the shelter box. Food could attract unwanted visitors to the cat shelter and put your cat at risk. Do not put food in the cat shelter – place it in a covered feeding station instead. The main job of the cat shelter box is to protect the cat from cold, rain, and snow. Just be sure the shelter box is big enough for the cat to stand up and turn around inside. If the shelter box is too large, the cat’s body heat will dissipate into the large space and the cat will not be able to stay as warm. In a small shelter box, the cat’s body heat will warm the space quickly. That’s because the only source of heat in the shelter is the cat itself. Unless you plan to run an electric heater to your cat shelter, it’s important not to make the shelter too large. More tips on creating a heated outdoor cat house Why size matters with cat shelters Raising the box a few inches will help to insulate it and keep rain or snow from seeping in through the doorway from the ground. Set the shelter box on a pallet, a few boards, or bricks to elevate it off the cold, damp ground. Use duct tape or caulk to firmly attach the lid to the tote. Why do you need a second door opening on the rear of the shelter box? If an unwanted intruder, such as a wild animal, enters the shelter, the cat will have an escape hatch to make a quick exit. Just be sure the flap does not prevent the cat from easily entering and leaving the shelter box. A rubber flap on the doors will further protect kitty from the cold. Use a box cutter to cut out front and rear openings that are about six to eight inches square – just big enough to let a cat squeeze in, but small enough to keep the cold air out. However, your neighbors might appreciate it if the shelter somewhat attractive, well camouflaged, or hidden in a wooded or brushy area.Ī less expensive DIY cat shelter can be built from a plastic storage tote. Or, you can buy a ready-made or easy-to-assemble cat shelter from a number of online retailers.Īn outdoor cat seeking a warm hideout is not going to be fussy about the type of shelter you provide in winter. You can build a permanent shelter out of wood, similar to a small doghouse, using plans that are available online. Building or buying a cat shelter: what is best for outdoor cats? Shelters are also a way to offer a warm retreat for stray or feral cats in your neighborhood during cold weather. If bringing your cat indoors is not an option, you can create a simple shelter box to keep kitty warm, safe, and dry all winter. Note that many of the creatures that outdoor cats hunt, such as mice and small animals, are hunkered down in the winter, so the cats’ natural food supply is limited in very cold weather. If you care for a true outdoor cat or you support stray or feral cats, providing shelter is very important, as well as offering unfrozen water and dry food. Be sure they have access to a shed, barn, or cat shelter to get out of the weather during the day. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, try to bring them indoors at night when temperatures are the coldest. For indoor cats, this should be no problem. The best way to protect your cat from cold temperatures is to bring them inside where they can stay warm and cozy with access to plenty of food, water, and snuggles. For cats that are primarily indoor cats, keep them inside when the thermometer falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) just to be on the safe side. When temperatures drop below freezing, cats can be at risk for hypothermia and frostbite, both of which are life-threatening conditions.Īn indoor cat that goes outdoors only occasionally will not be able to handle below-freezing temperatures for more than a few minutes. What temperature can cats still survive outside?Įxperts agree that outdoor temperatures under 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) can pose a danger to cats if they do not have access to a suitable shelter. You can help your outdoor cat survive the winter in better condition by providing a cat shelter, lots of food, and unfrozen water in very cold weather. Surviving the winter outdoors is one thing – staying healthy and strong is another. Your outdoor cat probably has strategies for staying warm and dry when outside in the winter – a secret nook to stay out of the weather, a neighbor that leaves pet food outdoors, or a lucky spot for hunting rodents. Cats that spend the entire year going outdoors will grow a thick coat of fur as cold weather approaches.
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