Dog house converted for outdoor cat shelter for winter - Cat Chat with Heidi

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024
  • A plastic dog house is lined with Reflectix to make a shelter for feral cats. I will be placing the houses into a shed, otherwise you might want to come up with a way to keep wind and rain out.
    The house does not require any tools to be assembled other than scissors. And the top piece can be put on in the opposite direction to have 2 entrances for the cat. Now, there are different theories on whether or not there should be 1 entrance or 2. Two entrances will allow the cat to escape from a predator. But others say, the cat is safer if only 1 entrance is used, if the opening is small enough that a predator cannot reach the cat. The dog house in this video isn't going to keep predators out. The house/shelter would need a much smaller opening.
    We used the metal tape because it seemed easy to work with. It turned out to not be the best choice, as some of it peeled off a few days later. Duct tape or Gorilla tape would have been a better choice.
    I chose this dog house since the opening is large and Midnight, the black cat in my yard, is fat. He weighs more than 16 pounds. Also, last winter, he didn't use the shelters we have with the 6-inch round opening (made out of a storage container). We had a straw fort with two openings for him.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 94

  • @vpeare5271
    @vpeare5271 11 місяців тому +7

    Ignore negative comments. Ive been struggling with making "cat motels" for louisiana rainy winters. I'm excited to try your suggestions!
    I admire the love u have for feral cats. Thank u for being kind enough to share such information. ❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😊😊😊😊
    May god bless u good luck take care!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  11 місяців тому

      Thank you for caring for the cats in your area.

  • @ChristinaLeafty-u4e
    @ChristinaLeafty-u4e 21 день тому +1

    🤯 You totally blew me away with how you made 2 entrances! I always felt bad bcuz my cats never had a 2nd exit to get away if they had too. Now hopefully I can change that? I've been trying to figure out how to fix up my cats house for this winter. We've had it easy so far. Thank God. I'd love to have them inside but, just can't right now. Anyways, Thank you Soo Soo much! I think this would do great underneath a deck/porch added straw/hay. God Bless You and your family! Hope your kitties love it!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  21 день тому

      since making this video, I learned that some people feel the 2 entrances aren't necessary as it makes the shelter colder. It seems like it depends on the risk of predators in the area.

  • @lucyinthesky4682
    @lucyinthesky4682 Рік тому +6

    You are so awesome! My feral cats are gonna ❤ you. I have been looking at houw to make shelters and i basically know how to do it, unfortunately i have severe arthritis in my hands and all that cutting; yikes. Your idea is perfect. And it has 2 entrances which is wonderful. The 2 on my property are very feral and will not cuddle together so I need separate shelters and dog houses ate perfect.
    Many years ago before the world loved cats, I was the odd all that walked her cat and adopted cats with all types of disabilities. My very senior kitty with arthritis and a bad tummy needed a special litterbox so I built one. Cut out the entrance of a big tote low to the ground so he could get in easy but he needed high walls because he could no longer squat. Was very hard to cut the entrance. Wasn't looking forward to doing it for multiple entrances.
    Thank you so much!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      since making this video, I've learned that 2 entrances are not always necessary, as it will be warmer with only one. It depends on the location and the other predators in the area.

  • @johnvaldes8725
    @johnvaldes8725 Рік тому +3

    Great idea. Thank you for making this video and caring for homeless pets.

  • @maryhudak673
    @maryhudak673 5 років тому +21

    Great idea about turning the orientation around, great idea! Thankyou!

    • @suemitchel-runow3566
      @suemitchel-runow3566 3 роки тому

      i tried that but none used it.

    • @terrace1
      @terrace1 Рік тому +1

      An egg crate mattress topper is much better, its warmer and comfortable, you can cut it to size and double it up 🤓 I bought a full size 1-1/4 inch at Walmart for $17 🤓 hope this helps someone.

  • @sammysworld5485
    @sammysworld5485 5 років тому +16

    Very clever, was thinking the same thing. Great job. Adding Straw will help even more to keep them warm.
    Update: I just got my dog barn house today! Wow they are heavy & huge. They are made of thick rigid plastic. This was a great investment! Can’t wait to test this out for the feral cats!

    • @terrace1
      @terrace1 Рік тому +2

      An egg crate mattress topper is much better, its warmer and comfortable, you can cut it to size and double it up 🤓 I bought a full size 1-1/4 inch at Walmart for $17 🤓 hope this helps someone

  • @VanillaGorilla1986-y1q
    @VanillaGorilla1986-y1q 2 роки тому +5

    I am doing this exact same thing I’m so glad I saw your video.. Turning the top around so they would have two entrances and a safety exit was a great idea!

  • @ridesharebiz5317
    @ridesharebiz5317 3 роки тому +6

    Great presentation and innovation in taking care of a cat in outdoor weather.

  • @traceyk3203
    @traceyk3203 24 дні тому

    So clever! I wish I had seen this before I wasted my money on these ready made cat shelters I bought. The cats wont even use them. Maybe we can try this for the next one. Thank you for your video!

  • @2lobstersinapot
    @2lobstersinapot 6 років тому +7

    I bought the K&H heated house for outdoors for a feral i have been taking care of. I just bought the pet mate house you have here to put the heated one in and turning the top around for the two entrances. Also insulated between the two houses to keep it extra warm for winter. Great video ..thanks!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  6 років тому +1

      it sounds like you have a great setup for your ferals!

  • @vickie30
    @vickie30 Рік тому +4

    Good job...lots of straw now

  • @sunshine32151
    @sunshine32151 3 роки тому +2

    Dec2021 - Thanks I followed your steps for a feral house. You are still helping people. thank you

  • @dollrescuer
    @dollrescuer 2 роки тому +10

    Thanks for this. I have 2 large dog houses that I no longer use and my husband feeds feral cats at work. So, he and I will be discussing the recycle of the houses. I was wondering how I was gonna do a second opening. Now I know😁

  • @karenbcz22
    @karenbcz22 Рік тому +2

    I WISH I'd seen this first. I'm still working on one ... taking me a WEEK.
    Hey ya'll,
    Get the dog house and line it ... much easier than the storage bin, foam and all the other crap you have to buy ... expensive and very time-consuming.
    THANKS for the video.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      The storage bins can be time-consuming to make! I will be making a storage bin shelter soon to replace one that has a leak in the lid that is beyond repairing again. The dog house one, just have to be careful where you put it because the opening is a little large.

    • @karenbcz22
      @karenbcz22 Рік тому +1

      I finished the "home-made" one yesterday.
      Unfortunately, my cat went on strike.
      She was furious and refused to use it.
      She would not return to the house until I REMOVED the very nice home made shelter which took me a week to make from scratch, and put back the dirty old empty storage bin she'd been using for 5 years.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому +1

      @@karenbcz22 hopefully she will eventually go into the new one, if you are able to have old and new side by side.

  • @alisagrant1134
    @alisagrant1134 Рік тому +2

    I was planning to purchase a plastic dog house for the two cats at my house this year and installing that kind of insulation and straw. I never thought to reorient the opening so that the cats can have two exits. Thank you so very much for sharing this. I would have never thought to do that.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      Depending on the weather in your area, having one entrance may be better for the cats. I learned that after making this video. They will stay warmer. Two doors only needed if predators in area where the cat would need to escape.

    • @alisagrant1134
      @alisagrant1134 Рік тому +1

      @@Thejoyofcats I used a plastic container for the other stray that used to be here. I turned the container towards the wall of the house and since the porch is up high nothing could really come in the entrance. A dog house has a very large entrance. I need to figure out how to make it smaller. I cut the container opening last year myself and thus was able to control the size of the other sleeping/rain quarters for the previous cat.
      I live in North Florida and the winter weather can be damp and chilling. The poor kitty babies have no shelter. I’m happy to see that I have a better option for quick shelter. Thank you again.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      @@alisagrant1134 You can try using a trap or a clear shower curtain could work too. Hopefully, duct tape would be strong enough to hold it in place.

    • @alisagrant1134
      @alisagrant1134 Рік тому

      @@Thejoyofcats Thank you.

    • @janicedarmody6794
      @janicedarmody6794 11 місяців тому

      Plastic from a plastic tote -2 sheets to size with insulation board between- cut 4-5” hole.

  • @meggarstang6761
    @meggarstang6761 3 роки тому +7

    I love the double entry version. Looks cozy!

  • @catalot
    @catalot 2 роки тому +2

    A foam cooler inside the dog house with a cat-size entrance cut into the foam might serve to make it an outdoor shelter. Just stuff straw around the cooler for more insulation and to hold it in place. On the other hand you could get foam sheets at a supply store. I try to recycle what I have - I received medications by mail in foam coolers once. Diabetics are one group who might be able to supply these to those making cat shelters. Also, outdoors you would have to make sure the shelter is off the ground to avoid rain and snow. A sturdy box would do. Then make sure you weight the shelter or somehow fix it down so it doesn't blow away. I suggested foam and extra straw since I live where there is a lot of snow and it can go below 0 Farenheit.
    I'm sure you know this, Heidi. I just wanted to share! Big thanks for the video! I've wondered for a while how to make a dog shelter work. I never thought of having one inside. I let strays use my cellar in the winter and I have a few beds there, but more privacy would be much better. Thank you for the idea!

  • @greenranger9428
    @greenranger9428 4 роки тому +3

    Nicely done

  • @Charliemmafan
    @Charliemmafan 5 років тому +5

    Great video and great idea, I saw a short video on Amazon where a woman did the exact same thing with the same exact small dog house for outdoor cats as well as using the reflectix insulation and I want to do the exact same thing so thanks for sharing the video I appreciate it.

  • @carrieann3494
    @carrieann3494 4 роки тому +4

    Great idea! Thanks for the video; I made one just like the one you did and it turned out great!

  • @NJSandy5
    @NJSandy5 5 років тому +2

    Thanks Heidi. Much easier than other ones to make, and less time consuming. I am busy with school and work, but this is can be done.

  • @dianalamotte780
    @dianalamotte780 Рік тому +4

    Suggestion: instead of spending money on new backing for warmth, go to the thrift store and get a couple of cheap bath mats. Wrap the carrier with the bath mats, rubber side UP and secure with bungee cords. The rubber side of the mat will keep the carrier dry and the rug side will provide warmth. Also use as flooring inside the carrier for warmth, using straw for dryness.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому +5

      good idea as long as the bath mats are not the fabric kind that would likely not dry once wet

  • @Tj-dd9ws
    @Tj-dd9ws 3 роки тому +3

    Very nice !! Love it ❤️

  • @ChristyCarney-o8t
    @ChristyCarney-o8t 11 місяців тому +1

    ❤ Thank You! For this awesome idea..appreciate this as I have a Faral Cat that needs this a -15 below and no barn I will try this..😊

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  11 місяців тому +1

      For weather that cold, I recommend making some adjustments. Add insulation sheets before adding the Reflectix. And modify opening to be a smaller entrance.
      a container style DIY shelter might be more suitable for the extreme cold.
      We made one here: ua-cam.com/video/ydIeQr2VgOE/v-deo.htmlsi=D-7oEaeC2_vkDnnz

  • @dalaiyang1588
    @dalaiyang1588 Рік тому +1

    I would love to know how to get two cats share one shelter. That would be so much warmer but all of my ferals don’t like to share.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      Me too! We have a heated cat house that is big enough for two cats, but the trail camera has never captured two of them in it together. Maybe a bonded pair of cats would naturally use it together.

  • @nangel270
    @nangel270 Рік тому +2

    Great idea. Ty.

  • @swcomer
    @swcomer 6 років тому +2

    This is a good video. Very clever idea to turn the lid around; less worry that a dog will be able to get at the feral cat. Wish you had included more details though. Where did you buy that silver insulation and what is it called? Why the silver metal tape? Does no other tape work on this project? What was the cost of this project? Does the local animal shelter pay for neutering the feral cats? Do they provide live capture traps for Trap, Neuter,and Release programs? Do they pay for injured feral cats vet bills?

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  6 років тому +1

      The silver insulation is called Reflectix. I bought it on Amazon. There is a link to it in the video description. My local Lowe's also sells it. Total cost was around $60. That is estimated as price of dog house on Amazon could change and I got the big roll of Reflectix since I made 3 houses at the same time. Reflective is available in smaller sized rolls.
      We used the metal tape because it seemed easy to work with. It turned out to not be the best choice as some of it peeled of a few days later. Duct tape or Gorilla tape would have worked too. I will add some details into the description about the tape. Thanks for asking about it.
      What a local animal shelter does for feral cats is probably going to vary. My local humane society does have a program for TNR and they rent traps. I don't know if they would pay for an injured feral cat. I only have had 1 injured outdoor cat. I scooped him up (he was friendly with me) and took him to my regular vet. His story can be watched here: ua-cam.com/video/xxUPBTkBA58/v-deo.html.

  • @lisaalexander5193
    @lisaalexander5193 6 років тому +4

    This is the best idea I've seen yet. So simple

  • @beckys8240
    @beckys8240 5 років тому +1

    Nicely done! I use reflectix on our wooden cat shelters 2 along with a lot of straw. I use the double sided tack tape that is included in the Duck Brand window insulation kits sold at Wal-Mart. There's usually a lot left over and hold up well outdoors below freezing. 3 large ferals just love it!!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  5 років тому +1

      thanks for the tip on the double sided tack tape!

  • @BonnieJeanTlq
    @BonnieJeanTlq 2 роки тому +1

    I like it!! Simple and easy 👍❤️

  • @2evangelina
    @2evangelina 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you, what a clever idea!

  • @senecajackson
    @senecajackson 3 роки тому +1

    Helpful thanks

  • @CathleenWilliams-p4j
    @CathleenWilliams-p4j 11 місяців тому +1

    Hey Ms Heidi my name is Kathy I am from Nashville TN I could really use your help getting me one of them big dog houses a big one because my cat buddy is I big boy

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  11 місяців тому

      There may be TNR groups in your area that make cat shelters.

  • @rlta04
    @rlta04 5 років тому +2

    Did any cats ever come and use it?

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  5 років тому +4

      rlta04 yes! We placed 3 dog houses like this into the shed. All 3 of the houses were used by cats (and maybe a possum too).

  • @chauffeurmarco
    @chauffeurmarco Рік тому +1

    It is sure not minus 30 or lower in your area. The entry is too large. I would do that here in Montreal.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      yes, I agree. I put these dog houses into a shed,

  • @SomewhereInIndiana1816
    @SomewhereInIndiana1816 2 роки тому +2

    nice ideas! I have several shelters around our property too, but none quite like the one you show.... I have several vids with the options on my channel if anyone is interested...... it's definitely worth doing!! I like that your shelter snaps together kinda like a litter box so I may add that to our housing complex 😀I bought that liner you used but haven't deployed it yet, and we got a bale of straw too.... Thank you!

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  2 роки тому +1

      I like have extra shelters available as it seems we mostly have new cats show up in the colder months. We have some of the container shelters too and a few years ago upgraded to a cat shed.

    • @SomewhereInIndiana1816
      @SomewhereInIndiana1816 2 роки тому

      @@Thejoyofcats that's awesome!

  • @terrace1
    @terrace1 Рік тому +1

    An egg crate mattress topper is much better, its warmer and comfortable, you can cut it to size and double it up 🤓 I bought a full size 1-1/4 inch at Walmart for $17 🤓 hope this helps someone

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому +1

      But what it the mattress topper gets wet? Thinking it would not dry quickly?

    • @terrace1
      @terrace1 Рік тому +2

      @@Thejoyofcats that's what's so great about it it doesn't absorb water it's like it has its own water repellent 🤓 hope this helps

  • @pjewellful
    @pjewellful 3 роки тому

    Thanks!!

  • @flycastfish
    @flycastfish Рік тому

    Not enough insulation even for Florida.

  • @ellietobe
    @ellietobe 6 років тому +1

    You do not need two doors in your feral cat house unless you have predators in your area like coyotes or vicious wandering dogs. It is important to keep the house elevated off the cold ground. Maybe use straw for insulation underneath if you can. We found a house just like the one in this video by a dumpster and have used it to shelter some feral cats during the summer. We will try insulating it for winter. I don't understand how she got the insulation to stick to the roof without glue. You have to keep things secure in these houses because cats have this thing about scratching at things that move inside their shelter. Our other feral cat houses have one inch foam insulation in them. A relative donated insulation just like what is being used in this video. It is more flexible and will certainly be easier to work with but I don't know if it will provide as much protection from the elements this winter.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      I learned about not needing the two doors, depending on the predator situation, after making this video. Thank you for your comment, and sorry it took me 4 years to reply!

  • @alanguages
    @alanguages 2 роки тому

    I am thinking about putting a heating pad when straws are inside as well. Is that safe?

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  2 роки тому

      As far as I know, using a heating pad and straw is unsafe. It should be one or the other. The heating pad that came with the 2 heated cat houses I have says explicitly not to cover the pad with anything.

    • @alanguages
      @alanguages 2 роки тому +1

      @@Thejoyofcats Thank you very much. I saw pictures of heating pads with covers, so I thought how much of a difference can straw make, when it isn't specifically layered on it. I won't take the chance. Have to make sure the feral and stray cats are safe from the excessively cold winter.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  2 роки тому

      @@alanguages My response is based on the heating pads I have experience with. I don't like to take chances either!

  • @marygould7934
    @marygould7934 5 років тому +1

    The door should be smaller so that less wind gets in it in winter months.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  5 років тому

      yes, it is a little wide. I placed these dog house inside of a shed, so was not concerned with the wind.

  • @rachidgracha9542
    @rachidgracha9542 2 роки тому

    Dog and cat shelter platform

  • @stephaniemciver1395
    @stephaniemciver1395 3 роки тому

    Is adding the insulation only good during cold months or is the house good for all yr?

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  3 роки тому +1

      I live the insulation in all year. I suppose it may be too warm for the cats in the summer. My outdoor cats though don't use the shelters much in the summer.

  • @timgude1982
    @timgude1982 Рік тому

    Feral or Stray ??

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому

      This shelter could be used for a feral or stray cat. If there is a question behind your question, I am happy to answer that question as well.

  • @loobyloo410
    @loobyloo410 Рік тому +1

    DO not use hay. As it absorbs water. Stay you should use.

  • @lyndaharwood5535
    @lyndaharwood5535 Рік тому

    Straw ..

  • @MotherFlufferMaZe
    @MotherFlufferMaZe 3 роки тому +2

    That hole is to big!A raccoon or possum can easily get in there. The hole needs to be at least no more then 6inches,no longer then there wisker length.Not only that u didn't make a entrance, exit incase some other animal tried to get in there,harm thrm,them, have an exit,entrance.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  3 роки тому +2

      I explained near the end of the video about switching the orientation of the top piece so that there could be two entrances using this dog house.
      I also explained that I put the dog houses inside of a shed and have a larger cat, so was comfortable with the larger entrance for my cat situation.
      The TNR place near where I live sells shelters with only 1 entrance. 1 entrance vs 2 seems be an ongoing debate. And maybe depends on each much risk of other animals.

  • @Bronte866
    @Bronte866 Рік тому

    Well intentioned but poor on instructions. Much more is needed so far as materials, approx of costs.working with tape what does that mean? If the thing is inside a shed that’s great but sheds are not available for most of these. Most are must be be just “outside” which will require FaR mor insulation just to keep them ALIVE! Appreciate that you seem to care but this is well less than helpful.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the feedback. I made this video in 2018 and have learned a lot since then. Other shelter options would be better when the shelter is not in a shed or covered/protected porch, etc.

  • @williamwilson6499
    @williamwilson6499 Рік тому

    Utterly worthless shelter…unless you want to freeze the cat to death.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  Рік тому +1

      As stated in the video, I put these shelters inside of a shed out of the wind and no chance of rain/snow getting in them. The cats used them for years in the shed on days with temps below zero. I should have emphasized this more in the video, as you're not the first person to mention it. And the big cat, I had a time, would not use the shelter containers with the smaller openings.

    • @janicedarmody6794
      @janicedarmody6794 11 місяців тому +1

      This is for informational purposes- a person can build on this format for their own circumstances- she gives instructions for people who want to try this ,if you don’t think it works for you, do something else. This is a great option and we learn from trial and error. Improving on the design as we go! I have made many mistakes when making my shelters but kept on trying to make them better and warmer. Using pet heating pads and thermostat that tell how hot or cold the shelter is with alerts to my phone! Most pet pads heat up only when pets lay on them. That’s why straw and reflex sheets are helpful to keep their heat in.

    • @Thejoyofcats
      @Thejoyofcats  11 місяців тому

      @@janicedarmody6794 Thank you for your comment. I will update the video description with a link to the Alley Cat Allies cat shelter gallery with many options for cat shelters. www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-cat-shelter-options-gallery/

  • @Colleen858
    @Colleen858 Рік тому

    Thank you!