Make sure to use STRAW and not hay with your shelter! Also, if you can elevate your shelter off the ground, even better. On top of something like 2 by 4s would be good. Whatever you do, make sure it is steady but still accessible to those kitties!
@@252trace6 - This is written right under the video in the note area, "IMPORTANT: Make sure to use straw, NOT HAY, in your cat shelter. Hay can attract other wildlife looking for food and can hold in moisture and get moldy. Straw is the way to go."
I live out in the country and I take care of 22 outdoor cats , I built 4 heated cat houses . They are 4×6 & 4 foot high all 4 have peaked roofs that hinge up for easy cleaning . They are 2 stories with heat lamps , the walls are 2 inches thick and the floors are 4 inches thick . They have a hallway that leads to the main room and by having a hallway that keeps the cold wind from blowing in . When it's 10 blow zero outside the temperature in the cat houses is 68 degrees and they love it , when I feed them (twice a day) they are warm to the touch when I go to pet them . When I look inside to check things out and to clean there is usually 4 to 6 cats on the top level and 4 to 6 on the lower level and when I 1st open the roof it warms my heart when they look up at me and make their little meow noise as to say "thank you" 😊. These cats will only let me interact with them and if my wife or another person tries to pet them they scatter . My wife calls me the Pied Piper of cats , when ever I walk to the back of our field there's a long line of cats following me my wife says it's a site to see . I also have 4 inside cats that are rescues 2 of them have only one eye from being attacked by something & one was abandon and the other one gotten nipped by a car .
I love hearing people care and step up to do something for animals who are depending on us humans. I have done cat and some dogs, rescue work for years. So needed as there is the same need for helping homeless people. Compassion and empathy needed so much more in this world. Thanks for showing your Compassion ❤
I am considering doing one. I have extra plastic containers that I can use. The previous owner adopted some kittens and he was feeding them. Believe or not it is already more than 10 years, and they still waiting for him. My previous owner died of an aneurysm. My garage is not fully closed, and I see the cats come in the winter, like right now. This will be a warmth place for them. Thank you for sharing!
I did this with an old dog house 3 yrs ago for a stray cat for my momma. Now have to do this again as I've been trying to catch the stray black cat at our new house. We'll my husband caught him 2 nights ago and since then he's been making himself at home inside and outside so he is family now. We got him a litter box for indoors and his own space for him while indoors. We're going to get him fixed next month right now is to make him as comfortable as possible with our dog who just wants to play with her new brother.
There are a dozen stray cats outside my apartment. I want to make a few of these. I’ve already been giving them food and water, but I can’t imagine how cold it must be for them.
Hi Mae, I am an artist and just opened my UA-cam chanel. I hope to contribute to helping animals in need, would you have a look at my latest painting of a girl holding her cat in her arms ua-cam.com/video/E-dHcOw6_uM/v-deo.html Thank you
Get a can or two of spray foam to fill in the space between bins, makes things much easier! Just don't put too much in, you can always go back and add more later.
he says he's using a 44 gallon RuggedTote container but he's holding a 31 gallon according to the label. Thanks for the link with all the different types of kitty shelters!
I use a hooded litter box with insulation glued in and fill with straw..my woodpile cat has used it for 18years of course with straw changes when needed..the box sits on the woodpile sheltered by the roof on my home
Few added tips: 1) you can also use flexible upholstery foam sheets, shredded paper, sheets of cardboard, or straw rather than insulating board - these will all be cheaper and probably quicker. 2) It might be best to get a slightly smaller inside box, and add your chosen insulation on the bottom and top of the box rather than just inside the lid. 3) Depending on budget, you can use a store bought plush cat bed inside for extra comfort, rather than straw. 4) If possible, add a small overhang around the top and sides of the entrance to keep out rain better. Overall this is an excellent way to help out stray cats or lure a lost cat back home, a bowl of clean water on one side of the entrance and a food bowl on the other would also be appreciated, and hey if its in your budget why not duct tape a fluffy ball toy to one of the corners :)
thanks for the tips! But as well cat bed is nice addition inside but only if your able to check on it after it rains. If it go wet from the cats being wet it can cause mold and sickness :( Also do not use anything that can get wet and soggy as insulation(ex. paper, cardboard, newspaper) it will always get wet, moldy and cold and will be very bad for the cats.
Its really heartwarming to see people like you who care enough to do all this. I just wish there were more like you and less of the Hunting (any form of hunting but the type with the pack of hounds...which are treated terribly themselves. ..hounds with injuries are shot and fed to their kennelmates...yes they do it to foxes, deer and hares and people in rural villages are forever losing pets to them...its bloody barbaric. Your channel has really cheered me up. Thanks x
I fully agree! Blood-sports and trophy hunting are barbaric, disgusting, and should carry heavy penalties. It's said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals; if that's true, we may be in trouble if not for people like us working to stop these horrific practices. Many thanx to all of you!
Hi Foxie, I am an artist and just opened my UA-cam channel. I hope to be a contributor and help as much as I can the animals in need. Would you have a look at my latest painting of a girl holding her cat in her arms ? Here it is : ua-cam.com/video/E-dHcOw6_uM/v-deo.html I also added a link to a foundation helping stray cats have a better life. Please consider sharing so hopefully through art and kindness we can create a better world.
@@Carl-ld5jy but our ancestors would hunt for food, many hunters just hunt because it’s fun and for glory because they’re not manly enough to put down the guns
@@stxclout3247 "Manly enough to put down the gun". Dude, grow the fuck up, killing animals is fine. Can't handle it, then fine by us, but keep ypur thoughts to yourself.
Ill be doing this this winter! We have a homeless kitty that lives on our deck(my roommate won’t let her come inside because we have cats). I got her a house but there’s a couple other cats in the area as well that I feel bad for. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for posting this. My roommate currently has a plastic garbage covered cardboard box on our porch. That cat just has a blanket. I got it a plastic bin last week and wasn’t sure what else to do. Now I at least have a better direction to go in
I had 9 cats visit my backyard at the beginning of summer. They were tiny and I gave them food and water regularly. Now only 3 still come and visit and it’s getting cold and I can tell they aren’t comfortable even tho I have a lot of things outside to sleep on and have a blanket on the table they sit on, so I really want to make them a nicer shelter to protect them from the cold wind. Thank you for this tutorial! I like the idea of using foam as insulators so I might do that or stuff the sides with straw as well. I plan to only put one hole in it since no “predator” comes to my backyard, so I’ll do that for now and if I ever hear anything suspicious, I’ll make sure to add a second hole.
This was great! I'm not terribly handy, but know I can do this now that I have a step-by-step easy-to-follow video. We have indoor cats and over the past few years, strays and ferals have found us: now there are four, and I want to keep them healthy over the winter until we can trap and vet them. Thank you!!
That's awesome that you do all of that! Good luck to you and all of your kitties! There are lots of good tutorials so I'd say look around! Some people really recommend the two doors
Thank you so much for this fabulous idea as I applied it tonight and now the abandoned stray cat will be warm in this minus 2 weather here in Vancouver B.C.
Yes, use straw because it will not hold moisture like hay or blankets which will hold moisture and result in the cats getting respiratory infections. $10 will buy a bale of compressed stray from a tractor or farm store & there is ALOT when you open it. Good Job !!
Wtf is a tractor or farm store? I hate when ppl suggest such things cause I have never in my life seen a store sell something like hay or straw. Like yea let me just go down the street to buy some straw from my neighborhood liquor. I dont think I've ever seen home depot sell it and they're the most likely to sell such a thing in my area
Thanks for the video! I used it as a guide for slapping together a quick shelter for a neighborhoid kitty. I didn't have bins, so I used what i had... a tarp, a cat carrier, a foam insulation board, and tape. I cut the board to cover 5 sides and taped them on, then wrapped it all with the tarp, and taped it securely. It's getting down to 28°F tonight, so hopefully kitty will use it and be wsrm. Thanks again!
Amazing shelter. Double tote tubs and foam board insulation. If mylar were inside, that would also reflect the cat's heat. I am a beginner making a cat shelter and just used one big tote container, foam board, mylar and straw. I don't know much about the plastic quality, so hopefully it does not crack. In the future I will attempt a double container.
Thank you so much for this video!! I was able to do a TNR on a feral cat and since he is still coming here for food and water, I decided to make him a winter shelter. I used your video and it turned out GREAT!!! It was also very easy to make!! I now have a bale of straw sitting on top of two Rubbermaid containers, covered with a shower curtain. The shelter is sitting on top of 4 container lids because I didn't have wood. He's eating on top of the shelter but has not entered it yet. My indoor cat went in easily. LOL I love how much you love cats! Have a great day.
When cutting the plastic, you can use an old solder iron to cut it out, only make sure you don't inhale the fumes, so do outside . This is a great shelter by thd way, I have seen someone use an old kitty door on the entrance, just not sure if it worked out as I wondered about the size of door to the size of box esp on entering . Iam looking for ideas that will house 3 cats , looking at triangle shapes for now . But that means using wood , I need to hurry up and get my ideas moving though, winter just round the corner
I have two cats I always think of the cats outside when it rains or snows I made a shelter two boxes tape but I want to make it better so they can be warm.
One thing that makes it easier is if you have a drill. I make at least 50 shelters and I find that a drill with a 6" holesaw makes those entrances a lot easier and faster. Good vid.
This is brilliant, thank you.. An important thing also, is to raise it off the cold ground an inch or two, just four bricks or a couple of wood battens will do the trick as long as its stable.
Old plastic coolers are already insulated very well & usually without any gaps or seperations in the walls. An insulated plastic cooler with a styrofoam cooler placed inside it does an outstanding job of retaining their body heat, but it takes a little bit longer to cut through the walls. It's sturdier, the top fits tighter, and it's warmer. An added bonus is the walls and top will take far more abuse from a predator than the other design and it resists being flipped over a bit better as it is heavier. It also does a decent job of keeping condensation out of it.
I need one of the ASAP, I live in maryland and I have a family friend who has abandoned her property and locked them outside. I've been feeding them but it getting cold out and I really need help, idk what I'm doing rescue wise. But in the mean time I need to find or make one of these as soon as possible!!
Thanks. watched your video a couple of times and I think I have all the materials you suggested but had to buy a larger outside container, my inside container was to lg to put the foam board and straw. I also added a pets outside heating pad to get some more warmth. very cold in Michigan in our winter months. I put a pallet underneath with straw also And covered the whole set up with a nice heavy duty tarp so the wind and snow would fall off. I Thank-You very much for for your help and your info.. I'm an old gal..lol so I bought a good box cutter with extra blades. wish me luck she'll use it. had to put 2 doors-holes in, she wouldn't go into without an escape hole. Thanks again, lot's of help..
Wow that shelter sounds amazing! Those outdoor heating pads are awesome! I bet the pallet underneath will help a lot too :) Good idea with the tarp to help block some of the elements :) The biggest thing at this point will be to check on the hay every once in a while, as it might get damp via humidity and moisture. But super awesome, thank you!
Cats and Pats Thanks, I worked on it last night until my fingers felt like the duck tape was taking my skin off. Cut the holes to get in and out with a box cutter, wrapped the tape around the holes. Just getting back to it as soon as I can feel my arms and hands again.. A bit of a project. Wanted to buy one at chewy.com on sale for 50$.. Thought I could make it cheaper and theirs I would have still needed to protect it from the elements. I'll try to post a picture when I'm done. Wish me luck it'll be done in a few hours.. Have a nice Warm weekend...
Cats and Pats Thanks for the info about the straw.. I didn't know about the straw getting gunkey when it goes through winter and spring. Found that out when taking last yrs down.. yuck
Cats and Pats I can't Thank-You enough, I made my list after watching your video a few times. You gave great info and lead me right through at least half of it. I had no idea how to do this without watching your video. Great help!
Thanks. My daughter has a couple cats that have adopted her when she moved into her house. We'll be doing this since we are in ohio. I have plenty of totes
That's awesome! I hope they will too :) It might take a little bit for them to get used to it. Some people say that you need an entrance and an exit door, but I'm not the biggest fan. The least amount of air that can get in the better :) Though, that only helps if they are using it :-)
Cats and Pats My outside farel Cat wouldn't get into it without 2 doors. I had no choice. she'll use it as long as she can run if anything comes around..
There's a lot of controversy surrounding the need for an escape door. It probably depends upon each kitty's individual preference. I agree that it would reduce warmth in the shelter to add an escape door--but if that's the only way the cat will use it, then it's a necessity!
@@sherrychubb5941 I think it's a good idea for all the shelters. I don't want a kitty to get trapped or stressed. You have to make the entrance and exit diagonally opposite so it prevents draft. Never straight across
Looks good but one flaw I see is there is no escape door for your cat in case of predators. One could be made on the other side as a transparent flap so the cat can see and run through if trapped, plus such a design would ensure enough heat remains inside.
all these materials can be acquired for free with a little diligence and patience. Its a nice feeling to create projects like this that cost nothing but time, effort and care. the best is when your intended target inspects, approves and accepts your offer.
I just bought a house and previous owner took care of feral cats. I have inherited and will be making this shelter for the two kitties. Not sure how they will fair with my pitbull.
Thank you sooo much for making and sharing this video, and even more, for caring about those kitties out there in need! I'm ordering some of these containers and styrofoam based on your easy-to-follow design, a great project for the kitties and older kiddies too! :)
Yes, I just made another with a big Rubbermaid 20 gallons container and inserted a cooler inside cut two holes, stuff it with straw and that should do it. Keep it off the ground
i just made 3 of these in 10 min by buying styrofoam coolers and putting them inside bins. cutting the hole with the itchen knife was fast. tho i dint find any straw :(
I just made 2 myself, just cut a hole in the front and put a doggy bed that rides up the sides. As long as they are out of that wind and snow/rain that's all that matters. Thought about running a heating pad out there under the mats but the risk of shock/fire is too risky for me. But to improve on your concept I would have went with a slightly bigger outer tote and used spray foam to fill in around the sides of the inner chamber but that will do just fine :) Could also have used a cooler ;)
get a cheap stryofoam cooler cut out hole in short side put old clothes in bottom of cooler duct tape top or glue... my feral cats use mine... hope the kittens grew up safe
@@maryanne72856 Thank you. I bought 2 shelters (PetsFit) and another Econoflex. I got styrofoam and insulated it with mylar bubble sheet. I got straw. Funny story, I ended up adopting one of the kittens. They live in the condos which I clean and get their insulation removed in the summer. :) Thanks for the idea!
Just curious.. did the strays used the shelter you made with just the one entrance? The ferals in my neighborhood constantly fight for territory & food so the one entrance probably would not work where I am. Otherwise, this was a very good DIY cat pad. TY!
I hate to say it, but some cats go for the one entrance and some do not. I sprinkled some catnip in my boxes and they went in immediately. Many strays are suspicious by nature. I had one that took months before he would even sit on a blanket. Now it's his best friend.
Two entrances just creates a wind tunnel and defeats all the insulation. No "enemy" has bothered my feral cats in their shelter.. their claws, I'm sure, could dissuade anything from entering, and their flanks are protected entire time.
I also did one box shelter for my house cat just in case he wants to be outside when the weather a bit cold. For the entrance hole of the shelter I made with a bit thick clear plastic with parallel running grids bought at dollar store, that roll sheet 3.5 dollars is quite good and work for making flapping doors like an X and the edges tapped around to make it smooth and it works quite good leaving only small hole when cat in and out, it automatically close and my cat loving it after got trained he has used it since then when raining and cool. He is able to sleep inside peacefully and observation from inside very well. But with extremely cold weather like Canada I don't think it works as my back yard has a stray cat family with mother and 2 litters I am really concerned about them how are they able to survive when the weather getting really cold from now on with the box like you are making?
IMPORTANT! Outdoor cat shelters must be off the ground for circulation under and to keep inside bottom as warm as possible. Also, add animal heat pad with wooly cover. If no electricity, get the pads that absorb the cats body heat. Please contact me for additional information on helping cat clowders ...and on anything 'cat'! nikki@nikarl.com. Nikki Wharton of Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Lucky Ferals The man at Home Depot was trying to sell me a warming gun to use instead of the hair dryer, 70$ I couldn't spend. I was able to use a strong box cutter 7$ and cut through it really good without heating it. Arms are killing me today But, I got through the heavy plastic. Good luck and stay warm...
I always use the long lighters like the ones for a grill. It's incredibly easy. Heating for a few seconds then cutting. Usually takes me 5 minutes per hole.
Robert Hernandez I got pretty lucky, the tubs I used were good ones But not the clear ones. I was able to cut right thru them with a 7$ box cutter.. I Hurt like hell for a few days But Success! She's finally sleeping in her new warm house. We were dropping into the teems the night I finished it.. Few days later She's using it.. Thank God.. Thanks for the advice, those lighters work great.. Happy holidays!!! Thanks for caring about our homeless Cats.. Big hugs❤🐾🎄🐾🐱❤😙
Wonderful and thank-you for making the video and for helping the outside kitties. I did read many many times not to use hay and only straw. Where do you find straw?
It probably depends on where you live- I am in a more rural area, so we have what I usually call 'feed stores' where they sell all sorts of things like horse bedding, various farm animals supplies, etc. - so that is where I got mine. If you're in the city, I imagine you will have to do some Googling. From what I found, it looks like some cities have little market places or even florists that have start available. Good luck! Let me know if you find out! :)
Thank you for your work. I myself is new to this. In fact, I do see some stray cats around my living area, and I give them food and water daily. I like to know if you have some more ways and ideas for the shelter. The problem I have here is that there are dogs, and so I decide to buld a shelter (s) that cat could be safe, and can escape. (if no need to escape surely is better) There is environment limit and I know its hard for you to tell any specific that match my need. I did wonder to make shelter putting in higher places, tunnel, etc. I bet higher places perhaps is good.
I have 8 strays outside my house, I'm guessing I need to do a couple of these? I used to bring them inside in the dog crate when it was super cold, but that was when there were three at most.
I have a large doghouse that I no longer use and I'm thinking I could insulate it inside and have a shelter for the 40+ strays we have around here. Would that work?
@@softykletus well I was really worried cuz I have feral cats in my yard and kittens. Since someone other than myself was concerned and nobody was answering I tried another way. Bad news for me too
I really like this!!!...I've been feeding a few outdoor cats for over a while now I wish I had seen this video before now!!!...Time to get ready for the winter months, MEOW THANKS!!!
Also if you build a cat shelter, please use the materials I suggest. That includes sheep's wool ( ask ur local farm if they have wool) That includes blankets too (that's my way to go) Hamster bedding (not really for a cat to burrow in but comes in handy) And that's all :D
Would love to do this but kitty wouldn't go in it i have a chair he sleeps on on my porch I put a blanket down thats as far as he will go to being in a small space
You're insulating the cat shelter with insulation that's great. But what good is that insulation doing ? The shelter needs an opening 4 an entrance 2 shelter, the insulation is a waste bcus in dead of winter cold air is going 2 permeate thru that shelter.
In spring i will be getting a little kitten so im checking out how to make them a pet home it will be staying outside but sometimes i will be putting it inside so im goona try making a pet bed and a cozy home i will be getting a cage if i will be having the kitten inside
Good but would avoid hay or straw as it contains mights wich leads to vet bills. Fleese is the best as a self heat reflector & cozy .just a wash now & then.
Heeelppp!!! Ok now that I got your attention.. I'm about to make one or two of these I don't really know how many to make. I believe there is two maybe three cats that are outside that I want to make this for. I'm pretty sure they are family and I feed them and give them water everyday. My question is how many of these should I make??? Thank you
Make sure to use STRAW and not hay with your shelter! Also, if you can elevate your shelter off the ground, even better. On top of something like 2 by 4s would be good. Whatever you do, make sure it is steady but still accessible to those kitties!
Why not hay
Why not a nice soft fleecey blanket all piled up inside ? instead of hay or straw?
@@252trace6 - This is written right under the video in the note area, "IMPORTANT: Make sure to use straw, NOT HAY, in your cat shelter. Hay can attract other wildlife looking for food and can hold in moisture and get moldy. Straw is the way to go."
@@JF-ef7qs you can get warming blankets/pads for cheap on Amazon. I got 2 for 9.00. I elevated mine and put 2 entrances so they don't feel trapped
@@JF-ef7qs Blankets soak up moisture like a sponge and make the shelter wet and cold.
I live out in the country and I take care of 22 outdoor cats , I built 4 heated cat houses . They are 4×6 & 4 foot high all 4 have peaked roofs that hinge up for easy cleaning . They are 2 stories with heat lamps , the walls are 2 inches thick and the floors are 4 inches thick . They have a hallway that leads to the main room and by having a hallway that keeps the cold wind from blowing in . When it's 10 blow zero outside the temperature in the cat houses is 68 degrees and they love it , when I feed them (twice a day) they are warm to the touch when I go to pet them . When I look inside to check things out and to clean there is usually 4 to 6 cats on the top level and 4 to 6 on the lower level and when I 1st open the roof it warms my heart when they look up at me and make their little meow noise as to say "thank you" 😊. These cats will only let me interact with them and if my wife or another person tries to pet them they scatter . My wife calls me the Pied Piper of cats , when ever I walk to the back of our field there's a long line of cats following me my wife says it's a site to see . I also have 4 inside cats that are rescues 2 of them have only one eye from being attacked by something & one was abandon and the other one gotten nipped by a car .
I love hearing people care and step up to do something for animals who are depending on us humans. I have done cat and some dogs, rescue work for years. So needed as there is the same need for helping homeless people. Compassion and empathy needed so much more in this world. Thanks for showing your Compassion ❤
I am considering doing one. I have extra plastic containers that I can use. The previous owner adopted some kittens and he was feeding them. Believe or not it is already more than 10 years, and they still waiting for him. My previous owner died of an aneurysm. My garage is not fully closed, and I see the cats come in the winter, like right now. This will be a warmth place for them. Thank you for sharing!
I did this with an old dog house 3 yrs ago for a stray cat for my momma. Now have to do this again as I've been trying to catch the stray black cat at our new house. We'll my husband caught him 2 nights ago and since then he's been making himself at home inside and outside so he is family now.
We got him a litter box for indoors and his own space for him while indoors. We're going to get him fixed next month right now is to make him as comfortable as possible with our dog who just wants to play with her new brother.
There are a dozen stray cats outside my apartment. I want to make a few of these. I’ve already been giving them food and water, but I can’t imagine how cold it must be for them.
Cat hero !! I do the same too everywhere
PLS CALL TNR !!!!!!!THTS NOT FAIR TO THE CATS TO HAVE THEM BREEDING OVER AND OVER!
@@jillw2015 PLS CALL TNR---WHY MAKE MORE KITTIES WHEN U ARE ALREADY OVERRUN! NOT FAIR TO THE CATS!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Mae, I am an artist and just opened my UA-cam chanel. I hope to contribute to helping animals in need, would you have a look at my latest painting of a girl holding her cat in her arms ua-cam.com/video/E-dHcOw6_uM/v-deo.html
Thank you
A DOZEN!?!?!?!?
Get a can or two of spray foam to fill in the space between bins, makes things much easier! Just don't put too much in, you can always go back and add more later.
Brilliant! Thanks!
he says he's using a 44 gallon RuggedTote container but he's holding a 31 gallon according to the label.
Thanks for the link with all the different types of kitty shelters!
I use a hooded litter box with insulation glued in and fill with straw..my woodpile cat has used it for 18years of course with straw changes when needed..the box sits on the woodpile sheltered by the roof on my home
Nice Lynden!
lynden Mcdonald ❤
hey- great idea
What type of litter box?
@@CatsandPats straw is illegal to use in my state
Few added tips:
1) you can also use flexible upholstery foam sheets, shredded paper, sheets of cardboard, or straw rather than insulating board - these will all be cheaper and probably quicker.
2) It might be best to get a slightly smaller inside box, and add your chosen insulation on the bottom and top of the box rather than just inside the lid.
3) Depending on budget, you can use a store bought plush cat bed inside for extra comfort, rather than straw.
4) If possible, add a small overhang around the top and sides of the entrance to keep out rain better.
Overall this is an excellent way to help out stray cats or lure a lost cat back home, a bowl of clean water on one side of the entrance and a food bowl on the other would also be appreciated, and hey if its in your budget why not duct tape a fluffy ball toy to one of the corners :)
You must have skipped the video. He did exactly what you have suggested for #2. He insulted all 6 sides. Js
Luv Ya BABE, thanx!!🤨🤔😃😺😸😹😽😼♥️👌👏👍👍🏾
Fabric wicks the moisture from the air so no do not use a stuffed animal as bedding. Outside animals need straw to keep warm.
thanks for the tips!
But as well cat bed is nice addition inside but only if your able to check on it after it rains. If it go wet from the cats being wet it can cause mold and sickness :(
Also do not use anything that can get wet and soggy as insulation(ex. paper, cardboard, newspaper) it will always get wet, moldy and cold and will be very bad for the cats.
I don't think a cat bed would be warm. . . like blankets, they get cold and don't keep the cats warm outside.
0:14 1 44 gallon container 1 66 qourt cintainer 2 or 3 foam boards or instalation boards 1 or 2 box cutters 1 roll of duck tape 1sharpie 1 mesuring tape some straw 1hairdryer
This video is very useful, hope that you get blessed by your chosen deity 😌
Its really heartwarming to see people like you who care enough to do all this. I just wish there were more like you and less of the Hunting (any form of hunting but the type with the pack of hounds...which are treated terribly themselves. ..hounds with injuries are shot and fed to their kennelmates...yes they do it to foxes, deer and hares and people in rural villages are forever losing pets to them...its bloody barbaric. Your channel has really cheered me up. Thanks x
I fully agree! Blood-sports and trophy hunting are barbaric, disgusting, and should carry heavy penalties. It's said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals; if that's true, we may be in trouble if not for people like us working to stop these horrific practices. Many thanx to all of you!
Hi Foxie,
I am an artist and just opened my UA-cam channel. I hope to be a contributor and help as much as I can the animals in need. Would you have a look at my latest painting of a girl holding her cat in her arms ?
Here it is : ua-cam.com/video/E-dHcOw6_uM/v-deo.html
I also added a link to a foundation helping stray cats have a better life. Please consider sharing so hopefully through art and kindness we can create a better world.
Dude hunting is fine. Society has been hunting since day 1, and there is nothing wrong with it. Please grow up karen
@@Carl-ld5jy but our ancestors would hunt for food, many hunters just hunt because it’s fun and for glory because they’re not manly enough to put down the guns
@@stxclout3247 "Manly enough to put down the gun". Dude, grow the fuck up, killing animals is fine. Can't handle it, then fine by us, but keep ypur thoughts to yourself.
Ill be doing this this winter! We have a homeless kitty that lives on our deck(my roommate won’t let her come inside because we have cats). I got her a house but there’s a couple other cats in the area as well that I feel bad for. Thanks for the video!
Ended up just buying some cat shelters and straw and placed in backyard. So happy to see the cats LOVE IT!
where can one buy straw?
Most hardware stores sell straw. Also lawn and garden centers.
Thank you for caring.
Thanks for posting this. My roommate currently has a plastic garbage covered cardboard box on our porch. That cat just has a blanket. I got it a plastic bin last week and wasn’t sure what else to do. Now I at least have a better direction to go in
I had 9 cats visit my backyard at the beginning of summer. They were tiny and I gave them food and water regularly. Now only 3 still come and visit and it’s getting cold and I can tell they aren’t comfortable even tho I have a lot of things outside to sleep on and have a blanket on the table they sit on, so I really want to make them a nicer shelter to protect them from the cold wind. Thank you for this tutorial! I like the idea of using foam as insulators so I might do that or stuff the sides with straw as well. I plan to only put one hole in it since no “predator” comes to my backyard, so I’ll do that for now and if I ever hear anything suspicious, I’ll make sure to add a second hole.
This was great! I'm not terribly handy, but know I can do this now that I have a step-by-step easy-to-follow video. We have indoor cats and over the past few years, strays and ferals have found us: now there are four, and I want to keep them healthy over the winter until we can trap and vet them. Thank you!!
That's awesome that you do all of that! Good luck to you and all of your kitties! There are lots of good tutorials so I'd say look around! Some people really recommend the two doors
Thank you so much for this fabulous idea as I applied it tonight and now the abandoned stray cat will be warm in this minus 2 weather here in Vancouver B.C.
Might want to put the hole that cats enter into a little HIGHER up. Prevents snow & rain bouncing off ground from getting inside.
Yes, use straw because it will not hold moisture like hay or blankets which will hold moisture and result in the cats getting respiratory infections. $10 will buy a bale of compressed stray from a tractor or farm store & there is ALOT when you open it. Good Job !!
I purchased a bale of straw here in NC for $6.
Wtf is a tractor or farm store? I hate when ppl suggest such things cause I have never in my life seen a store sell something like hay or straw. Like yea let me just go down the street to buy some straw from my neighborhood liquor. I dont think I've ever seen home depot sell it and they're the most likely to sell such a thing in my area
Farm & Fleet, Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply all rural type stores. Here in WI the local Steins Garden store also sells bales of straw,
Straw Is Dangerous for cats because it might get in their mouth and they can choke
Straw is illegal to use in my state. Straw + cats = death. Get your facts straight
Thanks for the video! I used it as a guide for slapping together a quick shelter for a neighborhoid kitty. I didn't have bins, so I used what i had... a tarp, a cat carrier, a foam insulation board, and tape. I cut the board to cover 5 sides and taped them on, then wrapped it all with the tarp, and taped it securely. It's getting down to 28°F tonight, so hopefully kitty will use it and be wsrm. Thanks again!
Amazing shelter. Double tote tubs and foam board insulation. If mylar were inside, that would also reflect the cat's heat. I am a beginner making a cat shelter and just used one big tote container, foam board, mylar and straw. I don't know much about the plastic quality, so hopefully it does not crack.
In the future I will attempt a double container.
alanguages j
Thank you so much for this video!! I was able to do a TNR on a feral cat and since he is still coming here for food and water, I decided to make him a winter shelter. I used your video and it turned out GREAT!!! It was also very easy to make!! I now have a bale of straw sitting on top of two Rubbermaid containers, covered with a shower curtain. The shelter is sitting on top of 4 container lids because I didn't have wood. He's eating on top of the shelter but has not entered it yet. My indoor cat went in easily. LOL I love how much you love cats! Have a great day.
I like you're videos because not only do i love animals but i like that you care about strays...like i do.
My uncle does this! Men like you give me so much hope
If your buying plastic tote for this purpose find one that won't pool water on top it will freeze or insulate it and cover with rain proof roof
I put the door (6” diameter ) higher up on a long side, on the left or right of it, not an end, it’s warmer, otherwise, a great job!!
When cutting the plastic, you can use an old solder iron to cut it out, only make sure you don't inhale the fumes, so do outside . This is a great shelter by thd way, I have seen someone use an old kitty door on the entrance, just not sure if it worked out as I wondered about the size of door to the size of box esp on entering . Iam looking for ideas that will house 3 cats , looking at triangle shapes for now . But that means using wood , I need to hurry up and get my ideas moving though, winter just round the corner
May God Bless you 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️👍😃😺😸 All kitties deserve to have a warm and dry place to stay!!! ❤️
I agree!
I need to make this for the cat that showed up at our house.
Thank you very much young man. I'm in the UK and all the ready made cat shelters are so expensive. Subbed 😊❤
I have two cats I always think of the cats outside when it rains or snows I made a shelter two boxes tape but I want to make it better so they can be warm.
Thank you Cats and pats, i used your video to create a cat home just in time for the snow for the stray who hangs out in my back yard.
Making your own is expensive too! 😢
Right on and thank you God bless your a.cool guy for helping those cats
One thing that makes it easier is if you have a drill. I make at least 50 shelters and I find that a drill with a 6" holesaw makes those entrances a lot easier and faster. Good vid.
This is brilliant, thank you.. An important thing also, is to raise it off the cold ground an inch or two, just four bricks or a couple of wood battens will do the trick as long as its stable.
Old coolers work great too, save steps insulating.
Old plastic coolers are already insulated very well & usually without any gaps or seperations in the walls. An insulated plastic cooler with a styrofoam cooler placed inside it does an outstanding job of retaining their body heat, but it takes a little bit longer to cut through the walls. It's sturdier, the top fits tighter, and it's warmer. An added bonus is the walls and top will take far more abuse from a predator than the other design and it resists being flipped over a bit better as it is heavier. It also does a decent job of keeping condensation out of it.
your video was the best one I have seen, short, simple, and to the point, TY.
I need one of the ASAP, I live in maryland and I have a family friend who has abandoned her property and locked them outside. I've been feeding them but it getting cold out and I really need help, idk what I'm doing rescue wise. But in the mean time I need to find or make one of these as soon as possible!!
Thanks. watched your video a couple of times and I think I have all the materials you suggested but had to buy a larger outside container, my inside container was to lg to put the foam board and straw. I also added a pets outside heating pad to get some more warmth. very cold in Michigan in our winter months. I put a pallet underneath with straw also And covered the whole set up with a nice heavy duty tarp so the wind and snow would fall off. I Thank-You very much for for your help and your info.. I'm an old gal..lol so I bought a good box cutter with extra blades. wish me luck she'll use it. had to put 2 doors-holes in, she wouldn't go into without an escape hole. Thanks again, lot's of help..
Wow that shelter sounds amazing! Those outdoor heating pads are awesome! I bet the pallet underneath will help a lot too :) Good idea with the tarp to help block some of the elements :) The biggest thing at this point will be to check on the hay every once in a while, as it might get damp via humidity and moisture. But super awesome, thank you!
Cats and Pats Thanks, I worked on it last night until my fingers felt like the duck tape was taking my skin off. Cut the holes to get in and out with a box cutter, wrapped the tape around the holes. Just getting back to it as soon as I can feel my arms and hands again.. A bit of a project. Wanted to buy one at chewy.com on sale for 50$.. Thought I could make it cheaper and theirs I would have still needed to protect it from the elements. I'll try to post a picture when I'm done. Wish me luck it'll be done in a few hours.. Have a nice Warm weekend...
Cats and Pats Thanks for the info about the straw.. I didn't know about the straw getting gunkey when it goes through winter and spring. Found that out when taking last yrs down.. yuck
Cats and Pats I can't Thank-You enough, I made my list after watching your video a few times. You gave great info and lead me right through at least half of it. I had no idea how to do this without watching your video. Great help!
Sounds like you have to brave the elements! Hope it all went well! :)
Thanks. My daughter has a couple cats that have adopted her when she moved into her house. We'll be doing this since we are in ohio. I have plenty of totes
We built a heated one on our channel works great.
Thanks for this. I’m making one for my neighbour’s outdoor cat today!
Thanks. I followed your instructions and now have an outdoor cat shelter. I hope the feral kitty who's been living under my porch will use it:)
That's awesome! I hope they will too :) It might take a little bit for them to get used to it. Some people say that you need an entrance and an exit door, but I'm not the biggest fan. The least amount of air that can get in the better :) Though, that only helps if they are using it :-)
Cats and Pats My outside farel Cat wouldn't get into it without 2 doors. I had no choice. she'll use it as long as she can run if anything comes around..
There's a lot of controversy surrounding the need for an escape door. It probably depends upon each kitty's individual preference. I agree that it would reduce warmth in the shelter to add an escape door--but if that's the only way the cat will use it, then it's a necessity!
@@sherrychubb5941 I think it's a good idea for all the shelters. I don't want a kitty to get trapped or stressed. You have to make the entrance and exit diagonally opposite so it prevents draft. Never straight across
@@CatsandPats straw might be also dangerous for cats because it can get in their mouth and they can choke.
Looks good but one flaw I see is there is no escape door for your cat in case of predators. One could be made on the other side as a transparent flap so the cat can see and run through if trapped, plus such a design would ensure enough heat remains inside.
Eh it's not completletey necessary
all these materials can be acquired for free with a little diligence and patience. Its a nice feeling to create projects like this that cost nothing but time, effort and care. the best is when your intended target inspects, approves and accepts your offer.
I like this because I have 2 cats who keep coming back to our yard. Good idea!
thx! it actually worked. i helped a stary cat. wow thx
Awesome!
I just bought a house and previous owner took care of feral cats. I have inherited and will be making this shelter for the two kitties. Not sure how they will fair with my pitbull.
Thank you sooo much for making and sharing this video, and even more, for caring about those kitties out there in need! I'm ordering some of these containers and styrofoam based on your easy-to-follow design, a great project for the kitties and older kiddies too! :)
Thank you for your tips ! I will build a few ones for the cats outside in my town. Poor kitties that have to sleep in the cold :/
That would be awesome! It doesn't take too much to turn a cold kitty into a happy kitty :)
Breaks my heart so much!
Use a styrofoam cooler for the inside
Sometimes the Styrofoam coolers are hard to find off season ! Nice to know how to make them !!
@@carolvandyke6926 or find them online
I just made one tonight of a styrofoam cooler. Believe it or not, that might be all you need to do.
Yes, I just made another with a big Rubbermaid 20 gallons container and inserted a cooler inside cut two holes, stuff it with straw and that should do it. Keep it off the ground
Check Walmart, the usually carry those styrofoam colors for around 3 bucks
i just made 3 of these in 10 min by buying styrofoam coolers and putting them inside bins. cutting the hole with the itchen knife was fast. tho i dint find any straw :(
Great job, question-What if it rains, is this secure so rain droplets don’t come in?
No. While these are better than nothing, they are very poorly built.
I just made 2 myself, just cut a hole in the front and put a doggy bed that rides up the sides. As long as they are out of that wind and snow/rain that's all that matters. Thought about running a heating pad out there under the mats but the risk of shock/fire is too risky for me. But to improve on your concept I would have went with a slightly bigger outer tote and used spray foam to fill in around the sides of the inner chamber but that will do just fine :) Could also have used a cooler ;)
Your right I do not recommend using straw
Thanks. I'm looking for a shelter for about 4 cats whom I'm feeding on my porch. A mom and three kittens. They're skittish. Any advice?
get a cheap stryofoam cooler cut out hole in short side put old clothes in bottom of cooler duct tape top or glue... my feral cats use mine... hope the kittens grew up safe
@@maryanne72856 Thank you. I bought 2 shelters (PetsFit) and another Econoflex. I got styrofoam and insulated it with mylar bubble sheet. I got straw. Funny story, I ended up adopting one of the kittens. They live in the condos which I clean and get their insulation removed in the summer. :) Thanks for the idea!
Just curious.. did the strays used the shelter you made with just the one entrance? The ferals in my neighborhood constantly fight for territory & food so the one entrance probably would not work where I am. Otherwise, this was a very good DIY cat pad. TY!
I hate to say it, but some cats go for the one entrance and some do not. I sprinkled some catnip in my boxes and they went in immediately. Many strays are suspicious by nature. I had one that took months before he would even sit on a blanket. Now it's his best friend.
Yes two entrances Incase an enemy corners them. They can escape easy.
Two entrances just creates a wind tunnel and defeats all the insulation. No "enemy" has bothered my feral cats in their shelter.. their claws, I'm sure, could dissuade anything from entering, and their flanks are protected entire time.
I also did one box shelter for my house cat just in case he wants to be outside when the weather a bit cold. For the entrance hole of the shelter I made with a bit thick clear plastic with parallel running grids bought at dollar store, that roll sheet 3.5 dollars is quite good and work for making flapping doors like an X and the edges tapped around to make it smooth and it works quite good leaving only small hole when cat in and out, it automatically close and my cat loving it after got trained he has used it since then when raining and cool. He is able to sleep inside peacefully and observation from inside very well. But with extremely cold weather like Canada I don't think it works as my back yard has a stray cat family with mother and 2 litters I am really concerned about them how are they able to survive when the weather getting really cold from now on with the box like you are making?
IMPORTANT! Outdoor cat shelters must be off the ground for circulation under and to keep inside bottom as warm as possible. Also, add animal heat pad with wooly cover. If no electricity, get the pads that absorb the cats body heat. Please contact me for additional information on helping cat clowders ...and on anything 'cat'! nikki@nikarl.com. Nikki Wharton of Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Those clear plastic containers are so hard to cut! Will have to try the blow dryer. That looks like a great idea.
That's the only way I can cut through them without them shattering... :)
Lucky Ferals e
Lucky Ferals The man at Home Depot was trying to sell me a warming gun to use instead of the hair dryer, 70$ I couldn't spend. I was able to use a strong box cutter 7$ and cut through it really good without heating it. Arms are killing me today But, I got through the heavy plastic. Good luck and stay warm...
I always use the long lighters like the ones for a grill. It's incredibly easy. Heating for a few seconds then cutting. Usually takes me 5 minutes per hole.
Robert Hernandez I got pretty lucky, the tubs I used were good ones But not the clear ones. I was able to cut right thru them with a 7$ box cutter.. I Hurt like hell for a few days But Success! She's finally sleeping in her new warm house. We were dropping into the teems the night I finished it.. Few days later She's using it.. Thank God.. Thanks for the advice, those lighters work great.. Happy holidays!!! Thanks for caring about our homeless Cats.. Big hugs❤🐾🎄🐾🐱❤😙
Wonderful and thank-you for making the video and for helping the outside kitties. I did read many many times not to use hay and only straw. Where do you find straw?
It probably depends on where you live- I am in a more rural area, so we have what I usually call 'feed stores' where they sell all sorts of things like horse bedding, various farm animals supplies, etc. - so that is where I got mine. If you're in the city, I imagine you will have to do some Googling. From what I found, it looks like some cities have little market places or even florists that have start available. Good luck! Let me know if you find out! :)
We live in the suburbs and we buy straw at a local gardening store. It's usually available in the fall because people like to decorate with it.
Awesome! Also, I love your feral kitty channel :)
Lucky Ferals youi want to learn all about torties. I have a devil-angel cat
I found it at a feed store here in NC
Thank you for your work. I myself is new to this. In fact, I do see some stray cats around my living area, and I give them food and water daily. I like to know if you have some more ways and ideas for the shelter. The problem I have here is that there are dogs, and so I decide to buld a shelter (s) that cat could be safe, and can escape. (if no need to escape surely is better) There is environment limit and I know its hard for you to tell any specific that match my need. I did wonder to make shelter putting in higher places, tunnel, etc. I bet higher places perhaps is good.
Have you tried a hot knife or a turkey carving knife to cut the foam? Hot knife melts like butter !
I have 8 strays outside my house, I'm guessing I need to do a couple of these? I used to bring them inside in the dog crate when it was super cold, but that was when there were three at most.
I have a large doghouse that I no longer use and I'm thinking I could insulate it inside and have a shelter for the 40+ strays we have around here. Would that work?
Nice, I'm gonna make one for my stray cat
Great vid
So I heard that when you do this you should also add another way out just in case they need to get away from a predator.
@Ordonityraccoons and night time animals don't bother them? I have a lot in my area
@@julalavalley2527 same here! I am wondering the same thing.
@@softykletus according to Google raccoons WILL eat cats and kittens and they are in extreme danger from this
@@julalavalley2527 oh jeez, thanks for your reply
@@softykletus well I was really worried cuz I have feral cats in my yard and kittens. Since someone other than myself was concerned and nobody was answering I tried another way. Bad news for me too
Thanks, darlin’ - very good idea and excellent job❣️
I really like this!!!...I've been feeding a few outdoor cats for over a while now I wish I had seen this video before now!!!...Time to get ready for the winter months, MEOW THANKS!!!
Thanks for your video ! Where you get that foam you used that you were cutting ?
Great work. I did three of these houses for the stray cats here meanwhile.
Also if you build a cat shelter, please use the materials I suggest.
That includes sheep's wool ( ask ur local farm if they have wool)
That includes blankets too (that's my way to go)
Hamster bedding (not really for a cat to burrow in but comes in handy)
And that's all :D
Blankets and wool are not the way to go. These are useless in keeping cats warm and may make them colder. Straw should be used. . . NOT hay, straw.
This is fab, you heat the knife too that helps
Awesome idea but the hole is to close to the ground especially if your in a state where it rains or snows. Thank you
Awesome job
I filled any gaps with canned foam insulation. It's getting hard to find those storage bins with thick plastic.
Good vid. I made one similar but used Installation and a rug inside☺️
Great information, thank you so much, building ours today!
Awesome, good luck! :)
Thanks for sharing nice job
Would love to do this but kitty wouldn't go in it i have a chair he sleeps on on my porch I put a blanket down thats as far as he will go to being in a small space
God Bless You for doing this Cats and Pats! I have made many my self for the feral Cats I care for
And remember everyone please spay &neuter!
Expandable Foam to fill up the gaps?
Where can I get that sticker for the outside of the shelter?
You're insulating the cat shelter with insulation that's great. But what good is that insulation doing ? The shelter needs an opening 4 an entrance 2 shelter, the insulation is a waste bcus in dead of winter cold air is going 2 permeate thru that shelter.
Wow! Great video! I was wondering if instead of using the rigid insulation, one can use the pink stuff? Thanks again!
If it has a strong smell the cat prob won’t use it
Awesome! Thank you for making this video, I'm going to have a couple happy outside cats!
Happy kitty house!😻💖
In spring i will be getting a little kitten so im checking out how to make them a pet home it will be staying outside but sometimes i will be putting it inside so im goona try making a pet bed and a cozy home i will be getting a cage if i will be having the kitten inside
spay and neuter
To cut door opening drill holes in the corners and use a fine jigsaw blade to cut door
Can I use like hay or straw instead of a foam?
Can 2 cats fit in one box? Can i stack the containters to make a cat apartment?
just wondering if placing it on its lid it would be better because that lip is going to hold water/ice??
Great tutorial, thanks!
Good but would avoid hay or straw as it contains mights wich leads to vet bills. Fleese is the best as a self heat reflector & cozy .just a wash now & then.
Scared me with your hand so close to the knife Lol!!!! SO easy to slip the blade and mess yourself up when cutting these containers!! Great video!!
Heeelppp!!! Ok now that I got your attention.. I'm about to make one or two of these I don't really know how many to make. I believe there is two maybe three cats that are outside that I want to make this for. I'm pretty sure they are family and I feed them and give them water everyday. My question is how many of these should I make??? Thank you
It’s very important to use straw not hay. Straw is water repellent hey will soak up water.