I've made several of these type shelters over the years and they do work. Make sure to ONLY use straw, not hay or blankets inside. NO food or water inside. This is only a emergency shelter. Face away from prevailing winter winds.
Thank you so much for this video, I am feeling much more confident now to make outdoor houses for the neighborhood cats. God bless you in your pain staking efforts to help the kitties and help us to help the kitties :)!
Doing this project today. I just moved to a new property that came with TNR kitties and of course we have a bunch of empty totes due to the move! It’s going to rain heavily tomorrow and possibly snow later in the week so I hope they don’t take too long to adjust to seeing a plastic box in the bushes they live in.
She probably cut the square hole out, then fixed the top with duct tape to flap like a hinge. Door should be smaller than opening so it flaps both ways and cat is not caught inside.
I watched a video where the person used 2 tubs. A large tub and a smaller tub that sat inside the larger tub. Insulation was a styrofoam type that was cut and placed in the space between the 2 tubs. sides. front and back, with 2 lids on the top with insulation. I like your door, but wouldn't work with 2 tubs. They used a plastic flower pot to cut round entry/exit holes and the slid the pot into the holes. I feed 4 feral cats, 2 for 7 years and 2 for 2 to 4 years and I just added a 5th. I've tried creating a place in the past, but the cats would use. The place were they sleep was better than what I made for them.
Be better with actual Styrofoam cooler inside the plastic bin. Or a couple layers of 1" Styrofoam built around the inside. Then the reflectex on top of that. That is pretty much solid that way. Heated animal mat.
I put Styrofoam on the bottom, sides and the inside of the lid. Then I put the reflective material taped all around the walls of the container.. Then I added 2-3 inches of straw.
It looks like it is attached using several zip ties. And the door itself is just a little bit smaller than the opening, so it doesn't rub when it opens and closes. My personal preference would be to try and find a flexible material for the door, instead of the solid plastic piece cut out of the container, so a cat going in or out can't get caught on it if it decided to back out for some reason while being halfway through the opening. Just a thought.
Just another option: Fill 2 pillow cases with pink fiberglass insulation to put on the bottom. Once the pillowcases are filled, it's easy to mold them into place on the bottom and then put a sheet of foam insulation on top of pillow cases...and on the sides.🙂
Why would you want to use insulation? It's itchy n not good to put in a pillow case when cats scratch n kneed to get comfortable .Overtime causing holes in the material n that insulation come out .Not understanding that concept .
No, not a good idea. From having an RV, pink insulation gets moldy when damp and wet and slumps to the bottom. Also a risk of fiberglass being breathed and itchy. Use Thinsulate instead or wool batting.
Absolutely, Mark 👍!! That's a really great question as some people maybe new to this. ALWAYS, ALWAYS use straw NOT hay as an added warmth feature. No blankets, either(they become wet, and they your ferals or stray fur babies will not use your shelters. Thanks to everyone who is opening their minds and hearts to helping outside kitties stay warm, safe and dry this winter 😍🤗😘
I use straw in mine I'm in the process of building another shelter with Styrofoam and a tote and fresh dry clean straw. for my dad's feral cat that sleeps in his garage.
I would (triple) the walls. This would hold cat body heat better!!! I would put a fleece blanket that can be taking to wash frequently that is soft foe them. Plus three tier the topper. Or buy the igloo beds for cats inside.
I did this and it doesn't work. I triple insulated everything and I put water and food in there.i checked the next day and the water was frozen, so it doesn't stay warm inside. It's obviously below freezing inside so I don't see how this would help a animal stay warm.
I think she is confusing reflective rolls with mylar material. I saw a few good videos on youtube where a guy simply put a styrofoam cooler inside one of those large plastic storage bins and put straw inside. Seemed to work.
It only stays relatively warm when a cat is actually inside, because it's the body heat of the cat being reflected or trapped by the reflective material or insulation that keeps it warm.
I put a styrofoam cooler inside of a plastic bin. I line the styrofoam cooler with the reflective insulation roll. I then put straw inside of the lined styrofoam cooler.
@@henrythegreatamerican8136 What is the straw for? And how does it work? How do they get in and out? Thank you! You should do a video there’s millions of cats out there that need warm.... thank you for your kindness!
I've made several of these type shelters over the years and they do work. Make sure to ONLY use straw, not hay or blankets inside. NO food or water inside. This is only a emergency shelter. Face away from prevailing winter winds.
Add catnip
Thank you so much for this video, I am feeling much more confident now to make outdoor houses for the neighborhood cats. God bless you in your pain staking efforts to help the kitties and help us to help the kitties :)!
I use wallboard insulation in the bottom of the tote. I would put that in before the reflective insulation.
🐈🐕 thank you for your video so helpful God bless you for what you do
This is wonderful and you're a wonderful person. Thank you!
Doing this project today. I just moved to a new property that came with TNR kitties and of course we have a bunch of empty totes due to the move! It’s going to rain heavily tomorrow and possibly snow later in the week so I hope they don’t take too long to adjust to seeing a plastic box in the bushes they live in.
How was it?
Please do a video on how you did the door flap.
She probably cut the square hole out, then fixed the top with duct tape to flap like a hinge. Door should be smaller than opening so it flaps both ways and cat is not caught inside.
I watched a video where the person used 2 tubs. A large tub and a smaller tub that sat inside the larger tub. Insulation was a styrofoam type that was cut and placed in the space between the 2 tubs. sides. front and back, with 2 lids on the top with insulation. I like your door, but wouldn't work with 2 tubs. They used a plastic flower pot to cut round entry/exit holes and the slid the pot into the holes.
I feed 4 feral cats, 2 for 7 years and 2 for 2 to 4 years and I just added a 5th. I've tried creating a place in the past, but the cats would use. The place were they sleep was better than what I made for them.
I can't believe you're doing this big project all by yourself 👍you're doing a great job,
I'm not good at projects
Like this
Be better with actual Styrofoam cooler inside the plastic bin. Or a couple layers of 1" Styrofoam built around the inside. Then the reflectex on top of that. That is pretty much solid that way. Heated animal mat.
I put Styrofoam on the bottom, sides and the inside of the lid. Then I put the reflective material taped all around the walls of the container.. Then I added 2-3 inches of straw.
GREAT. VIDEO. THANKS. MUCH. 🐯
so awsome!! Maybe also add a hand towel behind the door flap to protect from draft💗💗🎆🎆
There should not be a draft. No second opening to create one
What makes the door swing so easily? Thanks
It looks like it is attached using several zip ties. And the door itself is just a little bit smaller than the opening, so it doesn't rub when it opens and closes. My personal preference would be to try and find a flexible material for the door, instead of the solid plastic piece cut out of the container, so a cat going in or out can't get caught on it if it decided to back out for some reason while being halfway through the opening. Just a thought.
How did you cut the door
I've done many of these, you can simply cut it with a razor knife (carpet knife)..those bins aren't very thick.
You need to mention the straw. A lot of comments don't know you put anything inside.
Just another option:
Fill 2 pillow cases with pink fiberglass insulation to put on the bottom. Once the pillowcases are filled, it's easy to mold them into place on the bottom and then put a sheet of foam insulation on top of pillow cases...and on the sides.🙂
Why would you want to use insulation? It's itchy n not good to put in a pillow case when cats scratch n kneed to get comfortable .Overtime causing holes in the material n that insulation come out .Not understanding that concept .
No, not a good idea. From having an RV, pink insulation gets moldy when damp and wet and slumps to the bottom. Also a risk of fiberglass being breathed and itchy. Use Thinsulate instead or wool batting.
Not supposed to put water and food inside, I heard just little cat nip on intrance.😊
I would use moving tape or duct tape to secure the sides.
Can you put straw in there too?
Absolutely, Mark 👍!! That's a really great question as some people maybe new to this.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS use straw NOT hay as an added warmth feature. No blankets, either(they become wet, and they your ferals or stray fur babies will not use your shelters.
Thanks to everyone who is opening their minds and hearts to helping outside kitties stay warm, safe and dry this winter 😍🤗😘
I use straw in mine I'm in the process of building another shelter with Styrofoam and a tote and fresh dry clean straw. for my dad's feral cat that sleeps in his garage.
Can you use Mylar foil blankets on the inside if you don’t have reflective? I also have straw (not hay) to put on top of the blankets.
Does this work for dogs too?
Door flap dimensions?
I heard that when you install a flap is the Flop can be pushed in by the wind then water will enter play dripping down the flap
How big is the Rubbermaid tote? 1:14
I use 27 gallon container
Can you use Mylar foil blankets inside with straw if you don’t have reflective?
I have successfully used mylar. It it also heat reflective like what's in the video.
Reflectix is Mylar on two sides with bubble wrap inside. Better than just Mylar.
this lady looks and sounds like angela from the office 😂
YES.. for a second there I felt I was watching the office haha
Sorry but is reflective durable enough to go around the door frame being out in the elements?
Mild elements not for freezing 🥶 or below temps
what are you using for insulation. I am having trouble following the video.
Thanks! Great information...ALL Animals Lies Matter! 💯
What is the name of the insulation and where can I get some
Reflectix. Amazon.
Can you show us video of cats actually using it?
Can cat breathe ok inside? Just curious
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🙏🙏🙏😻😻😻
Why not use duct tape an I put bating around sides an bottom then the foil
Foil tape would look better round door but great job
7 minute ads are just WronG!
I would (triple) the walls. This would hold cat body heat better!!! I would put a fleece blanket that can be taking to wash frequently that is soft foe them. Plus three tier the topper.
Or buy the igloo beds for cats inside.
No fleece! Just straw.
I thought Cats hate anything FOIL
That doesn't seem to be insulation...to thin
I did this and it doesn't work. I triple insulated everything and I put water and food in there.i checked the next day and the water was frozen, so it doesn't stay warm inside. It's obviously below freezing inside so I don't see how this would help a animal stay warm.
I think she is confusing reflective rolls with mylar material. I saw a few good videos on youtube where a guy simply put a styrofoam cooler inside one of those large plastic storage bins and put straw inside. Seemed to work.
It only stays relatively warm when a cat is actually inside, because it's the body heat of the cat being reflected or trapped by the reflective material or insulation that keeps it warm.
I put a styrofoam cooler inside of a plastic bin. I line the styrofoam cooler with the reflective insulation roll. I then put straw inside of the lined styrofoam cooler.
A lot of work and I do not think this method will keep the cats warm in freezing temps
@@henrythegreatamerican8136 What is the straw for? And how does it work? How do they get in and out? Thank you! You should do a video there’s millions of cats out there that need warm.... thank you for your kindness!