Thank You so much for making this video and promoting the importance of helping god's amazing creatures. The world needs more people like you. CARING. (: thank you guys.
@@nchi2055 of course it would have some brush, bushes, a tarp, something over the top. Cats will team up together to help stay warm. I know of people in Canada that mount the cat house 6+ feet off the ground because of the snow. There may not be predator problems where your at so an escape is not needed, but it is where I'm at.
That would create cross-ventilation moving the warm air created by the cat's body heat right out of the shelter and completely defeating the purpose when it's 10 degrees
I've been watching a number of videos on cat shelters. Based on what I've seen, here are the best practices: - Two nested containers. (A container that is made of material that you taped together, like in this video, is fine; so is a styrofoam cooler as the inner container.) - Insulation between the nested containers. - Heat reflective material should be on the innermost surface, as close to the cat as possible. - Straw for bedding. - The inner compartment should not be large; bear in mind that the cat's body heat has to warm up the compartment, so unused space is the enemy. - Two entrances / exits that are not right next to each other. - Entrances should be 6" across, and a few inches off the bottom. - An awning over each opening to keep snow away. - A piece of a rubber mudflap over each opening. This one's tricky in that it might interfere with a cat figuring out that it's a shelter. But put catnip in the shelter, and maybe prop up the rubber initially, and hopefully a cat will figure it out. - Keep elevated; putting it on a patio table might be a solid idea. - Weigh it down with bricks.
I'm gonna buy stuff this weekend and build a few shelters, we have a mom and 2 kittens that live in my backyard behind my shed, which is honestly pretty secure but I want them to have other options too 😊hopefully when the little guys grow up we can have them fixed to control the population, luckily it's going to be summer soon and I'm gonna be spending a lot of time with them so they can get used to me, I've done it with full grown cats before and it always worked, hopefully the kittens are easy to befriend, the mom is gonna take a while but I think I can get her to come around eventually, GOD I love animals and especially cats
Thank you! I have made three shelters and I am so happy that I can help our community cats. I found a precut tube that worked perfectly. I found this at Ace Hardware, but it is available elsewhere as well. Advance Drainage Systems 6 in. Snap T X 6 in. D Snap Polyethylene 5-1/2 in. Coupling I used a 6-inch hole saw and the tubing was a little large to fit in the hole. I cut a slit all along the width of the tube. Then I overlapped the tube where I cut it and then inserted it into the hole. This method allows the tube to fit very snugly into the hole. I taped up the seam and it works great! I also found that Gorilla Patch and Seal Tape is wonderful for around the tubing. It is very flexible and provides a fully waterproof seal.
Just a thought - if you were to cut your tubing (looks like weeping tile) lengthwise, squeezing or collapsing it a bit to insert into your container hole, you wouldn't have to cut the container hole trough size, just valley size - getting a tighter fit. Then use either the gorilla tape or the spray foam around the opening...
IF YOU HAVE A HARD TIME CUTTING A WHOLE IN THE PLASTIC BOX USE A HOT WOODWORKING MELTING TOOL AND MELT THE PLASTIC IN A CIRCULAR OR SQUARE SIZE, DO IT OUTSIDE.
Wow that's a really good idea! I like it, while everyone else is struggling with knives or with a jigsaw or a saws all and trying to hold the shaking plastic tote,. So yes people the best way to make the hole is the wood burning pencil. Good idea Laura. Norman
Love this DIY idea! Due to time contstaints, I purchased 4 homes, and a neighbor donated 2 to us. Hi fellow animal lovers! We recently purchased the Frisco Outdoor Wooden Cat House with Retractable Roof, by Chewys. Im feeding 4 feral cats as I await our local TNR group, and ordered 4. It is elevated and has a sloped roof with one entrance. Our yard has been bisected by a chain link fence - my husband is a carpenter. Im going to add straw and have a few ideas for insulation. Because I rescue large breed doggies, there's really no huge chance that any preditors will venture thru - and the cats are fed and will be sheltered in the back half of the back yard. Does anyone have any suggestions/critiques? Thanks very much!
I found that Gorilla tape is not worth buying/using. The sun, heat and time degrades the adhesive fast. The tape will peel off. Use HVAC tape instead. Line the entrance with a gasket or HVAC tape. Don't need the tubing. Put a rubber flap, bigger than the entrance, on the outside. You can use an old car mat, cut to size. Or any piece of rubber mat. The cat can lift it up to get in. When it falls back down, it keeps the wind and rain out. Or make an awning for the entrance too. Try using some peel and press on weather stripping around the top of the bin, under the lid. For a warmer and dryer shelter, add another bin inside (with matching entrance way cut out) keeping the foam walls inbetween both bins.
Thanks for such a helpful video. Since we live in a rural area, and I know that we share our land with predators as well as one feral cat, can we be reasonably confident that the six-inch opening with the length of tubing will be sufficient to discourage those predators?
Thanks for your comment! The tubing and 6” opening doesn't necessarily deter predators, but we don’t hear too often of them going after the cats in these. Having the opening at the side as opposed to the middle of the tote may help with deterring predators as well. However, there are no guarantees.
Thanks for these instructions. We've built a shelter based on them, and 'our' outside cat is using it as of today. I couldn't get a short length of corrugated tube; I used 6-inch black stovepipe instead. Similarly Durofoam isn't available in our immediate area; I used 1-inch Silverboard. (Incidentally one 4x8 sheet of this reflective board would be just about enough for three shelters.) Shredded paper had to substitute for straw until we can lay our hands on that. One happy cat, two happy people. Thank you again.
can someone give the proper name for the plastic tube going into the doorway as you would ask at a hardware store.??..'plastic tubing' covers ALOT of items most that look like garden hoses.
Very helpful, thank you! I'm happy to buy one and thus help fund these great organizations/programs. I came here only out of curiosity. So much good thought went into designing these!
Nice instructional. Like the inset box. Most of the groups our shelter (municipal) worked with strongly suggested our colony caretakers create a second (offset in back) escape door in case of coyotes or other predators.
I AM SHOCKED AS A PERSON FROM THE SPCA THAT YOU DON’T KNOW THAT ALL SHELTERS LIKE THIS NEED 2 DOORS CUT INTO BIN. INCASE A PREDATOR COMES IN CATS HAVE A SECOND WAY TO GET OUT. PEOPLE WATCHING THIS CUT 2 HOLES INTO THIS BIN ONE FACING THE BACK OPPOSITE SITE OF BIN . SAKTY FOR CATS IS THE MAIN GOAL.
It's nice but after all the insulation, the space inside is so small it will only fit one small cat.. That round opening is too small for a bigger sized cat.. I will need a much bigger tote and a bigger opening to fit big male cats and multiple cats cause they like to snuggle..
The paper with information on the top is a really good idea. May want to cover it with a sturdy clear plastic so that it doesn't get destroyed by weather or animals.
Hi Evangeline! Yes, Styrofoam can be used in place of durofoam. Foam coolers are often used and should be placed inside of a durable, waterproof plastic tote/bin to give it more protection and durability.
Thanks for the video. I'll be making 2 of these this weekend for my 2 outdoor ( they prefer the freedom of outdoors ) cats. I live in the Avignon area of France but winters are still sharp here for our little furry friends. I'm very pleased to know there are so many people who care about our animals out there and it gives us all hope. Thanks again.
Canada! That's where that accent is from! most people design these like you did so the base of the tots is the bottom, howevermost totes provide more floor space if they're turned on their side and built that way.
if you measured to the inner valley of tube, and squeezed and forced it through flexible hole, you may not need tape. rings cut from a few inches of tubing could be snapped around through-hole to stiffen and reinforce.
How important is it to make two holes for escape ? I am not finding much information and want to be sure the cats are warm and that a 2nd hole wont cause too much heat escape
Hi Rachel, as far as our research has shown, two holes aren't needed in the shelter. If you are adding a second, you may need a larger tote so that it will still still block the wind and snow from getting to the cat.
Hi Rachel, we haven't found research that has shown a 2nd hole is important to have. If you chose to have a second one, you would just need to make sure they can still take shelter from the wind and snow.
it's better to have it well insulated and lose some heat for a 2nd hole than to have trapped dead cats. where my Ferrals are, there is a ground hog, raccoons and I've seen a fox. we also have a visit in bear but he won't eat cat meat so I HIGHLY recommend that escape hole. If u use the tubing for the holes like this lady did, should be minimal heat loss.
Hi Bobbi, thanks for your question! You can also use an ice cream container, or even a large, round coffee ground container (they are both roughly 6” in diameter). Basically anything that has a 6” opening will work. Anything smaller, and not all cats will fit - anything larger and you will start getting raccoons and larger wildlife in there. Hope this helps!
I recently got a shelter box for my backyard, the only think I notice between what I got is that the exposed Styrofoam was not taped like in the video, any reason for that?
Excellent video. I am currently building a wooden insulated cat structure and I can modify a lot of your methods for my shelter. The stray (not feral) I have in my backyard for a few weeks now (I have been feeding her) will need a shelter here in New Jersey if my Rescue dog does not accept her. Hoping he will, but I need a plan B with a shelter in case he does not. Thanks for doing the video. Well done. Philip
@@OntarioSPCA1873 Thanks very much. It is stressing me out quite a lot as i don't know if this poor domestic type cat will do alright in the New Jersey winter, even with a proper shelter. I sure hope my Rescue dog will accept her. It is a lost/abandon Scottish Fold cat with the bent ears....Thanks. Philip
@@gingerhunter3150 I decided to take the Stray female cat in the house allowing her access, at first, to only one room, then another and so on. My recuse dog Monty and actually another rescue dog (Macho) living here, both got used to the cat over about a 1.5 months or so. Now all three of them live here all together. The two dogs just seemed to accept her after a while and now the animals out number the humans in the house! Good thing as it is 16 degrees here tonight in NJ...Thanks for asking Ginger. Philip Jersey Shore Area
@@uptownphotography awesome outcome!! I worry so much about the cats living outside, especially in the northern states where it gets brutally cold!!! Good job! Hopefully there are more folks like you up in Jersey. 😍😍
Its called solid corrigated weeping tile. But for a small piece at Home Depot in the US sells a 6" round x 5.5" long coupler to connect the black corrogated pipe together. Also avail at weeping tile supply stores everywhere in Canada. The neat thing about the coupler too is you can snap a 90 degree elbow on it to help prevent wind from blowing in. You can flip it side to side so that the opening is opposite the prevailing winds. I think I might build mine with a corrogated pipe wye and cap the straight through end so that i can put the opening away from the wind. That gives a 45 degree opening for the cat to travel instead of a 90 degree corner. Hope this gives ideas.
Is there any trick to getting the cats to use the shelters, or will they just do it naturally? I have built a couple of these shelters for the neighborhood ferals but am worried that they won't use them once it starts getting colder out.
Hi there! Thanks for watching :) Usually when temperatures start dipping, cats are seeking out a warm shelter, and will often find the shelters themselves and start using them. if you take the lid off the shelter and observe that the shelter isn’t being used (the straw gets compressed and is noticeable when the shelter is being used), you can try enticing the cat to the entrance with some treats or catnip. Never place food directly IN the shelter itself. Ensure the shelter is placed strategically - hidden under foliage, up against a structure and/or under something (ie. Deck) where the cat usually seeks warmth/shelter already. Remember, cats like to be hidden in dark places, so keep this in mind when placing the shelter.
Hi Jo, the totes can be left out throughout the whole year, as long as the straw is changed before the following winter. Some cats may choose not to use it during the summer, but there's no harm in leaving it for them if they would like the extra protection.
Ontario SPCA I live in Maryland in the states and it can get quite hot and humid during the summer - wouldn't these houses be a bit too hot for the kitties?
We haven't heard of any issues here with the shelters getting too hot in the summer, also because the cats are free to come and go as they please. But if you do have concerns that it would be too hot for them in your climate, you can take them away until the next Fall. As of right now we don't have a resource available for building a more summer-friendly shelter. Hope this helps!
Generally once it get cold enough that the cats are seeking shelter, they tend to find it and use it. You can also trail catnip or treats up to the shelter to entice them. Do not put any food in the shelter. Hope this helps!
without a door , inside temperature is equal to outside temperature, and your insulating boards usless, if you want to keep inside warmer, there must be a cat door.
Hey i live in the ottawa area i have a feral out side whom i call Tom. Hes about 3 years old and started staying in the back yard this summer and winter is fastly approaching i cant take him in i already have 3 rescues. I'm planning on making one for him. If I cant find straw could I use flannel shirts wool blankets as a sub.. Thanks
Hi there! We don't recommend clothes/bedding/towels, because it holds moisture. You can check on Kijiji - local farms usually have lots of straw they are giving away or selling for an affordable cost.
Liked your video made it look simple my question is some videos say the silver part should go on facing cat other say away from cat yours says inside does it matter?
We are very interested in building a few of these. We cant find the drainage pipe in amounts less than 100 ft in the North East US. Its $100+ for the roll but doesn't make sense if we are going to only build a few. Does anyone have any other ideas for the entrance?
Hi Lar, yes, the piping is probably the most difficult material to source. The purpose of the tubing is to help keep out the elements such as rain/snow/wind from entering the shelter, so if you can find a material similar to the tubing that will work in the same way - that is the key! An empty ice cream container works well if you cut out the bottom for example. The main thing to remember is that the entrance hole remain 6 inches in diameter, or else you might find other critters using the shelter! Hopefully this helps :)
@@OntarioSPCA1873 awesome! Thanks so much, we decided we were going to use a 5 gallon jug with the front and back cut off, exactly 6 inches diameter and equally as long.
Home Depot in the US sells a 6" round x 5.5" long coupler to connect the black corrogated pipe together. Also avail at weeping tile supply stores everywhere in Canada. The neat thing about the coupler too is you can snap a 90 degree elbow on it to help prevent wind from blowing in. You can flip it side to side so that the opening is opposite the prevailing winds. I think I might build mine with a corrogated pipe wye and cap the straight through end so that i can put the opening away from the wind. That gives a 45 degree opening for the cat to travel instead of a 90 degree corner. Hope this gives ideas.
Check with your local hospital. They have items delivered in sturdy styrofoam coolers. Sometimes they will give away the coolers instead of discarding them. Best of luck!
Hi there! Straw is the best material to use because it will not hold moisture. The insulation is needed to trap the cats’ body heat, effectively turning the cats themselves into little radiators. Hope this answers your question!
Typically we encourage people to laminate the piece of paper, and then you can securely tape it to the tote and it can withstand the elements pretty well! :)
That's a great question! They are very lightweight, so the best thing to do would be to weigh it down somehow. For example, some people place a skid or some heavy bricks on top to keep it in place. Hope this helps!
Usually when it gets really cold, the cats are seeking shelter and will typically find the winter shelter and enter on their own. You can trail treats/catnip up to the entrance to try and entice them, never putting food directly inside the shelter (this could dampen the straw and draw in predators). It also depends on placement of the shelter - never leave it out in plain sight, in a open area. Place it in a spot that you notice they usually seek shelter, and up against or under a structure. For example, under a deck, up against a shed. All the best!
Anyone who is looking after community cats knows that we have these critters in much of Ontario called raccoons. A raccoon will destroy the insulating foam inside a cat shelter. You NEED to use a container inside a container and put insulation between them. Fiberglass insulation can be used as long as you don't compact it.
PEOPLE HANG A DISH TOWEL OVER EACH ENTRANCE ‘’INSIDE THE BIN ‘’TO CUT DOWN ON THE WIND WHEN YOU HAVE TWO HOLES. YOU NEED 2 ENTRANCES MOST CATS WILL LOOK INSIDE BUT WOULD NOT SLEEP IN WITH ONLY 1 ENTRANCE .
Why would u say something like that and why are u even watching the video..don't answer your not of importance that was pretty crappy thing to say these save poor furbabies lives all winter
Thank You so much for making this video and promoting the importance of helping god's amazing creatures. The world needs more people like you. CARING. (: thank you guys.
Thank you for your support !
I've heard good feedback about the Woodprix plans.
Plz plz add a back door, rear opposite side of tote. The cat can enter either door or escape predators. Thank you
Thank you for your comment!
its 10 below here ...2 dooras would defeat the purpose....
@@nchi2055 of course it would have some brush, bushes, a tarp, something over the top. Cats will team up together to help stay warm. I know of people in Canada that mount the cat house 6+ feet off the ground because of the snow. There may not be predator problems where your at so an escape is not needed, but it is where I'm at.
That would create cross-ventilation moving the warm air created by the cat's body heat right out of the shelter and completely defeating the purpose when it's 10 degrees
@@nchi2055 it would save the cat should a wild animal get in they can't back cat into corner
I've been watching a number of videos on cat shelters. Based on what I've seen, here are the best practices:
- Two nested containers. (A container that is made of material that you taped together, like in this video, is fine; so is a styrofoam cooler as the inner container.)
- Insulation between the nested containers.
- Heat reflective material should be on the innermost surface, as close to the cat as possible.
- Straw for bedding.
- The inner compartment should not be large; bear in mind that the cat's body heat has to warm up the compartment, so unused space is the enemy.
- Two entrances / exits that are not right next to each other.
- Entrances should be 6" across, and a few inches off the bottom.
- An awning over each opening to keep snow away.
- A piece of a rubber mudflap over each opening. This one's tricky in that it might interfere with a cat figuring out that it's a shelter. But put catnip in the shelter, and maybe prop up the rubber initially, and hopefully a cat will figure it out.
- Keep elevated; putting it on a patio table might be a solid idea.
- Weigh it down with bricks.
I'm gonna buy stuff this weekend and build a few shelters, we have a mom and 2 kittens that live in my backyard behind my shed, which is honestly pretty secure but I want them to have other options too 😊hopefully when the little guys grow up we can have them fixed to control the population, luckily it's going to be summer soon and I'm gonna be spending a lot of time with them so they can get used to me, I've done it with full grown cats before and it always worked, hopefully the kittens are easy to befriend, the mom is gonna take a while but I think I can get her to come around eventually, GOD I love animals and especially cats
That's great! We're glad this video was helpful to you :)
Horrifyingly Hillarious be carful around those kittens mom she may scratch you
I have same thing..mom and 3 kittens. working hard to get them comfortable with me so we can get them fixed and deflead etc
Thank you! I have made three shelters and I am so happy that I can help our community cats. I found a precut tube that worked perfectly. I found this at Ace Hardware, but it is available elsewhere as well. Advance Drainage Systems 6 in. Snap T X 6 in. D Snap Polyethylene 5-1/2 in. Coupling
I used a 6-inch hole saw and the tubing was a little large to fit in the hole. I cut a slit all along the width of the tube. Then I overlapped the tube where I cut it and then inserted it into the hole. This method allows the tube to fit very snugly into the hole. I taped up the seam and it works great!
I also found that Gorilla Patch and Seal Tape is wonderful for around the tubing. It is very flexible and provides a fully waterproof seal.
Just a thought - if you were to cut your tubing (looks like weeping tile) lengthwise, squeezing or collapsing it a bit to insert into your container hole, you wouldn't have to cut the container hole trough size, just valley size - getting a tighter fit. Then use either the gorilla tape or the spray foam around the opening...
Susan Beazley iii
Spray foam is toxic.
@@truthiseverything9511 no it’s not. Read the can
Not when dry.
@@truthiseverything9511no is not, it is used in reptilian enclosures.
If you’re making just one, take the time to make/trace the Durafoam panels to make templates before assembly. You’ll be making more. D
The way Canadians pronounce “out” 😃😃😃
The Ootside of the toot.
I know about sounds like "a boat". I sort of like their colloquialism.
Ontario is a city in California. Shes with the spca there. See the website domain ending in ".ca?" Why would you assume she's Canadian?
@@dreed7312 because she sounds Canadian?
@@dreed7312 a website that has .ca at the end means it is a Canada-based website so she's based in Ontario Canada, not California lol.
IF YOU HAVE A HARD TIME CUTTING A WHOLE IN THE PLASTIC BOX USE A HOT WOODWORKING MELTING TOOL AND MELT THE PLASTIC IN A CIRCULAR OR SQUARE SIZE, DO IT OUTSIDE.
Wow that's a really good idea! I like it, while everyone else is struggling with knives or with a jigsaw or a saws all and trying to hold the shaking plastic tote,. So yes people the best way to make the hole is the wood burning pencil. Good idea Laura. Norman
Use a hairdryer to warm plastic. Makes it easier to cut.
Me and my girlfriend just got all the supplies to make these. Is there anywhere in the chicago area that we can donate the boxs once we finish them?
Could you make a video for people who aren't type A? (I'm joking. Helpful vid.)
Love this DIY idea! Due to time contstaints, I purchased 4 homes, and a neighbor donated 2 to us. Hi fellow animal lovers! We recently purchased the Frisco Outdoor Wooden Cat House with Retractable Roof, by Chewys. Im feeding 4 feral cats as I await our local TNR group, and ordered 4. It is elevated and has a sloped roof with one entrance. Our yard has been bisected by a chain link fence - my husband is a carpenter. Im going to add straw and have a few ideas for insulation. Because I rescue large breed doggies, there's really no huge chance that any preditors will venture thru - and the cats are fed and will be sheltered in the back half of the back yard. Does anyone have any suggestions/critiques? Thanks very much!
I found that Gorilla tape is not worth buying/using.
The sun, heat and time degrades the adhesive fast. The tape will peel off. Use HVAC tape instead.
Line the entrance with a gasket or HVAC tape. Don't need the tubing.
Put a rubber flap, bigger than the entrance, on the outside. You can use an old car mat, cut to size. Or any piece of rubber mat. The cat can lift it up to get in. When it falls back down, it keeps the wind and rain out. Or make an awning for the entrance too.
Try using some peel and press on weather stripping around the top of the bin, under the lid.
For a warmer and dryer shelter, add another bin inside (with matching entrance way cut out) keeping the foam walls inbetween both bins.
I made 3 shelters ... Used the thicker grade shower curtains for the entrances ... Im gonna swope em out for rhe mats ... Great idea thanks
You should make video😉
Thank you so much for sharing this video, I like the way you build this one, it looks snug and warm..Feral cats should love it..
Thanks so much for watching Carolyn! Glad you found it helpful :)
Thanks for such a helpful video. Since we live in a rural area, and I know that we share our land with predators as well as one feral cat, can we be reasonably confident that the six-inch opening with the length of tubing will be sufficient to discourage those predators?
Thanks for your comment! The tubing and 6” opening doesn't necessarily deter predators, but we don’t hear too often of them going after the cats in these. Having the opening at the side as opposed to the middle of the tote may help with deterring predators as well. However, there are no guarantees.
@@OntarioSPCA1873 Thank you.
Thanks for these instructions. We've built a shelter based on them, and 'our' outside cat is using it as of today. I couldn't get a short length of corrugated tube; I used 6-inch black stovepipe instead. Similarly Durofoam isn't available in our immediate area; I used 1-inch Silverboard. (Incidentally one 4x8 sheet of this reflective board would be just about enough for three shelters.) Shredded paper had to substitute for straw until we can lay our hands on that. One happy cat, two happy people. Thank you again.
FYI be sure to replace the paper because it can draw heat away from their bodies according to another video I saw.
@@michelefaulkner9428 Thank you, we didn't know that.
@@michelefaulkner9428 ......and when the paper gets wet it becomes an awful mess and cats will start avoiding going inside.
We made one, the only 1 that goes in is son cat. Maybe the others will join! Greetings from Buffalo N.Y I 😊
can someone give the proper name for the plastic tube going into the doorway as you would ask at a hardware store.??..'plastic tubing' covers ALOT of items most that look like garden hoses.
Too much stuff to buy....can use recycled foam boes, packing sheets and straw.
Very helpful, thank you! I'm happy to buy one and thus help fund these great organizations/programs. I came here only out of curiosity. So much good thought went into designing these!
You need to add another hole so the cat can escape if another animal gets inside!
Nice instructional. Like the inset box. Most of the groups our shelter (municipal) worked with strongly suggested our colony caretakers create a second (offset in back) escape door in case of coyotes or other predators.
I was going to build some in my yard. In my trailer park.
I AM SHOCKED AS A PERSON FROM THE SPCA THAT YOU DON’T KNOW THAT ALL SHELTERS LIKE THIS NEED 2 DOORS CUT INTO BIN. INCASE A PREDATOR COMES IN CATS HAVE A SECOND WAY TO GET OUT.
PEOPLE WATCHING THIS CUT 2 HOLES INTO THIS BIN ONE FACING THE BACK OPPOSITE SITE OF BIN . SAKTY FOR CATS IS THE MAIN GOAL.
Wow! The black tubing & the sign on top is genius!! Thank you for sharing!!
I can't relate to this... The narrator has "question voice" that makes me wonder who she is asking for advice all the time.
It's nice but after all the insulation, the space inside is so small it will only fit one small cat.. That round opening is too small for a bigger sized cat.. I will need a much bigger tote and a bigger opening to fit big male cats and multiple cats cause they like to snuggle..
Unfortunately the spca of ontario doesn't provide straw to volunteers who make cat shelter for feral cats in the winter.
The paper with information on the top is a really good idea. May want to cover it with a sturdy clear plastic so that it doesn't get destroyed by weather or animals.
Can I use styrofoam rather than the durofoam for the inside? What other material would you recommend?
Hi Evangeline! Yes, Styrofoam can be used in place of durofoam. Foam coolers are often used and should be placed inside of a durable, waterproof plastic tote/bin to give it more protection and durability.
@@OntarioSPCA1873 Thanks!
My sister just used an old ice chest and I tell you that cat loved it.
Thanks for the video. I'll be making 2 of these this weekend for my 2 outdoor ( they prefer the freedom of outdoors ) cats. I live in the Avignon area of France but winters are still sharp here for our little furry friends.
I'm very pleased to know there are so many people who care about our animals out there and it gives us all hope. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching! Glad you found it helpful :)
Canada! That's where that accent is from! most people design these like you did so the base of the tots is the bottom, howevermost totes provide more floor space if they're turned on their side and built that way.
Thanks for your comment Grant!
if you measured to the inner valley of tube, and squeezed and forced it through flexible hole, you may not need tape. rings cut from a few inches of tubing could be snapped around through-hole to stiffen and reinforce.
Or universal gasket
Thank you for sharing this video💓
Why do you use duct tape inside instead of gorilla tape?
How important is it to make two holes for escape ? I am not finding much information and want to be sure the cats are warm and that a 2nd hole wont cause too much heat escape
Hi Rachel, as far as our research has shown, two holes aren't needed in the shelter. If you are adding a second, you may need a larger tote so that it will still still block the wind and snow from getting to the cat.
Hi Rachel, we haven't found research that has shown a 2nd hole is important to have. If you chose to have a second one, you would just need to make sure they can still take shelter from the wind and snow.
Would it be safe to set it up when there’s raccoons in the neighborhood? Thanks!
it's better to have it well insulated and lose some heat for a 2nd hole than to have trapped dead cats. where my Ferrals are, there is a ground hog, raccoons and I've seen a fox. we also have a visit in bear but he won't eat cat meat so I HIGHLY recommend that escape hole. If u use the tubing for the holes like this lady did, should be minimal heat loss.
@@OntarioSPCA1873 2 holes are inportant and your cat will be more likely to use if he has an escape route
I have a 50 gallon barrel I am going to spray foam it and get some straw
Why can't you use gorilla tape on the insulation board seams?
leese27canadian you can, you just don’t need to. Gorilla tape is more expensive so they probably just decide to use it only where needed.
I have been told six and five to cut my shelter
Thia woman is beautiful
I’m preparing to make one of these but I can’t find 6 inch tubing, just 4 inch. Any suggestions on alternatives?
Hi Bobbi, thanks for your question! You can also use an ice cream container, or even a large, round coffee ground container (they are both roughly 6” in diameter). Basically anything that has a 6” opening will work. Anything smaller, and not all cats will fit - anything larger and you will start getting raccoons and larger wildlife in there. Hope this helps!
@@OntarioSPCA1873 thank you very much!
@@bobbirose2495 You're welcome!
This is a good shelter.. I put a 30 gal one out a couple weeks ago but had no tubing to use. . now the snow is starting to get the straw wet.
Chai'naMarie03 ahhh. I was thinking I don’t need the tubing, why not just cut a hole, but that explains why a tube is needed.
What is the point of the tubing?
Is a self warming mat ok to use?
I recently got a shelter box for my backyard, the only think I notice between what I got is that the exposed Styrofoam was not taped like in the video, any reason for that?
I think it's to keep it from fraying, making a mess, or to keep them from gnawing on it, cos cats are weird. ;)
Just bought one today from SPCA Stouffville for our neighbourhood stray 🐈.
Thanks Padma!!
Excellent video. I am currently building a wooden insulated cat structure and I can modify a lot of your methods for my shelter. The stray (not feral) I have in my backyard for a few weeks now (I have been feeding her) will need a shelter here in New Jersey if my Rescue dog does not accept her. Hoping he will, but I need a plan B with a shelter in case he does not. Thanks for doing the video. Well done.
Philip
Thanks for watching Philip! Thank you for caring for the stray in your neighborhood!:)
@@OntarioSPCA1873 Thanks very much.
It is stressing me out quite a lot as i don't know if this poor domestic type cat will do alright in the New Jersey winter, even with a proper shelter. I sure hope my Rescue dog will accept her. It is a lost/abandon Scottish Fold cat with the bent ears....Thanks.
Philip
@@uptownphotography how did it go?
@@gingerhunter3150 I decided to take the Stray female cat in the house allowing her access, at first, to only one room, then another and so on. My recuse dog Monty and actually another rescue dog (Macho) living here, both got used to the cat over about a 1.5 months or so.
Now all three of them live here all together. The two dogs just seemed to accept her after a while and now the animals out number the humans in the house! Good thing as it is 16 degrees here tonight in NJ...Thanks for asking Ginger.
Philip
Jersey Shore Area
@@uptownphotography awesome outcome!! I worry so much about the cats living outside, especially in the northern states where it gets brutally cold!!! Good job! Hopefully there are more folks like you up in Jersey. 😍😍
What is the EXACT name, and brand of the tubing?
Its called solid corrigated weeping tile. But for a small piece at Home Depot in the US sells a 6" round x 5.5" long coupler to connect the black corrogated pipe together. Also avail at weeping tile supply stores everywhere in Canada. The neat thing about the coupler too is you can snap a 90 degree elbow on it to help prevent wind from blowing in. You can flip it side to side so that the opening is opposite the prevailing winds. I think I might build mine with a corrogated pipe wye and cap the straight through end so that i can put the opening away from the wind. That gives a 45 degree opening for the cat to travel instead of a 90 degree corner. Hope this gives ideas.
Bought one shelter for my feral cat from SPCA Stouffville . Thankyou ..
Pine needles verses straw ? Temporary birthing room for feral cat. Too many litters sacrificed to owls. Suggestions ?
Is there any trick to getting the cats to use the shelters, or will they just do it naturally? I have built a couple of these shelters for the neighborhood ferals but am worried that they won't use them once it starts getting colder out.
Hi there! Thanks for watching :) Usually when temperatures start dipping, cats are seeking out a warm shelter, and will often find the shelters themselves and start using them. if you take the lid off the shelter and observe that the shelter isn’t being used (the straw gets compressed and is noticeable when the shelter is being used), you can try enticing the cat to the entrance with some treats or catnip. Never place food directly IN the shelter itself. Ensure the shelter is placed strategically - hidden under foliage, up against a structure and/or under something (ie. Deck) where the cat usually seeks warmth/shelter already. Remember, cats like to be hidden in dark places, so keep this in mind when placing the shelter.
@@OntarioSPCA1873 Thank you for the information. Very helpful!
finding some cats pee on the box... how to deter or allow for easy clean up? any suggestions welcome...
I love this shelter!
Thank you! And thanks for watching our video :)
This is gonna sound stupid but once winter is over, do you collect the totes and give the cat summer houses?
Hi Jo, the totes can be left out throughout the whole year, as long as the straw is changed before the following winter. Some cats may choose not to use it during the summer, but there's no harm in leaving it for them if they would like the extra protection.
Ontario SPCA I live in Maryland in the states and it can get quite hot and humid during the summer - wouldn't these houses be a bit too hot for the kitties?
We haven't heard of any issues here with the shelters getting too hot in the summer, also because the cats are free to come and go as they please. But if you do have concerns that it would be too hot for them in your climate, you can take them away until the next Fall. As of right now we don't have a resource available for building a more summer-friendly shelter. Hope this helps!
@@jogordon1530 I m from MD..well living right across the line in PA right now. Good to hear my fellow Marylanders r thinking about the fur babies
@@jogordon1530put them under deciduous trees or bushes.
Just wanted to know if you sell them and if you have some available? A what would be the price of them.
Saved for future projects, to help my feral cats (just need the straw though)
I made one but cannot get any cats to go inside. What is the trick to get them to use it?
Generally once it get cold enough that the cats are seeking shelter, they tend to find it and use it. You can also trail catnip or treats up to the shelter to entice them. Do not put any food in the shelter. Hope this helps!
without a door , inside temperature is equal to outside temperature, and your insulating boards usless, if you want to keep inside warmer, there must be a cat door.
Would elevating it off the ground several feet/meters provide added security for the cat?
You could put straw between insulation and toe for added protection right?
Getting the cat to go in is the big question..Maybe cat nip or cat treats to intise . What about heat pad for warmth
I don’t have a saw- wonder if I can use exacto knife
Stack old tires and cut out an opening, cover the top.
This video has saved many animals
Thx for the great tips!!❤️❤️
Can I use foil to reflect body heat?
Hey i live in the ottawa area i have a feral out side whom i call Tom. Hes about 3 years old and started staying in the back yard this summer and winter is fastly approaching i cant take him in i already have 3 rescues. I'm planning on making one for him. If I cant find straw could I use flannel shirts wool blankets as a sub.. Thanks
Hi there! We don't recommend clothes/bedding/towels, because it holds moisture. You can check on Kijiji - local farms usually have lots of straw they are giving away or selling for an affordable cost.
@@OntarioSPCA1873 hey thank you for the suggestion... Hope to Tom will like the hut but I do hope to find a home for him
Liked your video made it look simple my question is some videos say the silver part should go on facing cat other say away from cat yours says inside does it matter?
Home Depot and lowes sell it with the foil on both sides.
We are very interested in building a few of these. We cant find the drainage pipe in amounts less than 100 ft in the North East US. Its $100+ for the roll but doesn't make sense if we are going to only build a few. Does anyone have any other ideas for the entrance?
Hi Lar, yes, the piping is probably the most difficult material to source. The purpose of the tubing is to help keep out the elements such as rain/snow/wind from entering the shelter, so if you can find a material similar to the tubing that will work in the same way - that is the key! An empty ice cream container works well if you cut out the bottom for example. The main thing to remember is that the entrance hole remain 6 inches in diameter, or else you might find other critters using the shelter! Hopefully this helps :)
@@OntarioSPCA1873 awesome! Thanks so much, we decided we were going to use a 5 gallon jug with the front and back cut off, exactly 6 inches diameter and equally as long.
That sounds like it should work as well!
@@OntarioSPCA1873 We rushed to get it done, tonight, going to be cold here.
Check it out! twitter.com/HoundLyfe/status/1083881537521836034
Home Depot in the US sells a 6" round x 5.5" long coupler to connect the black corrogated pipe together. Also avail at weeping tile supply stores everywhere in Canada. The neat thing about the coupler too is you can snap a 90 degree elbow on it to help prevent wind from blowing in. You can flip it side to side so that the opening is opposite the prevailing winds. I think I might build mine with a corrogated pipe wye and cap the straight through end so that i can put the opening away from the wind. That gives a 45 degree opening for the cat to travel instead of a 90 degree corner. Hope this gives ideas.
Use a jig saw to cut the hole .
Love the advice. Cant afford to buy a cooler like so many vids talk about.
Check with your local hospital. They have items delivered in sturdy styrofoam coolers. Sometimes they will give away the coolers instead of discarding them. Best of luck!
I have a stray living under my bbq. What can I do to help keep him warm it's keeping up at night worrying about it.
make one of these.. or get a box and put some straw and blankets in it for in in the meantime..
Hi Darren, you can definitely build him a feral cat shelter like the one depicted in the video!
Just curious why you shouldn’t use throw blankets or even towels?
Hi there! Straw is the best material to use because it will not hold moisture. The insulation is needed to trap the cats’ body heat, effectively turning the cats themselves into little radiators. Hope this answers your question!
Taping a sheet of paper on top of a tote that is going to be outside with the snow and rain seems kind of a waste.
Typically we encourage people to laminate the piece of paper, and then you can securely tape it to the tote and it can withstand the elements pretty well! :)
How do u keep it from blowing away?
That's a great question! They are very lightweight, so the best thing to do would be to weigh it down somehow. For example, some people place a skid or some heavy bricks on top to keep it in place. Hope this helps!
What is the best way to get the cats to use these shelters?
Usually when it gets really cold, the cats are seeking shelter and will typically find the winter shelter and enter on their own. You can trail treats/catnip up to the entrance to try and entice them, never putting food directly inside the shelter (this could dampen the straw and draw in predators). It also depends on placement of the shelter - never leave it out in plain sight, in a open area. Place it in a spot that you notice they usually seek shelter, and up against or under a structure. For example, under a deck, up against a shed. All the best!
The foam can seriously harm or kill the animal if ingested. I do not recommend it.
Add another plastic bin inside. One of those clear types fit.
I think that's why they tape up all the edges.
so i made it too . just by using woodprix woodworking plans:)
I wish this tutorial actually showed how to do each part. I guess it's kind of useful info but it's like reading an article not watching a tutorial
ALWAYS FACE YOUR DOORS TO THE SOUTH AND THE NORTH . 80% OF WINDS COME FROM WEST AND EAST WHEN BLOWING.
I love listenin to her talk and i'm from Texas,ya'll!!!!
Thanks for watching!!
You better not be hurting stray animals weirdo
Anyone who is looking after community cats knows that we have these critters in much of Ontario called raccoons. A raccoon will destroy the insulating foam inside a cat shelter. You NEED to use a container inside a container and put insulation between them. Fiberglass insulation can be used as long as you don't compact it.
PEOPLE HANG A DISH TOWEL OVER EACH ENTRANCE ‘’INSIDE THE BIN ‘’TO CUT DOWN ON THE WIND WHEN YOU HAVE TWO HOLES. YOU NEED 2 ENTRANCES MOST CATS WILL LOOK INSIDE BUT WOULD NOT SLEEP IN WITH ONLY 1 ENTRANCE .
Why does your every statement sound like a question?? You know?? So?? How about that??
Who would want that eyesore on their property
Sara Allison who would want cats freezing to death on their property
someone who cares more about orphaned animals than appearances.
Why would u say something like that and why are u even watching the video..don't answer your not of importance that was pretty crappy thing to say these save poor furbabies lives all winter
Your comment is a eyesore.
BEGONE TROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!