How to Make an Insulated Winter Shelter for Stray and Feral Cats
Building a simple winter shelter for stray and feral cats can potentially save their lives. Designs vary, but the basic idea is to create a small, insulated space that holds heat. The process should only take about 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need for the Double Bin Design:
- Plastic storage bin with removable lid
- Styrofoam bin/cooler (or smaller storage bin)
- Straw to insulate
- A box cutter or utility knife
Step 1: Cut the Doorways
Cut an entrance hole in one side of both bins. The openings should line up once the smaller bin is placed inside the larger bin. Aim for an opening about 6 inches wide and place it a few inches above the bottom to help prevent cold air, rain, and snow from entering. (Tip: Using a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the plastic will make it easier to cut.)
Step 2: Create the Insulated Layer
Place the smaller bin inside the larger one, centering it so there’s space on all sides. Fill the gap between the two bins with straw. This layer of trapped air and straw acts as insulation, helping retain the cat’s body heat.
Step 3: Add Bedding Inside
Fill the bottom of the smaller bin with straw, creating a cozy space cats can burrow into. Straw is essential because it repels moisture and stays dry. Avoid using blankets, towels, or hay, which can trap moisture and make cats colder.
Step 4: Secure the Shelter
Put the lid on the larger bin and secure it tightly. If needed, tape around the edges to keep wind and rain out. You can also use tape to cover any jagged edges left from cutting out the entrance.
Step 5: Place It Thoughtfully
Set the shelter in a quiet, dry area away from heavy foot traffic. Face the entrance toward a wall, fence, or other wind block. Elevating the shelter slightly off the ground can also help keep it warmer and drier.
Why This Design Works
The double bin design adds an extra layer of insulation, making it especially helpful during freezes or extended cold spells. It provides protection from the elements while giving cats a safe, warm place to rest.
Find additional information on this type of shelter from Alley Cat Advocates.
If you’re limited on supplies, there are other ways to build effective shelters, like this one from the Nebraska Humane Society that only requires a Styrofoam cooler and straw (at its most basic).
A shelter like one of these can make a real difference for outdoor cats during winter, keeping community cats safe, warm, and protected when they need it most.
