0
Tips for building a cat house!
As winter approaches, it’s important to remember that cats, like all animals, need protection from the cold. While their fur coats can provide some warmth, they can still suffer from frostbite or hypothermia in extremely cold temperatures. One way to help cats stay warm during the winter is by building an outdoor shelter for them.
These shelters can be especially helpful for community or stray cats that don’t have a warm place to escape to. If you’re considering building a cat shelter for these cats in your community, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Place the shelter in a safe area: It is important to ensure that the outdoor shelter for cats is placed in a safe area away from other animals and traffic. This will ensure the safety and well-being of the cats using the shelter, and also prevent any potential conflicts with other animals or vehicles. A secluded area of your yard, or a spot behind your house, away from the street, may be ideal.
- Position the shelter in a spot protected from the wind: Wind can greatly reduce the effectiveness of a shelter, so it is important to place the shelter in a location that is protected from the wind. This can be done by positioning the shelter against a wall or fence, or by placing it in an area surrounded by trees or bushes. This will help to keep the cats warm and comfortable inside the shelter.
- DIY tutorials for building a shelter: Instead of buying an outdoor cat shelter, you can also build one on your own. There are many DIY tutorials available online that will show you how to make a shelter using everyday items such as old ice chests or plastic bins. These tutorials will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make a shelter that is not only functional but also inexpensive.
- Insulation and waterproofing: Insulation and waterproofing are crucial elements in keeping the cats warm and dry in the shelter. Make sure to use materials that are specifically designed for insulation and waterproofing, such as foam board or heavy-duty plastic sheeting.
- Keep the shelter elevated off the ground: To protect the cats from rain or snow, it’s important to keep the shelter elevated off the ground. This can be done by building a platform or using bricks or cinder blocks to elevate the shelter. This will also help to keep the shelter dry and free from water damage.
- The right size and entrance: The shelter should be the right size for the cats. It shouldn’t be too big or too small. The entrance should also be the right size and not too big, to prevent unwanted guests such as dogs or raccoons from entering the shelter and scaring off the cats.
- Adding a heating element: For extra warmth, you can consider adding a heating element like a microwavable heat