Outdoor cats might seem like resourceful and resilient animals, but they still require shelter from extreme weather conditions and other potentially harmful things like traffic. Even though cats have somewhat thick fur, it is not enough to keep them warm during the colder months, especially at night.
An outdoor cat who spends too much time outside during the winter may also suffer frostbite or hypothermia. But domesticating an outdoor cat is not a plausible solution. Making a cozy outdoor cat house can be a good way to provide shelter to stray cats.
Things You Need To Consider Before Making An Outdoor Cat House
People often build makeshift beds from cushions and sheets for their indoor cats. However, these cat beds might not work as well for an outdoor cat because blankets are rendered useless if it rains.
You can always make a DIY cat house outdoor to keep your wild kitty safe. Here are things you need to consider for an outdoor cat house.
- Where To Put It?
You need a safe and less populated area to place the cat house, so the cat can feel secure and comfortable. It is preferred to have the shelter in a shady and covered space, away from the wind, so the cat stays warm during the night.
- What Materials To Use?
You can use different kinds of materials to make an outdoor cat shelter. The most common ones are plywood sheets and old storage bins; however, it is important that whatever materials you use are waterproof and insulated. Experts recommend straw and styrofoam for insulating outdoor cat houses.
- Insulation
You will need to add extra insulation in your outdoor cat house, especially during the winter months, to keep the cat warm and safe. Adding a base to the cat house helps keep them warm because they don’t have to sit on the bare ground. You can also add extra warmth by adding bricks or wooden pallets to the interior. This will not only add extra insulation to keep the cat safe during winters but also protects the cat house from flooding or heavy snow.
- How Big Should It Be?
You need to make sure that the cat house you build is big enough for your cat to shift around comfortably while small enough to stay cozy.
- Design
It is very important to consider the design of the cat house, so the cat can easily find its way in. The door of the cat house also needs to be small so other predators stay out. You need something to cover the entrance to trap in heat. A heavy plastic sheet can be used for covering the door, which the cat can slide in and out from under.
What Makes An Outdoor Cat House Safe?
In order to make an outdoor cat house safe, you need to first know all the potential dangers your outdoor cat can run into. Apart from extreme weather, they can easily get injured by getting into fights with other animals, coming in the way of vehicles, being bullied by people, or contracting any diseases. However, you cannot protect your outdoor cat from everything, and they are experienced enough to avoid most dangers.
You can make your cathouse safe by building one yourself and customizing it to your cat’s needs. Follow the easy steps below to make a safe outdoor cat house at home:
- Take a large plastic container or storage box
- Take another slightly smaller storage box
- Cut out a small opening in the larger box that will act as a door. Make sure it is no bigger than six inches
- Layer the base of the container with a styrofoam
- Line the container walls with styrofoam for extra insulation, and make sure to cut the styrofoam from where the door will go
- Cut out a door opening in the smaller container and place it in the big one. The styrofoam and larger container will act as layers of insulation to keep the cat warm
- Insulate the interior container by placing a sheet of styrofoam at the bottom of the container
- Cover the top with a sheet of styrofoam to form a closed cocoon of warmth for your cat
Other Things To Consider
- Keep the cat shelter at an elevated surface, so the container does not absorb cold from the ground if it does catch col immediately give your pet probiotics for cats
- Add straws to compensate for blankets. A blanket can get dirty faster, making your cat more prone to diseases. Blankets also trap heat from the surroundings, making the interior colder
- Make sure to keep refilling the food and water bowl so the cat doesn’t have to hunt for food in the cold
Conclusion
Now that you know how to properly insulate and make your outdoor cat house safe, you can shelter cats in need and save precious lives!
