Sofia Martinez
With winter around the corner, it's important to provide a warm shelter for outdoor cats, including feral cats, stray cats, and community cats. One way to do this is by building a shelter out of plastic containers. This project can be completed in about an hour, and there are several ways to go about it. For instance, you can use a plastic flower pot to create a tube entrance by cutting out the bottom and sliding it into the large and small tub entrances. You can also use duct tape to secure cardboard around the opening, fill the box with shredded newspaper, and place it in a familiar location where cats are fed. These shelters are not only inexpensive but also provide a safe space for cats during harsh weather conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 1 hour |
| Tools required | Plastic flowerpot, large plastic bin, permanent marker, hair dryer, box cutters, Styrofoam, straw, duct tape, scissors, cardboard box, shredded newspaper, vinyl/rubber mat, plastic drop cloth/contractor trash bags, glue, plastic nuts and bolts |
| Cost of materials | $22 for a 27-gallon storage bin, foam insulation, and spray adhesive |
| Additional tips | Place shelters in a familiar, covered location near where cats are fed; change bedding twice a year and treat with flea control products |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plastic flower pot as an entrance
To make a cat shelter using a plastic flower pot as an entrance, you will need a plastic flower pot, a plastic bin, a permanent marker, a hair dryer, box cutters, Styrofoam, straw, and duct tape.
First, choose a plastic flower pot that does not taper too much at the bottom, as this will be turned into an entrance. Place the flower pot against the side of the plastic bin and use the permanent marker to outline the entrance. Soften the plastic outline with a hair dryer, as this will make it easier to cut. Use box cutters to carefully cut out the entrance.
Next, place a thin slab of Styrofoam into the bottom of the large tub. Then, cut out the bottom of the flower pot to create a tube, and slide it into the large tub entrance. You may need to shave off some of the entrance to accommodate the flower pot. Secure the flower pot with duct tape, snipping the tape every inch or two to accommodate the curve.
Finally, place the small tub into the large tub and align the tubs, using the large entrance as a reference to outline an entrance in the small tub. Repeat the previous steps for the small tub. Place the small tub in the large tub and line the sides between them with straw, which helps to repel moisture and keep the shelter warm. Put the lids on the tubs, and your cat shelter is complete!
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Cutting out the entrance
To create an entrance for your cat shelter, you can use a plastic flower pot. Choose a flower pot that does not taper too much at the bottom, as this will be turned into a tube entrance. Place the flower pot against the side of the large plastic bin and use a permanent marker to outline the entrance. To make cutting the plastic easier, use a hairdryer to soften the plastic outline. Then, use box cutters or scissors to carefully cut out the entrance, being cautious not to cut yourself.
If you are using a cardboard box inside your bin for added insulation, be sure to cut the doorway through both the box and the bin. You can also cut a hole in the cardboard box and slide the flower pot through it to create a tunnel entrance. This will help keep the warmth in and provide a cosy space for cats.
To secure the flower pot in place, you can use duct tape. Cut the duct tape with snips every inch or two to accommodate the curve of the flower pot. This will help to hold the flower pot liner in place and create a stable entrance tunnel for the cats to enter and exit.
If you are using a cardboard box with a plastic drop cloth or trash bag wrapped around it, cut the plastic as necessary to create the entrance. You want to make as few seams as possible for a neat finish.
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Insulating the shelter
When insulating your cat shelter, it's important to consider the bedding and the shelter's location. Firstly, choose insulating materials that will keep the shelter warm and comfortable for the cats. Straw is a good option as it repels moisture. You can also use shredded newspaper, allowing cats to burrow into it for added warmth. Additionally, consider sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth beneath the bedding to deter fleas. Mint or dried pyrethrum flowers can also help with pest control.
For enhanced insulation, place a cardboard box inside a larger cardboard box and fill the gap between them with insulating material such as rolled-up newspaper or straw. Seal the seams with duct tape to keep out drafts. Alternatively, you can use a box made of foam insulation, which fits snugly inside a plastic tote.
The shelter's location is also crucial for insulation. Avoid placing the shelter in the open, such as in the middle of a yard or lot. Instead, place it against something that provides cover, like a wall, fence, tree, porch, or overhang. This will help shield the cats from wind and provide additional protection from the elements.
To further insulate the shelter and retain warmth, consider adding a cover over the doorway. Use a thick, waterproof material like vinyl or rubber, similar to a floor mat. Ensure the material is thick enough to provide insulation yet light enough for cats to easily pass through. Attach the flap securely using extreme weather VELCRO, strong glue, or plastic nuts and bolts. If using bolts, insert them from the inside outwards and consider using a hacksaw to cut down on any excess bolt length to avoid potential harm to the cats.
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Flea treatment
There are several ways to make a cat shelter out of plastic containers. One method involves using a plastic flower pot to create a tube entrance for the shelter. This can be done by cutting out the bottom of the flower pot and sliding it into the entrances of a large and small plastic tub. The tubs can be lined with straw to repel moisture, and a thin slab of Styrofoam can be placed at the bottom for extra insulation. Another method is to create a box made from foam insulation that fits inside a plastic tote. A circular opening is cut out of one "wall" of the foam, and a flower pot liner is used to create a tunnel entrance, similar to the previous method. This project can typically be completed in about an hour.
Now, onto the topic of flea treatment for cats that may be using these shelters. Fleas are a common issue for cats and can cause several diseases, including flea allergies and tapeworm infestations. To prevent and treat flea infestations, there are several options available, including shampoos, sprays, powders, topical treatments, and oral medications. Topical treatments, such as Frontline Plus, are typically applied monthly and remain on the surface of the cat's skin and fur. They are generally less expensive than prescription options and have been effective in killing fleas since the 1990s. However, they may not be suitable for all households, especially those with small children or other animals that may come into contact with the treatment. Oral treatments, such as Credelio Chewable Tablets, are also available and may be preferred by cats that do not like topical applications. It is important to note that some cats may require different treatments, such as kittens or smaller cats, and it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before starting any flea treatment.
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Where to place the shelter
When placing a cat shelter, there are several factors to consider to ensure cats will use it and that they will be comfortable and safe. Firstly, it is important to elevate the shelter off the ground. This can be done using discarded wooden pallets, which will also help to protect the shelter from the elements.
Secondly, the shelter should be placed in a quiet, secluded spot, preferably facing away from prevailing winds or facing a wall. This will help to shield the cats from strong winds and provide a sense of privacy and security. If the shelter is to be placed outdoors, it is best to position it close to natural cover, such as bushes or trees, which can provide additional shelter and a sense of camouflage for the cats.
Additionally, it is important to consider the surrounding environment. The shelter should be placed away from any potential hazards, such as busy roads or areas with heavy foot traffic. It should also be easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning, as regular upkeep is crucial to providing a safe and healthy space for the cats.
Lastly, it is worth noting that cats are naturally drawn to warm and cosy spaces, especially during colder months. Placing the shelter in a sunny spot, when possible, can make it more inviting. Using catnip at the entrance can also help to encourage cats to venture inside.
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Frequently asked questions
You can build a cat shelter out of plastic containers by using a plastic flowerpot to create a tube entrance. Cut out the bottom of the flowerpot and slide it into the large and small tub entrances. Place a thin slab of Styrofoam into the bottom of the large tub and place the small tub into the large tub.
You will need a plastic flowerpot, a large plastic bin, a small plastic bin, a permanent marker, a hairdryer, box cutters, and straw.
Place the plastic flowerpot against the side of the large plastic bin and use the permanent marker to outline the entrance. Soften the plastic outline with a hairdryer and cut out the entrance with box cutters.
Place a slab of Styrofoam into the bottom of the large tub and fill the gaps between the tubs with straw, which repels moisture. You can also use shredded newspaper instead of straw.
Change the bedding in the shelter at least twice a year. Spray or dust the floor with a cat-safe flea control product. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth beneath the straw or newspaper to deter fleas.
