How to Create a Safe Outdoor Cat Shelter for Winter
As winter temperatures drop, outdoor cats face harsh and often life-threatening conditions. Here, at the Hervey Foundation for Cats, we do not condone letting cats outside. Outdoor cats face far too many threats, especially in wintertime. That said, we believe in compassion and want to share with you some instructions on how to help some of the cats in your neighbourhood survive on a cold winter night.
Whether they're community cats, strays, or lost pets, a safe outdoor shelter can provide warmth and protection to a cat in need. Our guide offers instructions for building both a heated shelter and a non-heated shelter, both of which can save lives.
Why Outdoor Cats Need Winter Shelters
Outdoor cats, even those with thicker coats, aren’t immune to cold weather. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, or death. By providing a shelter, you're giving cats a refuge from the elements and a place to rest safely during the tougher days or nights.
How to Build a Non-Heated Shelter
What You’ll Need:
· A plastic storage tote or cooler (preferably 30–50 gallons)
· Straw (not hay) for insulation
· Box cutter or utility knife
· Duct tape
· Optional: Styrofoam sheets for extra insulation
Instructions
Prepare the Entrance:
Using a box cutter or knife, cut an entry hole on one side of the tote a few inches off the ground (to prevent water or snow from getting inside). Be sure you are cutting the hole near the bottom of the tote, with the lid still at the top. If you set it up with the lid on the bottom, water can pool inside.
Make sure you don’t leave any sharp pieces or edges that might hurt a kitty. Make the entrance around 6–8 inches in diameter—big enough for a cat but too small for predators.
Add Insulation:
Line the interior walls and floor with Styrofoam sheets for insulation. Tape them securely to prevent shifting. Fill the bottom with several inches of straw to create a warm and cozy bedding layer. Avoid blankets or towels as they retain moisture and can freeze.
Put the lid on securely, ensuring it's watertight. You can add duct tape along the edges for extra protection.
Place the Shelter:
Set the shelter in a safe, quiet area, preferably against a wall or fence to shield it from the wind. Add bricks or a heavy object on top to keep it from tipping over in strong weather, or if you are handy, you can build a wood surround to hold it upright.
How to Build a Heated Shelter
What You’ll Need:
· A large insulated cooler (alternative: heavy-duty tote with Styrofoam lining)
· Low-wattage heating pad with a durable cord (specific for outdoor use)
· Straw for insulation
· Extension cord for power source
· Tools: Box cutter, duct tape
Instructions
Prepare the Cooler:
Cut an entry hole just as you would for the non-heated shelter.
Install the Heating Pad:
Place the low-wattage heating pad on one side of the cooler floor. Secure the cord safely along the wall of the shelter, using duct tape to prevent cats from chewing on it. Do not place it on the bottom.
Add Insulation:
Surround the heating pad with straw, ensuring it doesn’t block heat distribution.
Place the Shelter:
Close the lid tightly and place the shelter in a covered outdoor area, such as a porch. Ensure the extension cord is weatherproof and check the setup periodically to confirm it remains functional.
Additional Tips
· Food & Water: Provide fresh food and, if possible, unfrozen water near the shelter. A heated water bowl can do a great job of keeping the water in a liquid state.
· Maintenance: Regularly check the shelter for cleanliness and refill straw as needed.
· Heat Pad: If you built a heated shelter, keep an eye on that heat pad. If it is not staying warm you might need more insulation or perhaps the power is getting cut off periodically.
Make a Difference
By building a simple shelter, you're making a meaningful difference in the lives of outdoor cats this winter. If you have kind neighbours, be sure to let them know you have set up the shelter – it could save the lives of stray cats or other lost pets in the cold.