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poultrygeist25 t1_ixcnmgo wrote

I think today I am going to get an early bird biscuit and then head to the store so that I can make some cat shelters to put in my yard. I’m thinking some coolers from Walmart, cut a hole on the side, tape the lid, and a bed of straw. If anyone has any other ideas please share with me! It’s getting cold and I want the stray cats to have a cozy place to sleep

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PickanickBasket t1_ixcq6tp wrote

Those aluminim-looking thermal emergency blankets make excellent extra lining.

Remember that cats need an opening of only about five-and-a-half or six inches in diameter, or the width of their whiskers. Make the entrance as small as possible to avoid other animals.

https://alleycatadvocates.org/communitycat-care-center/creating-winter-shelters/

They have some great advice I've used before in my shelters! Thanks for taking care of the outdoor floofs.

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poultrygeist25 t1_ixcqwme wrote

Thank you for sharing that link and information with me, it is very appreciated! :)

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MKrushelnisky t1_ixctq4b wrote

Hey! Speaking from experience- skip the rubber made houses. The cats are too scared to go into it bc once they’re in there- super easy to be ambushed by predator. So what does work? Get one (or two) heating pads (brand sunbeam is my favorite) extra large. Take off the cloth and plug them up outside turn them on high. We’ve tried everything over the years, this is the best answer! The cats are obsessed with it.

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GaimanitePkat t1_ixcuo44 wrote

If you mean styrofoam coolers, you want to make sure you're putting them inside a plastic shell such as a rubbermaid tote box.

And make sure that it is STRAW you (and other cat helping folks) are using!

Home Depot also sells rolls of foil-like insulation which is also good if you don't want to deal with sawing styrofoam and making a little snow flurry. Just tape that to the inside of the tote box and the lid.

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