The weather outside is frightful… Well, not really, since this is Florida. Still, we’re in for some very chilly nights, and we got our first taste this past week. Those of you who care for The Unwanted (namely, poor homeless cats in need of food and shelter) are probably concerned about how they’re fairing in the cold weather. Ideally, they should have a night shelter for the Winter, even if it’s just a bed with a blanket in a garage, porch or shed. If that’s not possible or available, here are a couple of suggestions for easy-to-make shelters:
1) Converted food bin shelter: Clean an empty bin, line the inside with styrofoam or mylar* (cut to size and double-taped or glued) and add some straw for the bedding (not hay, as that gets moldy; straw can be found at feed stores). As this shelter isn’t water proof, place it under a covered area, protected from the rain. NOTES: - This shelter works best if placed a few inches above ground (on top of bricks, boards, etc), and wedged against something (so it won’t turn over). - You can cut the lid of food bin, leaving a section at the bottom as insulation from the ground, and use the rest of it to create a rain-barrier “roof” for the shelter (please see photos 1 and 2; I used half of a binder for the roof of this shelter, as it offered better coverage). - Instead of straw, you can also use a polyester throw blanket, as long as you wash it once a week or every other week (a small one currently sells for $2.50 at Walmart). Another good option is a self-heating pad such as the ones available at Amazon.com; however, this kind of pad can't be put in the dryer and needs to be air-dried. Avoid using towels, as they absorb too much humidity. - For better insulation, you can tape a black plastic bag or a training pad around the bin. - Other empty bins (such as litter, soap, etc) can also be used, as long as they are thoroughly washed and then disinfected before using it for a shelter (alcohol or a vinegar and water mix are recommended). 2) Converted cooler shelter: You will need a tool to cut a 6-inch round or a square “door” on the cooler; make sure to tape around the opening. Insulate the inside of the cooler with styrofoam or mylar* and add straw or other bedding as suggested above (please see photos 3 and 4). For other shelter ideas, please see: Feral Cat Winter Shelter https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/colony-care/feral-cat-winter-shelter Your furry neighbors will thank you! Stay warm and have a happy holiday season! * Mylar emergency blankets can be found at the first aid or camping sections of some stores, or ordered at Amazon.com. Gisele Marasca-Vargas; 12/16/2017 giscritters.com
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Gisele Marasca-Vargas is a blog writer and an obsessive compulsive and overly sensitive animal lover. Archives
May 2022
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