Hey Y’all! This past summer we’ve had the joy of a beautiful cat that’s chose us to care for her. We’ve come to name her Mimosa, our very own Community Cat.
Of course with winter fast approaching, I’m now busy on google… for a new cat shelter. There’s so much to choose, from the fancy multi cat condo to countless DIY designs. I finally went with the 2 bin design. I wanted to show an affordable shelter you can set up, without breaking the bank and using minimum tools.
Materials Used:
- 2 plastic bins with lids (one bin must fits inside the other, with room for insulation), the size of the bin is determined by the size and number of cat(s)
- Duct tape
- Foam cooler for insulation (similar size to the outside bin)
- Self Warming Mat (Design for Feral and Indoor Cats)
- Blow dryer
- Disc – for tracing (or some sort of circular object, must be at least 5″ wide or the width of the cat)
- Box cutter
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The Process:
- Trace 1 of the bins with the disc
- With the box cutter, cut out the circle. If you can, use a blow dryer on high to heat the cut out area before cutting. This will soften the plastic and allow for easier cutting (Note: it may take a few passes with the box cutter depending on the thickness of the plastic)
- Place bin together and trace the opening to the 2nd bin, this way both openings are aligned. You should have 2 bins with the same size openings for entry
- Add tape around the opening to cover the sharp edges
- Cut the sides of the cooler to add between the bins. For extra measure, place insulation on top as well (Note: cutting into the foam can be a bit messy)
- Put your outer lid on the bin
- Place the mat/ straw inside the shelter and you’re done!
Tips/ Lessons learned:
- Never use a regular indoor bedding! I made this mistake in buying a normal cat bed. Blankets, towels, and normal cat bed will hold water causing it to freeze in cold temps, making it down right uncomfortable or even dangerous! Straws are best since they keep away moisture, it also gives something for cats to burrow in.
- Straw in NOT the same is Hay I learned. Hay actually retains moisture which again freeze. Yes I know, they both look the same to me too…
- I chose to use the Outdoor self-warming mat because I am able to check on the shelter on a daily basis and wash the pad as needed. But if you are setting up a shelter that is not easily accessible, I suggest using straws instead, lower maintenance
- For insulation between the bins, you could use many options as long as its not harmful to the cat if accidently ingested.
- If you’re able to get the large foam cooler that’s even better! Where all you have to do is cut out an opening
And this is Mimosa, at 11pm at night, enjoying the new shelter! I almost cried haha!
Well that’s it for me now, I hope you found this helpful! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
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