Build a Simple Cooler Shelter to Protect Outdoor Cats

Tri-State winters hit hard. While you and I are bundling up in hoodies and cranking up the furnace at home, countless outdoor community cats are trying to survive freezing temperatures, biting winds, and snow. The good news is that you can help keep them warm with a simple shelter that is affordable, effective, and incredibly easy to build.

Why Cooler Shelters Work for Outdoor Cats

According to Alley Cat Advocates, a Louisville-based animal welfare organization that serves parts of Indiana and Kentucky, focusing on the spay-neuter-release of community cats, one of the most reliable options is a cooler shelter.

Both hard-sided coolers and thick styrofoam shipping coolers work surprisingly well because they are insulated and naturally trap heat. Many local businesses and medical offices receive medications and perishables in styrofoam coolers, and they are often happy to give them away instead of throwing them out.

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What to Use Inside a Winter Cat Shelter

The key to building a safe cat shelter is keeping it dry on the inside. That's why you should always use straw, and never hay or blankets. Straw repels moisture and creates pockets of warm air, which helps cats conserve body heat. Hay actually absorbs moisture and molds quickly, and blankets can also absorb moisture, get wet, and freeze. Hay and blankets can both be dangerous, and even life-threatening, for animals seeking warmth.

For a budget-friendly option, we suggest using a cooler: choose a smaller one if you’re caring for 1–2 cats, or a larger size if 2 or more cats will use it. Fill the shelter with loose, dry straw (not hay) to provide insulation and keep it dry. Make sure to place something heavy on top to secure the lid and prevent the cooler from shifting in wind or rain. - Alley Cat Advocates via Facebook

How to Build a Simple Cooler Shelter

To create a shelter, cut a doorway about six inches wide, place straw inside, and secure the lid tightly. If the shelter is lightweight, adding a heavy rock or brick on top can help keep it from blowing away. It's best to keep the entrance slightly off the ground, and facing the opening of the shelter away from the wind can make a big difference in comfort.

While these shelters won't solve the entire problem of outdoor cat populations, they absolutely will save lives during bitter cold snaps. If you care for community cats in your neighborhood, a small effort now could keep a furry friend safe all winter long.

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Source: This Easy Winter Shelter Helps Outdoor Cats Stay Safe