Insulated Shelters

Insulated shelters are resident-constructed shelters that help keep community cats warm and dry through the winter months. Shelters can be created with a variety of materials. Following is a step-by-step process of creating an insulated shelter using plastic storage bins, foam insulation, and straw. This shelter is tested and proven to keep cats warm and dry through Cincinnati winters.

Required Materials

One sturdy, large plastic storage bin that can be easily cut through (this container style is best for these shelters). The bin shouldn't be too large; 18-20 gallon is best. The lid should be removable.
One sheet of 3/4 or 1-inch thick foam insulation (this will work)
One sturdy, smaller storage bin that will fit inside the larger bin and the foam insulation. The bin shouldn't be too large because smaller spaces warm quicker. The lid should be removable.
A bale of straw (hay won't work; this or something similar will)
A tape measure
A 6-inch plastic flowerpot (optional)
A sturdy box cutter
A permanent marker
A large area to work in that can be easily cleaned
A vacuum to clean up the mess after construction

Shelter Construction
Instructions	Image
Step 1) Place the 6-inch flowerpot on the larger bin and, using the permanent marker, draw a circle on the bin. This will be your guide for cutting the hole that the cat will enter the shelter through. If you don't have a 6-inch flowerpot, try to cut a hole no larger than 6 inches in diameter. The hole should be just large enough for the cat to enter the shelter. Repeat this step on the smaller bin.
Step 2) Cut the holes into the bins using the box cutter. Go slow; be careful not to cut yourself or cut more than you need to.
Step 3) Place the larger bin onto the sheet of foam insulation and use the bottom of the bin to draw an outline. Cut the foam and label it with a B.
Step 4) Use a tape measure to measure the side panels of the bin, and then draw outlines on the foam using those measurements. It is recommended that you cut about 1 inch more than your outline because you can always cut some off, but you can't add to the foam panels that you cut. Label the smaller panels with a 1 and the larger panels with a 2.
Step 5) This is the cut-to-fit phase. Once you have the B foam panel fitted into the bottom of the 18-gallon bin, place the 1 and 2 panels in their appropriate bin sides and cut as needed. Once you have a panel fitted on the side with the hole, use the marker to outline the hole size, and then cut a hole in that panel. Keep in mind that you will need enough room at the top of the bin to make sure the bin lid is closed tightly.
Step 6) Once you have the foam panels properly fitted in the larger bin, place the lidless smaller bin inside. The bin should fit snuggly—you want to minimize airflow between the layers.
Step 7) Put around 3 inches of straw into the 10-gallon bin. You want enough straw for the cat to nestle into, but too much straw will deter the cat from entering the shelter.
Step 9) Place the bin lids on each bin. The bin shelter is complete! You'll want to use a vacuum to clean up all the foam and straw that inevitably got on your floor in the process.

Where to Place Shelters

It's best to put the shelter somewhere at least 6 inches off the ground so that snow cannot cover the opening. You could place the bin on top of cinder blocks or an old tire. It's also a good idea to face the opening toward a wall, if possible, so that less wind gets inside. Make sure the cat can climb into the shelter, though. If the shelter will be exposed to rain and snow, you will want to add some sort of awning to keep out water. Some duct tape and plastic sheeting will be enough.

It is really important that shelters be placed somewhere quiet where there isn't much foot traffic. Keeping the shelters out-of-sight prevents curious people from investigating the bins and disturbing the cats.

If you are caring for three or more community cats, the Feeding Stations page has tips on constructing an area for the shelters using wooden pallets.