Love it. One flaw. There is no escape route in case a predator comes in. I am making a second exit and I am considering using see through plastic doggie door material for both entrance and exit. Thank you for all your dedication.
Crap. I just wasted money on my 4th attempt at these. You have better materials and info than I used but each one gets better. They are staying in mine so I must have done something right lol. TY for these great instructios
Barbi Button I’m sorry you’ve wasted materials. Hopefully you can salvage some of them. But great news a shelter is being used! Such a relief to have kitties staying warm and dry in the winter months.
I have 8 feral cats in my patio, I been able to catch the mom and took it to animal control where they going to fix it (unfortunately she didn’t make it, when they were doing the surgery 🥺) I told them 12 more feral cats there (the ones I count though, they bring me some vouchers and tramps to catch them and take it to neuter/spay them. So far I take 3 already 2 males and 1 female, there still 5 more to go 2 females and 3 males the other 4 passed I don’t know if a dogs stacked them (three of them) the other one I think was poisoned 😢 and one scape from the tramp in the clinic ( they put tramps at night to catch her, but she never returned 😢 I cry with the loss of each one because they can’t defend them selfs Now I’m looking for tutorials to make some shelters for them and I love this one. I feel so loved by them when I go outside and sit there and they start to come to me and rub them selfs on my leg, they start to trust me and let me to pet them, BUT NOT holding No no no they hazing me 😬 but everything little by little 🤷🏻♀️💖🐱🐈
Nice breakdown of Feral and Stray cats. You'd be surprised how many people I talk to that think "feral" means "they have rabies and are ready to attack you"
perhaps one could also re-purpose a full size cooler ? it has the insulation part already provided so , i would think you could just cut hole and use a flap ? these coolers can be found at goodwill locations in my area for 4.99 .
For the doorway cut a u-shape instead of circle and pull plastic out & then up to create roof over doorway/entrance. Turn tub on side and step on it to crease it so it will stay open enuf for cat to go in. cardboard box for inside box instead of plastic actually adds another layer of insulation. That's what homeless people use.
@@lynns3655 When using these for feral cats, they are often put in an uncovered location. Therefore the plastic is needed as shelter from the weather (e.g. rain/snow).
Pigeon Queen what kind of outside temperatures is this shelter good for? I worry about below freezing temps here in Chicago. It’s brutal out there! We even had -50F actual temps last year. Idk how they survived but I want to help. I think they were going into a neighbors attic, but that hole has since been repaired.
Love these. Thanks for sharing. But several of my kitties are too big to fit through a 6" opening. And the finished inside size seems right for just one cat. They often want to cuddle with others, yes?
I appreciate the work these folks do, but those shelters look uncomfortably small, and what good does all that insulation do when there is a big gaping hole?
I've been unable to find the black tube with ridges with a 6in circumference. Home Depot & Lowes only have a 4in diameter. Where can I find one? Thank you
If you're driving through a rural town and you have a little time, you might want to stop a a store or gas station, etc., and ask if there is an Agway or other farm-type store nearby where you might be able to get straw. When I buy a bale I put it in a huge plastic bag and it stays dry, clean and together.
@@CheapandGreenCanada The reason I suggest asking is that our small farm and feed store is on the next street down from the main street in our little town and if you didn't live here you would drive right through without being aware of it.
I've seen some videos of similar shelters where they'll attach a loose flap over the entrance to keep the heat in, vs the weeping tile that you use, which makes more sense to me to keep it warmer. Do you think the ferals would be less inclined to enter them with the flap? If not what do you think would be the best material to use? I've also seen that some people use a roll of 16" x 25 ft double reflective insulation. I want to build some shelters but really need to keep the cost down, while providing adequate shelter. Which do you think would provide the best source of heat (along with straw), and the most affordable? One other thing, I've seen people purchase 2 bins, staggered in size and put hay between them as a form of insulation. At first that's what I was going to do, but now I wonder it they'll be warm enough. What do you think? By the way...love the cat hats! I've gotta get me one! Thanks for your help!
I used a flap on mine and all the cats go in. I did 1 tub doubled but then I have 2 that I did with just one tub with insulation sheets. I bought a pack of 6 long sheets for 8.00 at Lowe's which did 2 shelters. Then I put a foamy dish drying mat on top of the foam and then self warming mats because I have no straw (never use hay). They all stay in the single tub not in the double tub with insulation between the 2 tubs. I don't know why. There's evidence of usage in the double tub but I see the 3 older kitten siblings all come out of the single insulated tub when I go to feed them. Hope that helps
This seems lightweight. Will it not be a problem if there are strong winds or predator? Also, what about the lid....does it need to be secured down? Can it be knocked off from the wind or predators, such as a dog chasing the cat. Thanks.
It is pretty light weight. It should be located in a sheltered area out of strong winds and weather. I keep a large flagstone on top of mine to make sure the lid stays secure.
inamburney I think there are pros and cons to both. Two doors allows for better escape but it will be more drafty. I think if the shelter was in a sheltered area out of the wind, two might be a better choice.
What is the black piping called? Also, I saw in other videos that the bin should have two openings. One for escape, what are your thoughts on that? How do you entice the cat to enter the shelter...food, I assume but what if a skunk finds it first or a racoon? Could you send those men mu way? Sure could use some help! thank you.
Pat Riffe The black piping is called weeping tile. It's normally used to keep water away from foundations. I think two openings isn't a bad idea - you would compromise on the warmth if you put more openings but it might make cats feel safer. Food is definitely the enticement but yes, it can also attract wildlife. If you wait until the weather turns and raccoons and skunks are hibernating, you will have less trouble. Also positioning the shelter above the ground at cat jumping height will help. Make sure it's secure though!
I'm sorry I'm very opposed to snipping their ears! Do vets do that to all stray cats in the tnr program? Otherwise I love the cat shelters you all are making!
The clipping of ears is done so that people know the cats are cared for and have been fixed and given shots at least one course of shots. It's been a common practice for a long time now. Helps people know the cat has a history of medical care and is also being monitored, fed, etc.
Stephanie Bray They can be a problem with raccoons. I suggest placing it higher up - secured of course- so that cats have to jump to get in. Raccoons don't jump up like cats do.
I absolutely hate that word, feral. I am 57, seen alot of cats over the years. But taking care of a feral cat can be a challenge, but I on the average can have them human handle cuddle within a year. They are never really wild or they would not even come around our homes, but these colonies you people love to talk about are filled with horrible medical conditions on the average due to thier own interactions and enviroment. I dont like this and I know they dont like it. This should not be considered the solution to over population created how? if they are all getting spayed and neutered?
In our area, the colonies are closely monitored by volunteers and cats are trapped and spayed and neutered and vaccinated. Kittens are homed and any cat who appears friendly is homed (assessment is done during the health care intervention). It's not a perfect system at all, but it's a start. A perfect system would be a warm loving home for every cat and dog.
Love it. One flaw. There is no escape route in case a predator comes in. I am making a second exit and I am considering using see through plastic doggie door material for both entrance and exit. Thank you for all your dedication.
Love the cat beanies 😻!!! Thanks for helping the, Kittys by building these cat shelters!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I own 4 male cats that were all feral. About a year now, and they love me as much as I love them.
Crap. I just wasted money on my 4th attempt at these. You have better materials and info than I used but each one gets better. They are staying in mine so I must have done something right lol. TY for these great instructios
Barbi Button I’m sorry you’ve wasted materials. Hopefully you can salvage some of them. But great news a shelter is being used! Such a relief to have kitties staying warm and dry in the winter months.
You guys are great people! Thank you for your work!
Dave Hak Thank you!
God bless you for helping those poor cats
I suggest a square long box tunnel, three or four feet, leading to the box opening. More sense of privacy and guard against weather as well.
Bless you all for your loving action.
I have 8 feral cats in my patio, I been able to catch the mom and took it to animal control where they going to fix it (unfortunately she didn’t make it, when they were doing the surgery 🥺) I told them 12 more feral cats there (the ones I count though, they bring me some vouchers and tramps to catch them and take it to neuter/spay them.
So far I take 3 already 2 males and 1 female, there still 5 more to go 2 females and 3 males the other 4 passed I don’t know if a dogs stacked them (three of them) the other one I think was poisoned 😢 and one scape from the tramp in the clinic ( they put tramps at night to catch her, but she never returned 😢
I cry with the loss of each one because they can’t defend them selfs
Now I’m looking for tutorials to make some shelters for them and I love this one.
I feel so loved by them when I go outside and sit there and they start to come to me and rub them selfs on my leg, they start to trust me and let me to pet them, BUT NOT holding No no no they hazing me 😬 but everything little by little 🤷🏻♀️💖🐱🐈
Materials needed:
Large (100L) bin
Rigid insulation
Spray foam insulation
Weeping tile pipe
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Straw for bedding (not hay!)
Nice breakdown of Feral and Stray cats. You'd be surprised how many people I talk to that think "feral" means "they have rabies and are ready to attack you"
newspooiechannel That's terrible! Maybe we should coin a new term. Maybe "socialized" and "nonsocialized"?
Community cats.
perhaps one could also re-purpose a full size cooler ? it has the insulation part already provided so , i would think you could just cut hole and use a flap ? these coolers can be found at goodwill locations in my area for 4.99 .
petey twofinger That’s a very clever idea!
For the doorway cut a u-shape instead of circle and pull plastic out & then up to create roof over doorway/entrance. Turn tub on side and step on it to crease it so it will stay open enuf for cat to go in. cardboard box for inside box instead of plastic actually adds another layer of insulation. That's what homeless people use.
@@lynns3655 When using these for feral cats, they are often put in an uncovered location. Therefore the plastic is needed as shelter from the weather (e.g. rain/snow).
Pigeon Queen what kind of outside temperatures is this shelter good for?
I worry about below freezing temps here in Chicago. It’s brutal out there! We even had -50F actual temps last year. Idk how they survived but I want to help. I think they were going into a neighbors attic, but that hole has since been repaired.
2-26-2022
Love this idea. We get cats dropped of or run away. Anyway my house is the cat yard I grow cat nip and mint.
Well done ...love it good video..
Love these. Thanks for sharing. But several of my kitties are too big to fit through a 6" opening. And the finished inside size seems right for just one cat. They often want to cuddle with others, yes?
I appreciate the work these folks do, but those shelters look uncomfortably small, and what good does all that insulation do when there is a big gaping hole?
I've been unable to find the black tube with ridges with a 6in circumference. Home Depot & Lowes only have a 4in diameter. Where can I find one? Thank you
outdoor shelters must have a cat door for keeping inside warmer then outside.
If you're driving through a rural town and you have a little time, you might want to stop a a store or gas station, etc., and ask if there is an Agway or other farm-type store nearby where you might be able to get straw. When I buy a bale I put it in a huge plastic bag and it stays dry, clean and together.
Trenchant Sometimes Great idea!
@@CheapandGreenCanada
The reason I suggest asking is that our small farm and feed store is on the next street down from the main street in our little town and if you didn't live here you would drive right through without being aware of it.
I've seen some videos of similar shelters where they'll attach a loose flap over the entrance to keep the heat in, vs the weeping tile that you use, which makes more sense to me to keep it warmer. Do you think the ferals would be less inclined to enter them with the flap? If not what do you think would be the best material to use?
I've also seen that some people use a roll of 16" x 25 ft double reflective insulation. I want to build some shelters but really need to keep the cost down, while providing adequate shelter. Which do you think would provide the best source of heat (along with straw), and the most affordable?
One other thing, I've seen people purchase 2 bins, staggered in size and put hay between them as a form of insulation. At first that's what I was going to do, but now I wonder it they'll be warm enough. What do you think?
By the way...love the cat hats! I've gotta get me one!
Thanks for your help!
John17:17 KJV A flap would work as well.
I used a flap on mine and all the cats go in. I did 1 tub doubled but then I have 2 that I did with just one tub with insulation sheets. I bought a pack of 6 long sheets for 8.00 at Lowe's which did 2 shelters. Then I put a foamy dish drying mat on top of the foam and then self warming mats because I have no straw (never use hay). They all stay in the single tub not in the double tub with insulation between the 2 tubs. I don't know why. There's evidence of usage in the double tub but I see the 3 older kitten siblings all come out of the single insulated tub when I go to feed them. Hope that helps
Safety glasses too!
This seems lightweight. Will it not be a problem if there are strong winds or predator? Also, what about the lid....does it need to be secured down? Can it be knocked off from the wind or predators, such as a dog chasing the cat. Thanks.
It is pretty light weight. It should be located in a sheltered area out of strong winds and weather. I keep a large flagstone on top of mine to make sure the lid stays secure.
Great job! Some people speak of having two doors, which is better?
inamburney I think there are pros and cons to both. Two doors allows for better escape but it will be more drafty. I think if the shelter was in a sheltered area out of the wind, two might be a better choice.
Love this !
I'm so glad you got to see it!
How can buy the shelter to feline friends plz let me know I need to buy one for some stray cat roning around my backyard tku
to much noise in back ground can barely hear u
What is the black piping called? Also, I saw in other videos that the bin should have two openings. One for escape, what are your thoughts on that? How do you entice the cat to enter the shelter...food, I assume but what if a skunk finds it first or a racoon? Could you send those men mu way? Sure could use some help! thank you.
Pat Riffe The black piping is called weeping tile. It's normally used to keep water away from foundations. I think two openings isn't a bad idea - you would compromise on the warmth if you put more openings but it might make cats feel safer. Food is definitely the enticement but yes, it can also attract wildlife. If you wait until the weather turns and raccoons and skunks are hibernating, you will have less trouble. Also positioning the shelter above the ground at cat jumping height will help. Make sure it's secure though!
@@CheapandGreenCanada Another name for it is corrugated drain pipe.
Your link is broken. Not selling these anymore?
Vakaria thank you for the head’s up! It should be fixed now.
@@CheapandGreenCanada Great! Thank you!
Is this enough room for a cat?I'm thinking of ordering one
Zoe Dark There’s lots of room. And there’s different sizes of bins to choose from if size is a concern.
I'm sorry I'm very opposed to snipping their ears! Do vets do that to all stray cats in the tnr program? Otherwise I love the cat shelters you all are making!
The clipping of ears is done so that people know the cats are cared for and have been fixed and given shots at least one course of shots. It's been a common practice for a long time now. Helps people know the cat has a history of medical care and is also being monitored, fed, etc.
It’s really nice it’s hard for me to do them and I hear they sell them where can I buy couple???
I would recommend contacting your local shelter or rescue for information on where you might buy these.
Do you sell the outdoor cat shelters?
awesome
Who knows what the temperature in this shed is during a very cold winter?
abby mu that’s what I’m wondering too. Doubt it is sufficient for an arctic polar vortex.
Like to have one two
What is the thing you used to build the inner part of the cat house?
Insulating styrofoam.
Are these safe to use if you have raccoons in the area?
Stephanie Bray They can be a problem with raccoons. I suggest placing it higher up - secured of course- so that cats have to jump to get in. Raccoons don't jump up like cats do.
I put an exit in mine so they can escape if something shows up at their door.
and yes, I put mine on blocks on a pallet with an extra board that has rubber backing (subfloor pieces at Lowe's to keep it from slippage).
I built 2 of them last winter...the raccoons used 1 of them. Here the cats and raccoons get along. They all come up to the food bowl and eat together.
do you sell cat shelter?
Chanthaly Srathsavong To purchase a cat shelter, please contact Feline Friends at feline-friends.net/.
Cat hat
I absolutely hate that word, feral. I am 57, seen alot of cats over the years. But taking care of a feral cat can be a challenge, but I on the average can have them human handle cuddle within a year. They are never really wild or they would not even come around our homes, but these colonies you people love to talk about are filled with horrible medical conditions on the average due to thier own interactions and enviroment. I dont like this and I know they dont like it. This should not be considered the solution to over population created how? if they are all getting spayed and neutered?
In our area, the colonies are closely monitored by volunteers and cats are trapped and spayed and neutered and vaccinated. Kittens are homed and any cat who appears friendly is homed (assessment is done during the health care intervention). It's not a perfect system at all, but it's a start. A perfect system would be a warm loving home for every cat and dog.