Winter is no joke for feral cats. While we adore our indoor kitties snuggling under blankets and lounging near radiators, the reality for feral cats is far less cozy. Cold and wet weather can put their health at serious risk, but there’s good news for compassionate cat lovers—you can help! Creating DIY shelters for outdoor cats is an easy and affordable way to keep them safe and warm during the chillier months.
This article will walk you through simple, inexpensive DIY winter shelter ideas for community cats. By the end, you’ll feel ready to make a difference in their lives. Because every kitty, whether domesticated, stray, or feral, deserves a warm place to snooze.
Convert a Plastic Tote Into a Community Cat Winter Shelter
Got an old plastic tote? Turn it into a cozy winter retreat for outdoor cats. Cut a small hole for an entrance, line the inside with straw (skip blankets—they trap moisture), and secure the lid. For extra warmth, slide the tote into a larger one or add foam insulation.
Lift it off the ground with bricks or a pallet and point the entrance away from the wind. In no time, you’ve got a weatherproof cat house—and some grateful, unseen feline fans. See this Cat Tote Shelters for more information.
Add a Plastic flowerpot as a Doorway
This clever cat house idea from Bushwick Street Cats uses a sturdy storage tote for the main structure, but the real game-changer? A flowerpot doorway. It’s just the right size for cats to slip in while keeping snow and cold winds out.
Pick a flowerpot that doesn’t taper too much at the base—it’ll become the entrance. The rounded edges make it safer and cozier for furry visitors. Ready to build? Check out their DIY guide and start creating your stylish cat shelter.
Build a Two-Storage Bin Cat Shelter with Removable Lids
Another effective and practical design for feral and stray cats is this two-bin shelter from Paws Chicago. This setup uses two plastic storage bins with removable lids to create an insulated, easy-to-maintain shelter.
The key is to use straw as insulation between the two bins, providing extra warmth during cold weather. Thanks to the removable lid and roof, cleaning is a breeze—no need to take the whole structure apart. See how it’s done.
Add Insulation Foam Outside A Cardboard Box
Cardboard might not scream “insulation,” but it’s surprisingly good at trapping heat. Tape all the seams shut with duct tape to keep the cold air out. Wrap the box completely with insulation foam. Fewer seams mean less water sneaking in, so cut wisely. Want extra warmth? Double up! Place it inside a larger one, then stuff the gap with rolled-up newspaper.
Repurpose a Styrofoam Box into a Cozy Winter Cat Cabin
Got a spare Styrofoam shipping box? These insulated boxes, often used for shipping perishables or vaccines, make excellent winter shelters for feral cats. Here’s how you can turn one into a snug hideaway:
- Cut a doorway. Use a knife to carve an entrance on one side of the box. Keep it a few inches off the ground to prevent rain from sneaking in.
- Seal it up. Attach the lid to the box with silicone glue. This keeps it waterproof and warm, like a weatherproof cat fortress.
These boxes can comfortably house one or two cats, or more if you score a larger box. Whether you snag one from a supermarket or repurpose an old cooler, your feline friends will appreciate the effort. And who doesn’t want to be the cat hero of the neighborhood?
Wrap the box completely with the insulation covers to keep it intact and to provide extra insulation. Lift the shelter off the ground using pallets, bricks, or anything sturdy, no one wants a wobbly winter retreat!
Avoid using old fabrics like towels or blankets because they trap moisture, and if they get wet, they’ll freeze, turning the shelter into an icy trap. Instead, go for straw. Cats can burrow into it for warmth, and unlike hay, straw resists moisture, keeping the shelter dry and cozy. Hay might seem similar, but it holds onto moisture, leaving the shelter damp and chilly. Stick with straw—it’s the gold standard for insulation and bedding!
Paint it your favorite color. Ensure it’s elevated off the ground with bricks or wood to prevent moisture buildup.
Make An Outdoor Cat House Out of a Cardboard Box
Not everyone is a DIY expert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own shelter for outdoor or feral cats. A cardboard box is an affordable and easy material to work with. To prevent the cardboard boxes from getting wet, cover them in a heavy duty trash bag before adding insulation. Seal the sides of the larger box with some tape to prevent heat loss. Then, add tape to the top box to keep it in place.
Make something cute since they are always sitting out in your house.
