Winter Shelter for Feral Cats

plus where to buy shelters & straw in NYC

February 9, 2011

With a little help from their friends, feral cats can survive in just about any climate.  Just ask the folks advancing TNR in Toronto!  Providing warm, dry winter shelter is an essential part of colony caretaking in colder climates and now, as winter approaches, is the time to prepare.  Fortunately, there are lots of inexpensive, relatively simple ways to make good, durable shelter to keep the cats toasty on the coldest nights.  Check out our Feral Cat Winter Shelter page for ideas.  Also have a look at Preventing Water from Freezing.

Attention caretakers in the New York City area!  For a list of ready-made shelters for purchase as well as locations where you can buy straw, click here (pdf file).

Learn how to turn a two foot by eight foot sheet of Styrofoam into a heated feral cat cabin.  Or make a Rubbermaid bin with a thin Styrofoam lining and a few handfuls of straw into a winter haven.  Winter care for the cats can be fun and rewarding, especially when you're thinking of them on a long, cold night.