How To Build An Outdoor Cat Shelter

How To Build An Outdoor Cat Shelter


If you have a cat that spends most of its time outdoors, or you want to provide a warm, dry spot for neighbourhood strays, here’s an easy DIY shelter you can make with just a couple supplies and an hour of your time.

You can make several variations of this cosy shelter, depending on the supplies you already have around your home or what you can afford to buy, but here’s what you need.

  • Two nested containers: Whether they’re plastic crates, cardboard boxes wrapped in duct tape, or a plastic box and a styrofoam cooler, one container needs to be small enough to fit inside the other. You also need access to the inside of both containers.
  • Insulation: You can use shredded paper, old clothing or bedding, or mylar blankets. You want materials that will fit in the space between the two containers and that will keep the cat warm.
  • Bedding: A blanket or towel to act as bedding for the cat. You may want to switch this out over time so it doesn’t get too dirty or moldy.
  • A platform: An optional addition is to create a platform that will elevate the shelter off the ground so the cat stays warmer and no water seeps in. You can make this from planks of scrap wood, large rocks, or even an old welcome mat or foam padding mat. Whatever you use, you want it to be a flat, stable surface for the shelter to rest on.

Cut a cat sized opening in the side of both containers, making sure they line up. Use duct tape to secure the two containers together at the entrance. The duct tape should also reinforce the opening.

Place an even layer insulation on the bottom of the larger container and put the smaller container inside. Add insulation around the smaller container until the gap between the two containers’ walls is filled. Put the bedding inside the smaller container and seal it closed. Seal the larger container closed. Check out the video above for step-by-step visual instructions.

DIY Outdoor Cat Shelter [What We Made (YouTube)]


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