ALLEY CAT RESCUE
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How to Construct a Basic Cat Shelter

Picture
Supplies You Will Need
 
• Sturdy cardboard box or plastic tote with lid (ideal size 24”L x 13”W x 15”H)
• Several thin pieces of Styrofoam (about 1/4” thick) or a small Styrofoam cooler
• Straw for bedding (do NOT use hay, blankets or towels!)
• Duct tape
• Utility knife
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Marker
 
Instructions
 
1. With the box or tote sitting on the ground, top up, draw a 6” circle in the center of one of the short sides of the box. Cut out the circle to create a door.
 
2. Duct tape the edges of the circle door for reinforcement and to protect the cat from being scratched by any rough edges.
 
3. Measure the Styrofoam pieces so they line the bottom and the walls of the box. Cut the pieces to size and use the duct tape to secure all pieces of Styrofoam to the inside of the box. You can also use a Styrofoam cooler that will fit inside of the box/tote. Cut an opening in the Styrofoam to match the door in the box.
 
4. If using a cardboard box, fold closed three of the top flaps (allowing one of the larger flaps to stand open), and duct tape the three flaps closed. One box top flap is left unsecured to allow for easy bedding changes. If using a plastic tote, simply remove the lid to change the bedding.
 
5. For a cardboard box, run strips of duct tape lengthwise along the bottom of the box to help waterproof the bottom. This may be done to each side of the box for extra protection. Also, cover the entire box with a plastic table cloth or tarp (secured by heavy rocks or bricks) to prevent water damage.
 
6. Use a wooden pallet or bricks to elevate the shelter up off of the ground; make sure it is sturdy and will not tip once a cat climbs inside.
 
7. Choose a secure location for the shelter, such as under a porch or in a bushーsomewhere the shelter is protected from the weather and not exposed to potential gusty winds.
 
8. Clean the shelter each spring and autumn by replacing the straw bedding. You may even want to sprinkle flea powder or other flea deterrent in the bottom of the shelter, before adding the bedding. Do not allow cats to lay directly in flea powder and always read product instructions prior to use.

Picture
For more detailed information, see Chapter 10 of our Guide to Managing Community Cats.
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  • Home
    • About ACR >
      • Our Team
      • History
      • Board of Directors
      • Email Sign-up
      • Financial Information
    • ACR in the Press
    • ACR Publications
    • Adoptions >
      • Adoption Application
      • Advice for Adopters
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Partnerships
  • Action Alerts
    • The Feral Fix
    • Spay Neuter Pledge
    • No Declaw Pledge
  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
  • Community Cats
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • Trap-Neuter-Return >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Resources
      • Introduce TNR to Your Shelter
      • Solutions to Common Complaints
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • Providing Shelter
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • How to Adopt Out Cats
    • Protecting Cats During Winter
    • Protecting Cats During Summer
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook 2023 Ed
  • Cat Health
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vet Care Financial Assistance
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • FeLV and FIV
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • FIP
      • Rabies
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Poisonous Hazards >
      • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Introducing Cats
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • AWC Photo Contest
  • Donate
  • Store