How to Build a Winter Shelter for Street Cats?

This video shows a step by-step-guide how to construct a shelter out of a simple list of household items. Thank you to EK Park and Greg Mount from Pasada Media for creating this video.
If we all help a little, the world will be a better place!

Пікірлер: 213

  • @johnvaldes8725
    @johnvaldes87252 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for what you do for those poor felines who are homeless. God bless you people!

  • @SewLambitious
    @SewLambitious4 жыл бұрын

    Be sure that the shelters are high enough off the ground so that snow does not drift in. Also, be sure to secure them in a way so that they do not blow over - or around the area in fierce winds. It is ideal to make a rain shelter to fit over a set or condo of shelters to cut down on wind & leaks. 3 sides of plywood with a roof of some sort (corrogated tin or more plywood). Paint the plywood with a type that can withstand outdoor elements to help it last longer. Be sure to secure that rain/wind barrier to the gound as well. Ask lumberyard or hardware employees for suggestions.

  • @jmonc3163
    @jmonc31632 жыл бұрын

    brillant thanks for sharing my parents live near Atlanta and have a small colony in their backyard. Even though we live in the deep south I think it is a good idea to give them shelter on the back deck. They feed them daily and let them in the house occasionally but they are still feral. One thing Chicago did and it is a brillant idea is they adopted out semi feral cats to city dwellers to get rid of rats. It worked like a charm. Chicago has the biggest rat problem in all of the US according the Terminix Pest Control. It turns out the people who adopted them kept them outside with a cat house similiar to yours and fed and watered them daily. I did not know this but the video said that just the smell of cat uring and cat poop kept the rats away!!! WOW!!! I am so glad that I watched the video. It was a win/win scenario for the homeowners and the semi feral cats. They vetted the cats and spay/neutered them before adopting them out. Sort of a city version of a barn cat.

  • @norasupernova
    @norasupernova Жыл бұрын

    This was SO HELPFUL!! We had a freezing advisory here tonight and I finished the shelter for my favorite stray just in time!! He greeted me outside all wet and cold, I helped him warm up and dry off, and he LOVES his new little shelter. Thank you so much for posting such a helpful and straightforward video, keep up the great work!!! ❤️

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank YOU for caring and helping your little stray friend!!! We're so glad this was helpful. Thank you!

  • @gabriellaciampini1390
    @gabriellaciampini13904 жыл бұрын

    I made one last night because I was worried in the drop in temperatures! It was extremely easy (even added a cat door)! Thanks for caring for feral cats ... your humanity is contagious.

  • @sharonmurphy3350
    @sharonmurphy33508 жыл бұрын

    I'm happy to say there are no feral cats where I live now. But when I lived in the country there were so many feral cats it was heart breaking. So what I decided to do was to leave the garage door up a few inches. That garage was loaded with stuff and it even had a couple of bales of straw in there so I knew the cats would be able to find lots of warm spots to sleep in. I have no idea how many cats lived in there in the winters but there were always lots of different cats around. When I sold the house I told the new owners about this practice and they continued it as long as they were living there also.

  • @aysiaromero885

    @aysiaromero885

    8 жыл бұрын

    same

  • @baszt

    @baszt

    7 жыл бұрын

    such a great and admirable attitude... cheers!

  • @donnadoram4259

    @donnadoram4259

    7 жыл бұрын

    Sharon, I live in the city and I've done the same thing, leave my garage window slightly open. I put a bale of straw in card board boxes and attached some of them on top of each other since they like to climb. I also put a 30 lb bag of dry food in a box when we have a deep snow. I think they're pretty comfortable. My colony is 15, all spayed and neutered. Good luck!!

  • @criketduke8401

    @criketduke8401

    6 жыл бұрын

    +Donna Doram only a few of us take care of ferals. i care for 21 of them. all have been fixed. they stay on my screen in porch and in garage. if ppl cant afford to have ferals fixed, call rescue cat places and see if they will TNR the ferals for you. some rescue shelters will even provide food if you are caring for a colony. i just do all of it myself. i bought 3 humane traps (true catch traps) on line and trap them and take to a place called KAAWS. They charge $60 to fix a feral. i live in Houston TX. Help ferals and abandoned domesticated cats if you can. some rescue shelters will even let you borrow traps.

  • @lynns3655

    @lynns3655

    5 жыл бұрын

    Not sure about the comment "only a few of us take care of Ferals" I run a trap depot for Arizona's state wide TNR program run by Animal Defense league. We supply traps & resources for vet appts. on a daily basis thru out our whole state. I have been involved in trapping spaying & neutering ferals,strays,and homeless pet cats for over 25 yrs.. This is a really huge nationwide crisis. It's heart wrenching to see the number of homeless animals of all kinds in our country. THX to all those who help these animals.@@criketduke8401

  • @triciaaw4539
    @triciaaw45394 жыл бұрын

    Gald I found this. A few people are asking me - the Crazy FOR Cats Lady - How-To I'm glad the people around here are FINALLY starting to help these sweet homeless cats

  • @sheilasmith1109
    @sheilasmith11096 ай бұрын

    I really like your use of the foam board instead of the rolled reflective, bubble type! Interesting point, re the use of a piece of drain tile tunnel for entry. I found most feral cats won't use though, unless there's 2 openings! Escape is always on a cat's plan! Excellent loving help for beautiful creatures ❤!

  • @aonghus7759
    @aonghus77598 ай бұрын

    Thanks you gentle folks. Found some of the materials for this today, winter is mild so far in Ireland but currently neutering my colony and feel bad for stripping some of their natural insulation, so have to give back!

  • @debilynn1101
    @debilynn11017 жыл бұрын

    When the neighbor moved they left their cat, and unfortunately, we can't bring him inside so I've been researching outdoor cat habits before winter hits. This video is of the better ones I've seen. Thank you for taking the time to make and share it.

  • @perryjones8997

    @perryjones8997

    2 жыл бұрын

    i hope your neighbors rot in hell.

  • @lorraineliebler9479

    @lorraineliebler9479

    Жыл бұрын

    Hate when people leave their pets first of all they are family not pets!!!

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @redeemed5554
    @redeemed55545 жыл бұрын

    Just lovely. Nice to see humanity and compassion at it's best. God bless these nice folk's.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the kind words :)

  • @dongato6838
    @dongato68385 жыл бұрын

    It's getting cold again and we get cats in our yard that could use these. Thanks so much for this great tutorial. Can't wait to give the neighborhood cats a cozy place to rest in.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for caring enough to look this information up. Glad to know you are part of the solution!

  • @almaalvarado9540
    @almaalvarado95402 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tutorial. I'll be making one for a cat that I've seen on my patio for the last 2 nights. Raining season is coming and I would like to provide some kind of shelter. It seems very easy to make.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh how wonderful of you!! Thank you so much for caring!

  • @rayaquossous7337
    @rayaquossous73378 жыл бұрын

    Totally doing it as for I am soo sensitive against animals in a way that I can't see cats or any animals being abused or cold or what ever so will do this bcZ I really love cats and animals thx for posting

  • @HighOnTheSound
    @HighOnTheSound6 жыл бұрын

    Just happens to see this, I made one of these a few months ago . I have a steady colony here. Some do get adopted if they are younger and after they are trapped and fixed but some get released back after being fixed. Im looking to make another one or two , and am thinking about making a larger shelter to put on my property. Right now we are being blasted by a big snowstorm with heavy winds which makes me constantly worry about my furry friends. Thanks for spreading the word about how to make these! Feral cats need some love too! Keep up the great work!

  • @wilasambolin
    @wilasambolin5 жыл бұрын

    Just awesome guys THANKS FOR EVEYTHING THAT DO FOR FERAL CATS😻😻GOD BLESS YOU GUYS

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the very kind words :)

  • @sammysworld5485
    @sammysworld54854 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the best tutorials I’ve seen. Very easy step by step instructions.

  • @atlenwoods7566
    @atlenwoods75663 жыл бұрын

    God bless and keep thank you for helping those cats

  • @myheartisinjapan3184
    @myheartisinjapan31846 ай бұрын

    Wonderful…I have boil many of these for my colony outside. Thank you.

  • @HoneyBeesKneesPLZ
    @HoneyBeesKneesPLZ4 жыл бұрын

    Great tutorial! Using some of these tips for cat shelters I’m working on now. Cold front about to hit in Texas. A lot of strays in my neighborhood. They thank you ☺️

  • @tubeyou126226
    @tubeyou1262264 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your video! It's very helpful so actually see the DIY procedures. Thank you for your work to help feral cats!

  • @SewLambitious
    @SewLambitious4 жыл бұрын

    I want to thank you for making this GREAT video! I pray many people share it to help many communities start getting involved with feral communities and people in neighborhoods start setting great exaples for others to follow!

  • @davidknapp5224
    @davidknapp52245 жыл бұрын

    Good people doing good things!

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @connieurbina4270
    @connieurbina42703 жыл бұрын

    I love it!!! Thank you so much I will do that for my stray kittys. God bless you and Happy holidays.

  • @lisamitchell4552
    @lisamitchell45528 жыл бұрын

    Another reason to love Canada ,you guys are awesome,so compassionate and giving. I am a feral Cat caretaker too.

  • @patfiore7510

    @patfiore7510

    5 жыл бұрын

    Why hasn't anyone put these cat shelters on the market there's a lot of people out here that want to buy these things and can't make them or don't have the tools we like to buy them for the feral cats somebody invent something and put it on the market

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@patfiore7510 our group does sell them (for $15). But we are an all volunteer group so don't have the resources for any sort of mass marketing etc. The details re where/how to get them from us is on the following page of our website: torontostreetcats.com/need-a-feral-cat-shelter/

  • @janicecooper3088
    @janicecooper30888 жыл бұрын

    What a great idea! Very affordable, great for the kitties :) Thank-you for the video.

  • @Teddietonbear23
    @Teddietonbear236 жыл бұрын

    Excellent I'm going to make one the weekend with the kids X

  • @criketduke8401

    @criketduke8401

    6 жыл бұрын

    be sure the houses are up off the ground and once ferals get use to it, cover the opening (s) with a thick pc of plastic. not only will ferals feel safe, but also will prevent tom cats spraying inside house. if you care for tomcat ferals, he will ruin the houses by spraying them all down inside and out. either trap the ferals and get them fixed or ask a cat rescue program for help.

  • @lavedahernandez7844
    @lavedahernandez78444 жыл бұрын

    I have 7 ferrsls that I feed. I made 2 shelters with cat heat pads. Im hoping they will share. I cant put anymore heaters in this old house without an overload. Bless all my babies.

  • @OzzicatAu
    @OzzicatAu10 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing! xx Natalie

  • @patrickcornell6730
    @patrickcornell67306 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoy your outside cat shelters and all your tips on a cat's I have 12 cats my own and I'll try to take care of why I got some of my grandmother's and some of my house and I try to take care of him also God bless and I'm praying for you God bless

  • @madeinjapan6888
    @madeinjapan68884 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing kind wonderful blesseds! I too help set up spay neuter returns! I will try this housing units! Love you continue please!

  • @abbymu916
    @abbymu9165 жыл бұрын

    Great idea, I am going to make some for street cats.

  • @jacksmith3189
    @jacksmith31895 жыл бұрын

    Good information Thanks I’ll give it a try

  • @mommyandmissy
    @mommyandmissy4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. God bless you guys.

  • @chuvanocamp
    @chuvanocamp7 жыл бұрын

    Love is eeeeeeeeevery thing! Thank you so much!

  • @irkallaLustre
    @irkallaLustre4 жыл бұрын

    thank you for your important work.

  • @David-hm4vh
    @David-hm4vh4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the ideas.

  • @sheilaalexander7324
    @sheilaalexander73244 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I am making 2 this week :)

  • @Freestyle420z
    @Freestyle420z5 жыл бұрын

    This is exactly what I needed!!!! Thank you so much!!!

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    that's so excellent to hear! Thank YOU for getting involved and helping the cats :)

  • @cactusjane4737

    @cactusjane4737

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@tsc3930 where can I get straw?

  • @keithwilson6060
    @keithwilson60607 жыл бұрын

    I just let the feral cats take over my house and I live in the shed.

  • @redeemed5554

    @redeemed5554

    5 жыл бұрын

    LOL!!! 😂😂😂

  • @kaylissamarie

    @kaylissamarie

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha...i can relate!! That comment was priceless. ♡♡♡

  • @auntie9077

    @auntie9077

    5 жыл бұрын

    lol

  • @shiningones6765

    @shiningones6765

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yep....feel like I should be sitting in the shed with them :)

  • @topaze221

    @topaze221

    4 жыл бұрын

    I believe you.

  • @lindaescalera9081
    @lindaescalera90816 жыл бұрын

    Thank u for the tips me my self has cats and they like to be outside and every time they come into the house they are very cold so I thank u and maybe I can do that for my cats☺

  • @sylvannaacosta401
    @sylvannaacosta4013 жыл бұрын

    Good Job that’s Amazing!

  • @dorisrios2424
    @dorisrios24246 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much your a great help.

  • @luiselladebiasio6098
    @luiselladebiasio60986 жыл бұрын

    grazie per il video. Bellissima idea.

  • @almerfudge
    @almerfudge9 ай бұрын

    Great Job

  • @vgil1278
    @vgil12786 жыл бұрын

    if you put two holes in it, they won't be able to get warm. the entrance holes are huge. I don't put two in and only once in several years did a strange cat get in. what an uproar!

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent point (the two entrance discussion is very common)

  • @topaze221
    @topaze2214 жыл бұрын

    Very nice video.

  • @frankbullitt4556
    @frankbullitt45565 жыл бұрын

    Great idea.

  • @cheakychic1
    @cheakychic14 жыл бұрын

    I have alot of out buildings and made cat houses and put them in the buildings most are open enough for cats to get into buildings the small houses just make them a little more cozy and warm in the cold temperatures

  • @franscene23
    @franscene232 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much

  • @ladyt3579
    @ladyt35793 жыл бұрын

    I wish you guys could sell this ready-made so I could just buy it. Now there's an idea!! Hope you take the hint!

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    3 жыл бұрын

    We actually do! But the big question is, do you live close enough to get one from us (we’re Toronto see this page of our website torontostreetcats.com/need-a-feral-cat-shelter/ )

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    The durafoam is not so good in high humidity. If it is really cold and DRY there is that benefit of the insulation. We ended up covering a corner section and ceiling with cardboard panels leaving the other corner section, incl. with the durafoam so there could still be some reflective value from the other 2 sides left with . For one cat using it might be fine if they are breathing and creating condensation towards the entrance opening. With 2cats or if there is rain and humidity, all this extra airtight insultion just creates extra condensation and actually ends up being colder due to dampness. The straw as a dessicant helps as does the cardboard overlay. Remember those "waterproof" unbreathable nylon coats in the 90's where you sweated and then got chilled. Same thing. The plain styrofoam is good enough for walls. Even in our large wooden cat house that was insulated with styrofoam, the upper area peak of roof inside where heat rose to showed signs of mold and we had to create vent holes that were opposite each other. Just BE AWARE that you need to consider humidity and warm bodies/sweating with some kind of air circulation (like in a tiny home with an air recovery exchange system). Perhaps a design with a small venting hole?? That might create too much of draft. . . I dont know. Solution for now was using the 2panel cardboardwalls and ceiling and NOT having the durafoam on the bottom -just plain styrofoam and straw. Or maybe just ONLY having durofoam only on the bottom wouldwork, as the key is to have feet warm so everything else is warm and then some kind of breathable and absorbable walls like styrofoam and cardboard?

  • @irkallaLustre
    @irkallaLustre4 жыл бұрын

    God bless you.

  • @clementinemonroe717
    @clementinemonroe7174 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I made one for outside mouser

  • @tombclimbing
    @tombclimbing Жыл бұрын

    Thank you 🙏

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    Жыл бұрын

    ❤️

  • @terrietackett8964
    @terrietackett89645 жыл бұрын

    I bought a 105 year old home, and it came with a contingency of feral cats. I was worried about them keeping warm this winter. I'll put a few of these out....

  • @auntie9077
    @auntie90775 жыл бұрын

    So glad i saw this video....I've seen a few videos....living in NYC we get snow drifts that bank up against my backyard door leaving me unable to help feed the 4 feral altered cats ....i am about build a shelter for them as i found one in my fire pit!!! WHATS THE BEST AREA AND DIRECTION to place the house

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    It all depends on where the shelter is placed. Ideally the shelter would be placed on firm ground (so that it doesn't rock back and forth), in a low traffic area (cats like privacy) and with the entrance facing away from the way the wind blows (to try to reduce the amount of wind that will blow into the shelter). Hope that helps.

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    The paper towel lining the test bin was slightly damp,but at least not raining off the Durafoam walls

  • @lovinamcneil9366
    @lovinamcneil93662 жыл бұрын

    ThankQ....

  • @frannycastano
    @frannycastano7 жыл бұрын

    thanks!

  • @joewhiteman9462
    @joewhiteman94627 жыл бұрын

    I would like to see him cut that hole with a circular saw!ha

  • @firesign4297
    @firesign4297 Жыл бұрын

    Great 🤗but they need a ... Predator Escape hole...so TWO Holes is best.😊

  • @lanettemartindale3967
    @lanettemartindale3967 Жыл бұрын

    Would a peel and stick puck light add warmth?

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    Looking at thermal insoles and even they say to insert into footwear with metallic side down - FACING AWAY from the foot. I triedboth ways and my feet were cold when the metallic side facing up towards the foot. Same principle must apply to the construction of these shelters. The metallic side facing towards the cat increases cold and condensation. Nix the Durafoam. I am going back and lining all mine with carboard over the foam

  • @pgreenx
    @pgreenx3 жыл бұрын

    Do you need an escape hatch?

  • @WanderingNature
    @WanderingNature3 жыл бұрын

    AWSOME

  • @steventate9276
    @steventate92767 ай бұрын

    Is straw with tackifier good or bad?

  • @MaryLou913
    @MaryLou9136 ай бұрын

    Why use the tubing for the opening instead of leaving the hole bare? Just curious.

  • @fahads_artwork
    @fahads_artwork4 жыл бұрын

    What are that huge plastic boxes and how can I get them?

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    Where is that heat and moisture when cold air meets hot body in an enclosed spacesupposed to go?

  • @hunterx8736
    @hunterx87364 жыл бұрын

    awsome

  • @AzzaAli-rq5mv
    @AzzaAli-rq5mv8 ай бұрын

    🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰

  • @MiladaKaiser
    @MiladaKaiser Жыл бұрын

    People usually only cut the opening. No tube. What happens if the box is knocked on the side with the cat inside?. No escape.

  • @CPTDUNSEL1701
    @CPTDUNSEL17012 жыл бұрын

    It is recommended that cat shelters have an escape hatch as well

  • @georgcantor7172
    @georgcantor71726 жыл бұрын

    Are drainage holes needed? I've watched other videos and read instructions from other sites, and some recommend drilling drainage holes in all four bottom corners of the tote to let liquid drain out. Some also recommend inserting a PVC pipe with a T-connector on the lid as an air-vent. Is an air-vent needed? or is the entrance hole adequate for ventilation?

  • @franscene23

    @franscene23

    2 жыл бұрын

    I wish someone answered your questions. I was wondering the same

  • @denoca3261
    @denoca32619 ай бұрын

    I can't seem to find a 7 inch corrugated tube such as yours at either Lowes or Home Depot. Can you send me a link to a site that carries such a tube? Many thanks!

  • @rhondatalley518
    @rhondatalley5184 жыл бұрын

    Do you ever send these out? I have a mama and 5 kittens that just showed up, I havent fed but lady across street feeds but shes not doing anything else for them.. Im not phyically or financially capeable to do this as medical issues. I have made arrangements for catch and release for them to get fixed and shots. ???

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    To demonstrate the negative impact of foil lined airtight Durafoam shelters, take a baked potato to represent heat radiating from a body and put inside the shelter. Condensation will form on the walls making it damp. Think why some tiny homes built airtight and without an air exchange system are experiencing mold. Or when in your car getting condensation inside the windows. We dont have this problem when using plywood (plain foam backed) which is a natural dessicant. So all those kitty houses - which we noticed after a few weeks of this variable weather were not being used - are going to be relined over the Durafoam with cardboard or double lined paper yard and leaf bags to help with moisture absorption. Not sure if they will be damp. Any other suggestions to salvage these shelters, please advise/post.

  • @melaniejf4191

    @melaniejf4191

    Жыл бұрын

    If you line with cardboard around the inside, won't the walls be used like scratching posts? I thought the straw and opening would keep the moisture in check. Is this not so? Did your experiment with the baked potato include the straw and the 7" opening? Doesn't plywood contain off-gassing adhesives that are bad to breath in?

  • @marymccarthy5179
    @marymccarthy51795 жыл бұрын

    When you have done all this how do you get a feral cat to enter the box please..?

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    We put this tip sheet together (and include it with every shelter we sell). Hopefully it helps encourage the cat to use the shelter. torontostreetcats.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/tsc-shelter-tips-jan2017.pdf

  • @paulhester2588

    @paulhester2588

    4 жыл бұрын

    Place some tuna in small bowl and put it inside the shelter. They will go in.

  • @dbarnard52
    @dbarnard527 жыл бұрын

    Your houses are nice, but you need 2 holes an in and a out so if an animal should come in they can get out. So that they aren't trapped inside.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Check out this page. It's been written by someone who's spent many years in TNR and now builds shelters for cats. It's very interesting and provides a very different perspective on this thought (re a second exit) www.feralvilla.com/The-Myth-of-the-Emergency-Exit_ep_43.html

  • @rhondalees4

    @rhondalees4

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kind of defeats the purpose of being warm if a draft blows thru.

  • @sylviamccann3091
    @sylviamccann30912 жыл бұрын

    Watching this video I see they use straw.I was once told straw gives cats worms.Use hay instead.Can anyone tell me the correct filler?

  • @giakate2
    @giakate25 жыл бұрын

    How do you get the durafoam to stay in place on the inside?

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    We use duct tape to seal the pieces together. We make sure that all the sides line up properly and then that's when the duct tape comes in!

  • @tamikonoel3278
    @tamikonoel32785 жыл бұрын

    She looks like Eileen warner but good idea I’m gonna do this for my farm cats.

  • @oldfarmshow
    @oldfarmshow Жыл бұрын

    👍👍

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    Жыл бұрын

    ❤️

  • @kattrakee
    @kattrakee3 жыл бұрын

    How many cats can live in a large tote? There are hundreds of feral cats in my neighborhood I’m going to hurry up and before summer is over and makes several of these warming homes and put them underneath the crawlspace in the house next-door and hope that it helps the cats this year keep warm. They generally go under the houses in the neighborhood to get warm in winter but I don’t know how they manage. For nine years lived here six of those years I have fed and watered and loved the ferrules yet they still are wild and very wrong to go to the harsh winter in Michigan here in the USA. I am not too technical and don’t have a lot of money but it looks like I may be able to manage to build the warming house is that you show here without any problem and place them in the crCrawl space in the house next-door to me which is not currently occupied on one end . Last year was brutal here as always but it seemed even more so as we had ice storms rain sleet and snow and not just snow to worry about hoping the cats could make their way . I put food and water out several times a day of winter on my porch but the winter winds ice and snow still hindered me ; still , I try but my land lord is totally against me helping the cats at all and has been all these years I have been here, and I am always being threatened with eviction for helping the cats, also the majority of the neighborhood people are totally against helping the cats they hate them and they hate me for helping them so I have a difficult time trying to help the poor cats 😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭because they have no one else. In a few months ago someone poisoned the water I had put out for the cat so now I’m not able to do that and I had to thanks to one graciousness neighbor , put cat food under her house for the cats but I can’t be too obvious about it because of the poisonings and because of the landlord. But I have been worried so much about the cats with this coming winter so I’m going to try these shelters you have shown on this video is to God that they help. Thank you very much for posting please say a prayer for the cats here and thank you for helping the ones that you help where you live🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

  • @gianabasi9780

    @gianabasi9780

    3 жыл бұрын

    I hope you continue to help your cats. Greetings from Italy.

  • @kattrakee

    @kattrakee

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@gianabasi9780 Thank you ⭐️

  • @lucygonzalez9981
    @lucygonzalez9981 Жыл бұрын

    Does anyone know where I can find the foam and the tunnel?

  • @melaniejf4191

    @melaniejf4191

    Жыл бұрын

    It depends where you live. In North America, look in big hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's or Ace Hardware.

  • @shigsho
    @shigsho5 жыл бұрын

    TUBE ENTRANCE very important to keep out dogs and coyotes!

  • @priesteresmarietje4772
    @priesteresmarietje47725 жыл бұрын

    You can order 10 lbs of straw from Amazon.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    thanks for the info. we actually found a "supplier" through Kijiji (at a very good cost) and each batch of straw has been of excellent quality.

  • @shellyortiz1977
    @shellyortiz19772 жыл бұрын

    I never had cats now I have two of my own and now I want to help the feral cats I made one from a box but I want to make it better warm home for them I'm a cat lady now

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for caring and doing something to help them!!

  • @Pashasmom1
    @Pashasmom15 жыл бұрын

    I have 3 feral kittens, about 6 months old now. I am disabled and alone so I couldn't make a house for them. I bought a Dogloo dog house and put it up on an old coffee table and covered it with a tarp so that rain and snow won't get in. I stuffed it with old blankets before it got cold. It was very hard for me to do all of that by myself. Now someone told me I should put wool blankets in the shelter to prevent mold. I did not get straw. Will they be ok with the blankets? They are using the Dogloo, they have nowhere else to go. Will this be ok?

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for doing all that for them! How wonderful of you. However, technically blankets aren't good for them. When blankets get wet they stay wet - and if you live in an area that gets cold/snow, then the blankets will simply become wet, and freeze (which negates the whole effort of trying to keep them warm). IF you can get access to straw please do - it's absolutely the best at keeping animals warm and dry (it reflects back their body heat and dries quickly). I admit I can't speak to wool and if it dries quickly - if you can find folks to confirm that it does dry quickly and won't stay wet/freeze during wet/cold weather then I guess it's a better substitute for blankets. But most definitely, during cold/wet weather, blankets won't be effective. Hope this helps and again, thank you so much for helping these kittens.

  • @Pashasmom1

    @Pashasmom1

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@tsc3930 Thank you so much for your reply. There is a place near me that sells straw, I am trying to find someone who can remove the blankets and put the straw in for me. Physically I cannot do it. And I do live in an area that gets very cold/snow and freezing rain. Hopefully I can find someone soon. Thank you again.

  • @mjolnirplissken7032
    @mjolnirplissken70323 жыл бұрын

    its impoirtant for people to know that these materials can be acquired for free with a little diligence and patience. I ask people for disregarded materials after i tell them why i am there - they are usually happy to send me off with something.

  • @Pashasmom1
    @Pashasmom15 жыл бұрын

    Can you recommend a heating pad that wont get wet? I have a large Dog Igloo up on an old coffee table, covered with a doubled tarp that sheilds the entrance from wind, rain, and blowing snow. Its stuffed with straw, but I was wondering if a heating pad would help. Would it go under the straw? There is an electrical outlet right by the shelter. I have 3 nine month old feral kittens Their mother disappeared long ago.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    That's a tough call. And there are different sides to the debate. My personal feeling is not to mix electricity with straw. i.e to have an electrical wire / outlet near such flammable material such as straw makes me very uncomfortable (that being said, we have not been made aware of any circumstances when something went wrong in a scenario like this). While others think it's acceptable. However, those that do it do make sure to wrap the heating pad in a blanket so that the cat's body doesn't touch the heat directly (for fear that they could be burned). I am sorry we can't give you a black and white response but this is one of those many situations where it's a personal decision made on what you feel comfortable with.

  • @Pashasmom1

    @Pashasmom1

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@tsc3930 Thank you so much for taking time to reply. They survived 3 sub zero days/nights so I think they will be ok. I feed them a mix of dry cat food, canned cat food, and warmed chicken broth. I have also boiled fish heads, removed the bones, and give them the broth and the deboned fish along with the dry and canned food. They love that. Sometimes I will throw in a little bit of shredded cheese for extra protein. They are chubby and seem to be healthy. Thank you again for your response.

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@Pashasmom1 wow! They are spoiled (which is wonderful to hear). Thanks so much for caring for them. The fact that are chubby and seem healthy are a testament to your care.

  • @Pashasmom1

    @Pashasmom1

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@tsc3930 I just wish I could catch them and have them fixed, at least. They come close to me and act like they want to be petted but when I slowly extend my hand they back away. I have asked several people and rescues to help me trap them, but nobody responds. So all I can do is make sure they have good food, hydration, and 2 safe and dry places to sleep. Wish I could show you a picture of them.

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    What is dimension of the opening and tube??

  • @FoxySonia

    @FoxySonia

    Жыл бұрын

    6"

  • @reginaworthey1401
    @reginaworthey14012 жыл бұрын

    What is purpose of tunnel? Keep drafts out?

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    2 жыл бұрын

    The tube serves a couple of purposes. To hopefully keep larger critters out but more importantly, like you suggested, to help keep cold air out. Thanks for asking

  • @lindadaniels5866
    @lindadaniels58663 жыл бұрын

    I don't understand the tip sheet inside the shelter. Who is going to read it?

  • @rlee26
    @rlee264 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely do NOT use the durafoam. We built 5 just like these and there were problems with condensation (literally the walls were weeping when the weather changed) and the foil facing in became as good as a freezer when it was super cold -15 and beyond. If there is no heat source, SOME "insulators" dont work! *So when a cat is already cold and their body temp drops while sleeping you have essentially sentenced them to die in a freezer as the foil lines ones just become an insulated deep freezer*. Plain styrofoam is best . AND We also have used/pinned/taped about 4 layers of heavy upholstery with polyester (doesn't freeze as repels water) fabric that is cut in slits up from the bottom almost to the top into 2 inch wide strips. Even on the entrances of our heated shelters to cut out the draft and wind, so that it swings closed as they go in and out. I have even cut a slit into a heavy fabric covering (trim/finished the slit with duct tape and so it remains open a bit, but can be pushed open (not for cats that don't know how to use entrances that "look" closed). Mind you we need to replace those strips of fabric yearly as they can transmit ear mites or head lice/fleas, etc. or lightly dust with diatomaceous earth on a regular basis.

  • @lorraineliebler9479
    @lorraineliebler9479 Жыл бұрын

    So the silver part faces the inside Home Depot told faces outside does it matter?

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi there. Admittedly I am unaware how this insulation is used in homes but for our purposes you put the shiny side facing in so that it reflects the heat from the cat back onto the cat. Hope this helps!

  • @lorraineliebler9479

    @lorraineliebler9479

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you I’m wondering if you could use that stuff you wrap around you when it’s bitter cold it’s like a silver blanket it might be called something like Mylar seen one lady cutting it up for cat shelters.

  • @bowyo3105
    @bowyo31058 жыл бұрын

    Where do I buy durafoam

  • @tsc3930

    @tsc3930

    5 жыл бұрын

    I guess it depends on where you live. Go to Home Depot and they have sheets of all types of similar sheeting - we use ones that are 3/4" thick

  • @rhondalees4
    @rhondalees44 жыл бұрын

    We are going to try lining with carboard or creatinga vent. We tested this by microwaving a potato in plastic container that had a bottom cavity, one vented and one sealed amd also putting paper towel on the top covering lid. The potato heating represents a warm body heating. The plastic the potato was sitting onwas wet with condensation. The cavity below with a venting hole was goodand so was having the paper towel in the lidcovering the potato (representing cardboard or other absorbable natural material). Please consider the condensation issue in these Durafoam materials. I was horrified to realize they had worse "shelter" because of it.

  • @FoxySonia

    @FoxySonia

    Жыл бұрын

    I think that the straw will absorb the condensation.

  • @michelesinclair4360
    @michelesinclair43602 жыл бұрын

    Maybe two entry ways would be better, one for escape if there might be an intruder. I had one of these on my drive way for years, never had any evidence that an animal used it, maybe they dont feel safe without an easy escape hatch.