build an outdoor shelter for cats

materials list

• 1 large Rubbermaid storage container (I use the 29 gallon size "Roughneck").
• 1 medium Rubbermaid storage container (I use the 18 gallon size "Roughneck"). The medium container should fit inside the large container with about 1 inch of space on each side, top and bottom.
• Small straw bale (available at craft stores, Michael's has them year-round); or a portion of a large straw bale.
• Foam insulation board (available at Home Depot or Lowe's) OR additional straw for insulation
• Duct tape
• Utility knife
• Marking pen
• 6-8 inch circular item for tracing
• Optional: Small piece of solar pool cover material

directions

• Cut insulation board into pieces to line the inside bottom, top, and sides of the large Rubbermaid container.
• Place the insulation board on the bottom of the large container (or lay in a layer of straw) and place the medium Rubbermaid container into the large one.
• Insert the insulation board along the sides between the two containers (or fill the space with straw after cutting the hole in the next steps).
• Trace a 6-8" diameter circular entrance hole about half way up on one side (I put the entrance on one end of the long side).
• Cut through both containers and insulation board to create the entrance.
• Place duct tape around the entrance to hold all the layers in place and smooth any jagged edges.
• Place straw in the inner container (enough for the cats to burrow down in it (don't use blanket, towels, etc. as these tend to retain moisture if they get wet.)
• Put the lid on the inner container and top with more insulation board or straw.
• Put the lid on the outer container.
• For additional warmth you can cover the shelter with a piece of solar pool cover material.

finished shelters