How to Make Outdoor Kittens Warmer in the Winter

Kittens are bright, playful and lovable bundles of fun that steal the hearts of animal lovers around the world. These fuzzy bundles show up in large litters from spring through fall, ready to go home with new owners and start new lives. Cats are free-spirited creatures, though, and sometimes go wild, or feral, to live on their own. If a feral cat has kittens in your garden or garage during the winter and you're worried about the litter, take some steps to ensure their warmth and safety.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog house
  • Blankets
  • Hot-water bottles
  • Dishes
  • Tarp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a store-bought shelter or dog house. Put the dog house near the nest, where the mother cat will discover it. Shelter alone keeps animals warmer during winter months.

    • 2

      Fill the dog house with soft, clean towels and blankets. The mother cat will use these to cover, protect and warm her kittens.

    • 3

      Place hot-water bottle in the doghouse to provide more warmth. Wrap the bottles in a towel to protect the kittens from burning. Replace the bottles every night to keep the kittens warmest during the dark hours.

    • 4

      Put food and water dishes in the dog house to provide the mother cat with nutrition and water. This makes her more likely to stay permanently in the dog house.

    • 5

      Cover an outdoor dog house with a plastic tarp and secure it to keep rain out of the shelter in inclement weather.