How to Keep Feral Cats Warm in the Winter With Dog Houses

For animal lovers, it is easy to feel concern toward feral cats during the winter. It is important for cats to stay warm, because extremely cold weather could be harmful to their health. With a bit of creativity, anyone can turn an outdoor dog house into a shelter for feral cats. This act of kindness can help a cat survive the coldest months of the year.

Things You'll Need

  • Hay or straw for bedding
  • Dog house
  • Black paint
  • Insulation or dog house heater
  • Heated pet bed
  • Food and water
  • Vinyl flap for door cover
Show More

Instructions

  1. Building an Insulated Dog House

    • 1

      Place styrofoam pieces along the inside wall of the dog house for insulation. If no insulation is available, use a dog house heater instead.

    • 2

      Paint the dog house black to increase the heat from the sun.

    • 3

      Set up a heated pet bed for the sleeping area. If a heated bed is not available, lay down straw for the bedding.

    • 4

      Provide food and water for the cats so they do not need to search in the cold for these things. Put out fresh water daily.

    • 5

      Attach a vinyl flap to the door of the dog house once you know that the feral cats are frequently using the shelter for warmth. This will prevent a breeze from coming inside. The cats should be able to enter and exit easily by pushing the flap.