How to Make a Warm House for a Stray Cat on Our Front Porch

Prepare the polystyrene to line the top and bottom of the 35-gallon tub. To do this, identify the width and length dimensions of the large plastic bin. If they are not included on the bin, use a ruler to measure them.

Use a ruler and permanent marker to measure and mark these dimensions on the polystyrene sheet. Cut out the rectangle of polystyrene using a heavy-duty knife. Repeat this process to create another polystyrene rectangle of the same size. Place one polystyrene rectangle at the bottom of the bin. If it is a little too large, use the knife to carefully cut away the excess. Reserve the other piece of polystyrene for later.

Prepare the polystyrene to line the longer walls of the 35-gallon tub. To do this, identify the length and height dimensions of the 35-gallon plastic bin. If they are not included on the tote, use a ruler to measure them. Subtract 2 inches from the height to get the appropriate dimensions.

Use a ruler and permanent marker to measure and mark these dimensions on the polystyrene sheet. Cut out the rectangle of polystyrene using a heavy-duty knife. Repeat this process again to create another identically sized piece of polystyrene. Place the polystyrene against both long sides of the plastic bin. Use your knife to cut off any excess material.

Prepare the polystyrene to line the shorter walls of the 35-gallon tub. To do this, identify the width and height dimensions of the 35-gallon plastic bin. If they are not included on the tote, use a ruler to measure them. Subtract 2 inches from the height and 1 inch from the width to get the appropriate dimensions.

Use a ruler and permanent marker to measure and mark these dimensions on the polystyrene sheet. Cut out a rectangle of polystyrene using a heavy duty knife. Repeat this process again to create another identically sized piece of polystyrene. Place the polystyrene against both short sides of the plastic bin. Use your knife to cut off any excess material.

Make sure that the polystyrene snugly lines the large plastic bin. If there are gaps, fill them with cut out pieces of polystyrene.

Trace a large circle on the short end of the 35-gallon plastic bin. Use a large bowl and permanent marker to trace the circle. Place it high enough that water won't seep in, but low enough that the cat could easily enter and exit.

Use a blow dryer to heat of the area of plastic that you just marked, then cut out the circle using a strong knife.

Hold the polystyrene firmly against the end of the plastic bin that you just cut. Use the cut-out area and a permanent marker to trace a circle of the same position and size onto the polystyrene.

Remove the polystyrene that you just marked and cut out a circle using a strong knife. Once you are done, place the polystyrene back in the large plastic bin, making sure that the two circles properly align to create a clear opening. Use a knife to make any necessary adjustments.

Place the 18-gallon plastic bin inside the polystyrene and larger plastic bin.

Hold the smaller plastic bin firmly against the larger plastic bin at the end where the opening has been cut. Use the cut-out circle and a permanent marker to trace a circle of the same position and size onto the smaller plastic bin.

Remove the smaller bin and use a blow dryer to heat the area of plastic that you just marked. Cut out the circle using a strong knife.

Place the 18-gallon plastic bin back into the larger plastic bin. Make sure that the circle you just cut aligns with the other openings to create a clear entrance. Use a knife to make any necessary adjustments.

Make sure that the smaller plastic bin is firmly cradled by the polystyrene. Add straw to fill in gaps and add extra insulation. Be sure not to block the entrance.

Add straw inside the smaller plastic bin to create bedding for the cat. Also sprinkle some catnip, as this will attract the animal to the shelter.

Cover the 18-gallon plastic bin with its lid.

Place the reserved rectangle of polystyrene on top of the smaller bin. If it is too large, use a knife to cut off the excess. Fill in any gaps with pieces of polystyrene and straw.

Cover the large bin with its lid.