Homemade Cat Cages During the Winter

Homemade cat enclosures can easily be winterized in order to keep cats healthy and safe during the cold winter months. These outdoor enclosures are usually located in backyards, and made with fencing or lattice ̵2; keeping cats safe and contained, while still allowing your pets to have outdoor fun and freedom.

  1. Carpet

    • Some homemade cat enclosures include a cement slab for the floor, so the cat can walk on safe and dry ground during the summer months. However, this can be cold in the winter, so cat owners can place sheet of marine carpet on the enclosure floor. This carpet is weather proof so it will not be ruined in the snow and it provides a warmer place for the cats to lie down on during the winter months.

    Cubby House

    • To truly protect cats from the elements, a pet owner could build a small cubby house within the enclosure for the animals. This can be a simple design, with four walls and an entrance. This cubby house will allow the cats to have shelter during the winter when the cold and wind are getting to them. For additional shelter, a person could consider adding a small covered porch or veranda to the cubby house which would protect the cat from the snow but still allow it to be outdoors.

    Heating Pads

    • Another way to winterize a homemade cat enclosure is to include heating pads for the cats. The heating pad could be set down within the enclosure to help keep the cat warm. In addition, a heating pad could be added to a cubby house to provide a bit more comfort for the animals. Depending on the number of cats, a pet owner might include two or three heating pads to ensure all animals are safe, warm and comfortable.

    Insulation

    • Winter cat cages can be created using large 16-gallon tubs, insulated with Styrofoam. Consider putting a smaller tub inside the larger tub, with the Styrofoam in between the two layers. These tubs can be covered easily, and a hole can be cut into the sides so the cat can come in and out of the shelter freely.