BUILD A SHELTER

BUILD A SHELTER

You can build a shelter using a large, plastic storage bin with a lid. Buy one at Walmart, Big Lots or a similar store. Buy it in a dull color, such as gray or brown, so it blends in better with surroundings.

Cut a hole 6 to 8 inches round in one end of the bin. You can use a utility knife.

Purchase foam-board insulation, 1-inch thick sheets. Cut it to fit the sides of the bin and cut a hole to match the one cut on the end of it. Do not use fiberglass insulation.

You can also cut a mylar survival blanket, which are sold to hikers and campers, and glue the pieces to the sides of the shelter.

An Igloo cooler also works well and is already insulated. Cut a hole in the end.

Use straw for bedding, not a blanket. Blankets draw moisture and won’t dry.

Glue bricks or rocks on the shelter to prevent it from blowing over in the wind, but make sure you can lift the lid to change the straw.

Eucalyptus oil, a few drops in each corner of the shelter, deters fleas.

Buy a camouflage tarp to wrap around the shelter to hide it from cat killers. Cut a hole in the tarp to match the ones on the side, if you need to.

Raise the shelter off the ground by setting it on top of 2 X 4s. This prevents the shelter from getting cold from the ground.

FOOD AND WATER

Feed the cats wet food, if possible, because of its moisture and protein content.

Don’t put out excess food because it will freeze.

Use a heated water dish if the cat is near enough to your house to plug it in.

Keep food and water bowls hidden to keep cats safer.