Cat House Plans Reference guide
No matter the design, sound construction and placement is key. If the shelter isn’t safe, dry, and sturdy, it is no good. Make shelter the absolute smallest possible while still meeting the needs of the cat(s). If you have more than two cats, build multiple small shelters instead of one large one. The smaller it is, the warmer they stay Place your shelter away from threatening dogs or other predators (including humans who may not want them around). Use fencing or place the shelter up high and conceal it Face the opening of the shelter towards a wall with just enough room for a cat (but not bigger animals) to get in and out. The opening itself should be as small as possible – about five or six inches is big enough for most cats – & it should be several inches higher than the ground to prevent water from coming in or blocking the entrance Keep the shelter off the ground.
You can use two by fours, cinder blocks, bricks, or anything solid, stable, & weatherproof. Stuff straw between the ground and the shelter for added insulation Make sure it’s waterproof. If you have doubts, make the back of the shelter slightly higher than the front & drill a small hole in the bottom or side of it. That way, water will be able to drain out If the shelter is light, weigh it down with weights under the insulation &/or on top of the roof To add warmth, create a door out of heavy plastic, vinyl, or rubber (think mud flap, doggy door, etc.) to hang over the opening – make sure they can push it easily. Important: Don’t include the covering to start – leave it open until they come & go regularly, then add it Another option is to situate two shelters across from one another with the openings facing each other & secure a board on top of them. It not only gives added protection from the elements & predators, but also weighs the shelters down
