Caring for Cat Homes

The placement of an outdoor cat shelter may depend on the cat, some strays avoid humans, while others have no fear of us. The best location is where the cat feels safe, often a secluded or camouflaged area away from traffic and humans. Beneath thick brush or pine trees, on or under a porch, beside a wall, in a barn, shed or garage; these are examples of places that offer additional protection from rain, snow, and wind. Try to orient the entrance opposite the direction of the wind. Lighter shelters may need additional weight such as a rock or brick if exposed to high winds.

As far as maintenance, the shelters do not require much. Two to four straw changes per year is fine; spring and fall are good times to do this. Make sure to use straw. Do not use hay or blankets because they will absorb moisture and freeze. Any type of straw will work (oat, rye, wheat). Once the old straw is removed, the shelter can be cleaned out with a hose or leaf blower. When filling the shelter, loosely place about three or four inches on the floor, and then pack some around the walls. Once the cats use it, the straw will compress. More can be added if desired. The air spaces in the straw do a great job of retaining heat.

If electric is available, pet warming mats work great inside cat houses. They use very little electricity and cycle on a thermostat to maintain the pet's normal body temperature. Make sure to use heat mats designed for pets because human heat pads will get to hot for them. Also make sure that the heat mat is rated for outdoor use. If the cat shelter is well insulated and a heat mat is used, straw is not necessary but it does help to pack some straw around the walls.

On shelters with door flaps, it may be possible that the flap will deter the cat from entering. This can be solved by folding the flap to the inside and tucking it behind the insulation. The ceiling will then hold the flap in place. Once the cat is comfortable using the home, the door flap can be replaced.

Placing food and water inside the shelter is not advised. The food can attract predators or create unsanitary conditions. Putting food right outside the shelter is alright, but ideally it should be in a separate feeding area. One way to attract cats to their new home is to sprinkle some cat nip in it, or by placing a few treats leading into the shelter.