Finished making feral cat box!

This is the finished product:





We used duct tape, a utility knife, zip ties, an electric drill, a large sheet of home insulation (non-toxic, insect and mold resistant, about $9) and 30 gallon tubs, which were $10 each from Home Depot.

We cut the insulation material to fit the bottom and sides of the tubs







Taped it down so kitties can't chew on the edges





Cut holes in the sides to make doors, and covered the edges with duct tape for safety



Drilled some ventilation holes



Drilled holes, and used zip ties to make the door into a flap to keep the heat in, and hopefully less easy for other animals to get in (the flaps are taped open for the moment until they get the hang of it)



Secured the lids with zip ties, and put signs on top with a contact number



And put straw in for insulation, and as a "bed" - voila - one cozy cat box!!

This is the area the feral momma had her kittens - nice and quiet (note the silver pipes and the electrical box toward the top left)



This is where she had the kittens. That wooden box is to protect all the piping I guess, and there's a hole under that electrical box that goes into the wooden box for the pipes to get into. It's also big enough for kitties to get into!



This is where I put one of the boxes - hopefully she'll move into there where it's a little cleaner (the only one of her kittens I caught was riddled with fleas).

What a great idea!

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

What a great idea!

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I agree! I think you should get a patent on it.

This post is a godsend! I bought exactly those same bins for exactly the same purpose! I even ordered straw from Indiana (I live in New York City, no farms here) to use for bedding!

Thank you thank you thank you for all the photos, it is a fantastic tutorial.

Originally Posted by kitkaturday

This post is a godsend! I bought exactly those same bins for exactly the same purpose! I even ordered straw from Indiana (I live in New York City, no farms here) to use for bedding!

Thank you thank you thank you for all the photos, it is a fantastic tutorial.

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If you need more straw, try art and craft shops, and anywhere selling Halloween decorations! All the Halloween stores currently have bales of straw.

Perfect example of how its done. Mine
from last year aren't NEARLY as nice, LOL.

I am replacing mine with a large log cabin dog house, putting
straw in and placing nesting boxes in it. Can sleep about
8 on bad nights. I have kitty doors installed on 2 sides,
and I also put out a dog igloo with straw up on blocks.

Those look really good though, and they give EVERYONE
the idea of how its done.

congrats on making, and taking care of your feral kitties...

the zip-tie door flap is inspired! i've been trying to think of a way to may a door for my shelters, i'm totally gonna rip this off! thanks!

Originally Posted by sarahp

If you need more straw, try art and craft shops, and anywhere selling Halloween decorations! All the Halloween stores currently have bales of straw.

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Yes, I saw them at Joann's and Michaels crafts stores. If only I would have waited, . But I wanted to gather the materials so I could get it ready when the weather turns, and at that time I didn't know the local stores would have this stuff for seasonal decor.

I ordered from a place that builds and ships feral cat shelters (named indycats, maybe?). It wasn't too expensive and it's even infused with catnip, and they're good folks who love da kitties, so I don't mind. I just hope I will be able to entice the kitkats to use it. Usually they are very skittish about anything that looks like a t-r-a-p.

I Just was outside trying to fashion something for this wild cat and your ideas are so great.

She was missing for about a month and I thought she was a gonner.
I knew she must be getting on on the pregnancy because the weeks were ticking by. So I was thrilled to see her beautiful tiny face a few days ago when she returned lookinfg for food.
Now she is about to pop!

Before her month disappearance I worked hard to get her used to me and would try and sit closer and closer to her as she ate.
Still can NOT come close to touching her.
Now I can sit within 2 feet of her while she eats if I stay Very still.

So now that she is back I started feeding her closer and closer to the house near the "shelter" I am hoping she decides to have her babies in.
Its kind of rough out here in Brooklyn.
Lots of tough cats and actually a small group of very Ballsy and Tough Squirrels that live in my back yard too. I am worried about them.
Can they get in there and beat up the babies if shes not around?

First
I made a little open shelter with a Concrete mixing tray for a roof
(for the rain) and a rug for the floor.
Sides totally open.
I can home today to find she was under there!
Miracle of Miracles.
She of course promptly scattered away- but she was under there.
So now I have made a more proper box for her to get into and nest out of a cardboard box.
I put the rug on the bottom and kept the tray for the roof.
I only have one side with a sort of dip cut out of the cardboard box
towards the top of the side wall for a door.
Its a little high so the kitties wont get out.

Is it really important for them to have 2 holes for entering -exiting?

I have some tissue paper I can shred and put in there
or is that bad for kittens if it gets wet?
I would hate for it to get stuck on their noses or mouths... I read on anther post that shredded up towels are better?

I am feeding her the same home made high grade food I feed my boys- from the Natural Health for Dogs and Cats book- (which incidentally is the recipe for sick- growing and/or pregnant cats)

I am worried that she wont fare well because this was just after Her first heat, so she is just a baby herself.

I want to catch her and spay her in the process of this (that will be tough) and do the best I can for her health and that of the new ones.

If they get stuck is it ok to help her get them out by GENTLY assisting her?
Or is that Really dangerous?
Or are you supposed to just let them hang there?
I know they can die that way

any tips and suggestions would be great. I am soooo glad I found this site!
I am not sure what to do here because I have never done this before.
Thanks a Lot!

Good on you for helping her out!

Originally Posted by BrooklynCatMom

Can they get in there and beat up the babies if shes not around?

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I don't know, but I would imagine that if there's no food there, they'd leave her alone.

Is it really important for them to have 2 holes for entering -exiting?

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Yes I think so - they need a means of escape if necessary. Another poster, LDG, said her ferals/strays would only use shelters with 2 holes.

I have some tissue paper I can shred and put in there
or is that bad for kittens if it gets wet?
I would hate for it to get stuck on their noses or mouths... I read on anther post that shredded up towels are better?

Click to expand...

I don't know, but tissue paper seems too flimsy. Can you get straw from an art/Halloween store?

I am feeding her the same home made high grade food I feed my boys- from the Natural Health for Dogs and Cats book- (which incidentally is the recipe for sick- growing and/or pregnant cats)

I am worried that she wont fare well because this was just after Her first heat, so she is just a baby herself.

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Good for you! She may not do so well, but you're giving her every possible opportunity, and your care will help her care for the kittens. Just make sure you feed her away from the shelter so she sees the shelter as a place she can hang out without being disturbed, and hopefully she'll birth there as well.

I want to catch her and spay her in the process of this (that will be tough) and do the best I can for her health and that of the new ones.

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You'll probably find the kittens will be relatively friendly (moreso than mum) because they'll get used to seeing you around.

If they get stuck is it ok to help her get them out by GENTLY assisting her?
Or is that Really dangerous?
Or are you supposed to just let them hang there?
I know they can die that way

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Since she's a feral, even just approaching her or watching her while she's giving birth will probably freak her out and may cause more problems. You want her to feel safe and comfortable, and let nature take its course. Please do not interfere with her. She'll probably go somewhere quiet and safe anyway.

any tips and suggestions would be great. I am soooo glad I found this site!
I am not sure what to do here because I have never done this before.
Thanks a Lot!

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I think you're doing a great job. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Most cats will only use them if they have two escape holes in case an animal tries to get in one they can run out of the other.

I would use whole towels but not shredded up towels as they may try to eat them or eat by accident when suckling and we all know how bad blockages are for cats.

Ok so she has pretty much taken up camp in the box,
even with only one hole, but its pretty open in that one end.
SO I think I will let her be with the one entrance/exit
since she has settled in the box well
and she is in there most of the time now.

I was feeding her nearer and nearer to the box to let her know its hers. Yesterday I put her food right inside because it was rainy out.
So I should now start to out the food a little away from the box?
So there is a separation from food and shelter space?

Also its not a very big box
like 20 x 15
but its good nice sturdy cardboard.
I am worried that when she needs to writhe around it might not be big enough?
But I am also afraid of making changes right now since I think the time is coming (I saw her liking her butt briefly tonight) and I am pretty surprised (and sooooo happy) she is spending so much time in there.

but yes
I can go get some hay in the morning.
There is some at the garden shop very close to me.
Great timing with Halloween.
Oh and she is a GORGEOUS Black Kitty too.
How perfect.

So they need that to tear up?
Is it to absorb the liquids?
Or is for their nerves?

Ok SO I will not touch her or bother her
or anything if I am here when she is in Labor.
She is liable to bite me too.
I really hope I am home.

But what happens after they are here?!

I have two BIG male cats in my apt
The young one has been meowing at her through the window
because her box is right under my window sill.
So I just made an obstacle course to keep him from disturbing her and I can still coo at her through the window and try to see if she is there or when she goes back in there after eating etc.
No Stress anywhere near that box.

What should I do to keep them safe and keep them outside with her?
- if she decides to have them in there-
I cant really bring them in here because of the two boys
and my 16 year old guy is recovering (very nicely) from being very ill- I thought he was on his way out- that was so hard! Gulp. But hes happy and peppy again. YEAH!

Ok OS I am going on and on
I am so glad you are here!
THANKS A LOT!

Originally Posted by BrooklynCatMom

I was feeding her nearer and nearer to the box to let her know its hers. Yesterday I put her food right inside because it was rainy out.
So I should now start to out the food a little away from the box?
So there is a separation from food and shelter space?

Click to expand...

I'd just be a little nervous that other animals would be attracted to the food if it's in her box. She'll come out anyway to stretch her legs and pee and poop, so somewhere close by is fine.

Also its not a very big box
like 20 x 15
but its good nice sturdy cardboard.
I am worried that when she needs to writhe around it might not be big enough?
But I am also afraid of making changes right now since I think the time is coming (I saw her liking her butt briefly tonight) and I am pretty surprised (and sooooo happy) she is spending so much time in there.

Click to expand...

She sounds like she's pretty happy with your efforts so far You've done a great job!

but yes
I can go get some hay in the morning.
There is some at the garden shop very close to me.
Great timing with Halloween.
Oh and she is a GORGEOUS Black Kitty too.
How perfect.

So they need that to tear up?
Is it to absorb the liquids?
Or is for their nerves?

Click to expand...

I don't know what's best, but I did read straw was good for insulation, and I guess it's easy to throw away when you need to clean it.

Ok SO I will not touch her or bother her
or anything if I am here when she is in Labor.
She is liable to bite me too.
I really hope I am home.

But what happens after they are here?!

I have two BIG male cats in my apt
The young one has been meowing at her through the window
because her box is right under my window sill.
So I just made an obstacle course to keep him from disturbing her and I can still coo at her through the window and try to see if she is there or when she goes back in there after eating etc.
No Stress anywhere near that box.

What should I do to keep them safe and keep them outside with her?
- if she decides to have them in there-
I cant really bring them in here because of the two boys
and my 16 year old guy is recovering (very nicely) from being very ill- I thought he was on his way out- that was so hard! Gulp. But hes happy and peppy again. YEAH!

Ok OS I am going on and on
I am so glad you are here!
THANKS A LOT!

Click to expand...

After they're here, just leave them be. Definitely hang out nearby to let her know you're ok, but if you get too close, or she's not comfortable with you, she'll just move them to somewhere else, which can be dangerous for the kittens, and you may not find her new hidey hole.

Ring around some rescue groups and explain the situation. Hopefully someone will be able to take the kittens in at some point to socialise them and adopt them out to loving homes, and get the momma spayed. I think that's the best bet for them, and if you can do that, they'll let you know when the best time is to try and get momma and the kittens.

Just make sure momma has food and water available to her, maybe put a litter box out there if it's safe, and try to keep her area warm and sheltered as much as you can. Cats are pretty good at taking care of themselves, but a bit of extra help would be appreciated, I'm sure!

Oh Sarah - those are wonderful! And SO GREAT of you to put up pics because there are always so many questions about what to do for ferals in the winter. We pretty much did the same thing - only we also put insulation around the outside of the box and wrapped it in that thick contractor plastic - and we put our second hole on the side so the holes aren't opposite (wind is an issue around here). We didn't drill extra holes and didn't use ties for the top OR put the cut-out doors back on, and those are brilliant ideas!

BrooklynCatMom: the hay is for warmth. It is a GREAT insulator, and towels or "cat beds" or other forms of "warming" stuff just collect moisture, dirt and bugs. Hay is quick and easy to replace, so warm and easy to keep the boxes clean. How that works with a mom that's given birth - I guess you just have to leave it for a month or so until she's bringing the kittens out to eat the food you leave out. But normally it should be changed every week or two (depending upon weather, etc.)

Laurie

Originally Posted by LDG

Oh Sarah - those are wonderful! And SO GREAT of you to put up pics because there are always so many questions about what to do for ferals in the winter.

We pretty much did the same thing - only we also put insulation around the outside of the box and wrapped it in that thick contractor plastic - and we put our second hole on the side so the holes aren't opposite (wind is an issue around here). We didn't drill extra holes and didn't use ties for the top OR put the cut-out doors back on, and those are brilliant ideas!
Laurie

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Thanks Laurie I did think about extra insulation, but our Californian winters are pretty mild, and I didn't want to overheat them. I did think about putting the holes on adjacent sides, but figured with the doors it would be ok. I think it IS a better idea to make them adjacent rather than opposite - I am worried about the wind going straight through, so have put them in the most wind-proof areas possible.

I think the one in the area I posted of a picture of is being used - the straw looked a bit more scattered and flattened

Your winters ARE mild compared to what we can get out here. The very first winter we worked with ferals, we had two weeks in January where every single day the high was below 0 (farenheit)!

Laurie

Thanks for all the info. I was worried my guy was bothering her through the window and it was hot out, so I wanted to have the window open and get the air and I made the mistake of moving the box. And then she left for a couple of days. I moved it back and thankfully she came back. This is such a delicate little dance to encourage her to feel safe.
I finally got to talk to my Mom tonight
and she recommended putting out a second box on the other side of my outdoor patio so that she can choose which one she wants to use and then she will also have an optional place to move the babies after the first one is "used".
This is all projection though because she might go have them in the alley.
anyway I will offer her what I can.
I did find a friend of a friend who traps, fixes and releases and she is right in my neighborhood. So hope fully she can help me catch her.
How long after the kitties are here till I should even think about catching her?
She has to nurse and I also dont want to scare her off for good if I dont catch her. My Mom said I will only have ONE chance to catch her so I should get some help.
Any ideas on that?
Can my cats catch anything from a baby if I end up bringing one in the house? Like if it gets really cold out- which its libel to do.
Thanks for all your help everyone

Cool boxes and reasonably priced. I hope you get one in there this winter.

Wow, they are really nice. I might have to convince my sister in law to try that. She lives on a farm and has about 15 feral cats around. She is trying to catch and fix them but at this point she is not able to touch most of them and it is getting out of control. 3 moms are pregnant now. Only about 5 are fixed.
We are always worried about raccoons and coyotes getting to the kittens. Great job!!!!