Outside cat boxes

We made some outside cat boxes for our strays, insulated them and put in straw. They really like the straw. Do we need to change the straw or does it stay in all winter? Thanks for the help.

I don't have experience with straw - but using shredded paper might be about the same - I didn't have to change it.

Since there are others here with experience - they'll let you know, meanwhile - my guess is that if you check it, you'll see if there's something that needs to be cleaned out.

Also, I guess you'll need to make sure it doesn't get wet and get all moldy - which could be a problem. Also using material with the straw could cause mold.

http://www.urbancatleague.org/Shelters.html

http://www.gnhcp.org/files/catshelterinstr.pdf

http://www.thepamperedkitty.com/ferals/foodshelter.html

If you can get your hands on some solar covers that they use in pools. Wrap it around the house, and I believe the rounded part of the cover goes toward the house. You might have to check that. I would assume it would be the same as a pool.

They say it will help keep the shelters warm, if placed in a sunny location. There are also warming pads you can buy that reflect the cats heat back to them. No wiring.

Then again, there are wired pads with low voltage approved for outside in enclosed areas.

It just depends upon the use it gets and how wet or dry it stays. If you HAVE enough straw to replace it, best to replace it every couple of weeks. If you don't have a lot or it's tough to get, replace it every month.

Last winter i changed the straw in my shelters about halfway through the season. the straw gets flattened over time and broken, i think it loses a lot of its insulating ability as the cats are unable to get under it as well. But it does depend on how it gets used, some cats won't be as rough on it as mine were!