Building A Winter Shelter

Alright, so i am in the middle of building a winter shelter for the feral cat I currently feed at my house. I am building a plastic tote one. Kind of like the one here: 

http://www.indyferal.org/Literature/out_cat_shelter.pdf

Except instead of the styro cooler, i bought a sheet of 2inch thick styrofoam from Lowes. I am using a 32 gallon tote i bought at walmart.

I have to say this thing is taking WAY more time and work then I thought! But I ran into a dilemma. No matter how hard I try, the edges I cut are rough, not even or smooth. So it leaves air gaps when setting the top styro piece on (I guess you could call it the lid to the styro box that is inside the actually tote cover). My thought was, I can either glue the bottom on with no air gaps (using the glue to seal it) or instead I could glue the top on sealing it. But obviously I have to leave one not glued to clean/change straw bedding.

So i was wondering which would be better in helping maintain heat. Or does it not really matter if the air gaps are on the top or bottom?

You can pack the gaps with straw.  It isn't pretty and will need to be cleaned out in the spring, but it is effective.

I use two totes for the houses I build.  I insulate them with a 1 inch sheet of flat Styrofoam on the bottom and top, cut to fit.  I use packing peanuts (Styrofoam nuggies) to fill the spaces between the totes and spray foam insulation to top them off (to keep the nuggies from blowing out when I take the top off).

I use a 10" length of 6" PVC pipe for a porthole entrance - I cut the holes in the totes and connect them with the PVC pipe.  I leave 3 inches of the pipe outside the larger tote as an overhang, so the weather doesn't get in.

The advantage to two totes is that the inside tote can be cleaned thoroughly every spring.  My original houses were built in 2005 and are still in use.  I ask caregivers to use sheet plastic or tarps to cover them - some use Mylar.  Those help keep the lids from deteriorating in the weather.

Last summer, I scored Igloo coolers that I got at the Dollar Store for $10 each for the inside tote.  Got the larger tote (for the outside) at Lowes.  Worked like a charm and were way less work!  Wish I could get some more of those!

Sorry if this is wrong thread to ask but I've created two shelters for neighborhood strays ( I know we have several) but now I'm worried they won't use them...any tips for letting them know that shelter is available?! Should I try to attract them or just let it be?!

You can sprinkle a little catnip in them.  But like all things cat, it may take them some time to become accustomed to this new thing.  The location needs to be comfortable for them too.  Out of the way is best.

Also be aware they may not feel comfortable if they only have one entrance.  They need an escape route.

Thank you for helping them!

Thanks for your advice....I'll try the catnip. It's not super cold yet but I want them to know they have somewhere to go for when it gets chillier.
Thanks again :-)

Yes, it was a good idea to put them out now.  Gives them time to get used to them.