Shelter for Strays cat

I have been feeding a stray male for a few months and of course we have bonded lol!! Sadly we can't take him in.
long story short, with the weather changing and getting cooler out, I'd like to make him a home/shelter that'll keep him ssfe, warm and dry for the season. any suggestion on what I should use??
my bf is great at building things and I asked him to make Daniel (the stray) a house but he said no. anot animal shelter one told me to use a plastic tote, cut a hole for him to go in and out and put hay/straw in it.

any suggestions would be great!

I use two Rubbermaid totes.  The outside is 36 gallons and the inside is 18 gallons.  I cut a sheet of 1" flat Styrofoam insulation to fit the bottom of the bigger tote, then I place the smaller tote inside and cut the holes, lining them up.  I use a 9" length of 6" PVC pipe as the "porthole," and cut the holes to fit tightly around it.  This keeps rain from getting between the totes.  I seal it with rubber sealant - the kind you seal cracks with.

I use Styrofoam peanuts as the insulation between the totes and then top them with a layer of spray insulation, to keep them from blowing out when you lift the lid.   I cut another piece of flat Styrofoam for the top.  It goes between the two lids.

I have a friend with eight outside cats.  She has six houses, all up on pallets.  She covered them with a thin sheet of plywood, which she has covered with shingles, just like a roof.  It has protected the totes for close to nine years!

We use straw as bedding and sprinkle diotomaceous earth in the straw to help with the fleas.  We replace the straw twice a year.

You could also buy a Feral villa (feralvilla.com).  They also come in kits, so your boyfriend might be able to help there.  Many people like these because they have two entrances.  Some cats need an escape hatch.

Google "feral cat houses" and see what pops up.  There are many, many more ideas out there.

It is too bad that your bf won't help you out.  My DH has built the most wonderful feeding stations and shelters for my feral cats. 

Rubbermaid totes are cheap and easy to make.  Most of us start out by using these.  Do a google search and google image search and you will find so many ideas.

Also please be sure this stray male is neutered.  If not he will wander and fight in search of a mate.  It is the kindest thing you can do for him.  There are low cost spay/neuter clinics in many locations. 

If you check the classifieds, you might find a small doghouse for cheap. I did that for some ferals once, and it worked great. 

I work in a hospital and was able to find a big foam cooler they put specimens in. Check your local H or any lab.
Of look at these. I have heard straw is much better than hay, and to put some under the shelter, propped on 2x4s.

http://alleycatadvocates.org/communitycat-care-center/creating-winter-shelters/

Pixies Ma said:

 
I work in a hospital and was able to find a big foam cooler they put specimens in. Check your local H or any lab.
Of look at these. I have heard straw is much better than hay, and to put some under the shelter, propped on 2x4s.

http://alleycatadvocates.org/communitycat-care-center/creating-winter-shelters/

Click to expand...

I used to work at a dairy processing plant that would get shipments in coolers like that, too. If you have one near you, you could check there, too.