Feral cats not using shelter

I made 4 shelters outside for my feral cats and they sleep curled up in leaves. They seem to be freezing, but at night it has been between 35 to 40 degrees. I would freeze outside at that temp. They watched every inch of me making the shelters. Peeking and sneaking around, as I talked with them and told them what I was doing. I just wonder if I am missing something. I followed the advice and made the entry way smaller. There is only one way out. Is that the problem? I know they have been in them. I see hair, but not sure why when they are cold they are not using them. I see them shivering and shaking. Advice anyone?

I noticed that with a stray years ago. Someone built a shelter but they choose to sleep outside, and never stepped foot in it. Im thinking they were possibly trapped before and think your shelter is a trap.

The feral group I help out with puts "awnings" in front of their entries. They actually use heavy black plastic bags taped together and doubled over, tape it to the top of the boxes above the opening, and then it hangs down in front of the opening. That way the cat can slip inside from the sides and go into the opening.

Does that makes sense?

Probably just give it some time. Maybe slip some treats inside, so they know it is ok for them to go in. Maybe they are just being polite. "That house beolngs to that crazy lady who was talking while she built it."

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

Maybe they are just being polite. "That house beolngs to that crazy lady who was talking while she built it."

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hehe that made me chuckle

how long has it been since you made the shelter? maybe you need to put some food in there to coax them in? poor things, how old are they? are they just "used" to the cold and dont understand that the shelter will be warmer?

good luck - keep us posted on how it goes.

Several things you can do to tempt them inside-

They need an exit hole, just one hole won't work, they need a quick escape hatch
Fill the interior with straw or even dry leaves (if you can find any)
Start feeding them quite close to the mouth of the shelter
Sprinkle a tiny bit of catnip inside the shelter
Spray feliway spray inside the shelter

Yup, Hissy's absolutely right: many years ago, when my family's cats lived outdoors, they refused to use the house my father built for them until he cut a second opening in the back. I guess indoor kitties don't mind single-entry spaces because they're accustomed to trusting their environment... but outdoor kitties have to be ready to either rumble or RUN!

i would drill some little spy holes in the side so they can peep out,and for ventilation,and are the boxes collecting water in the bottom?if so some drain holes in the bottom would stop that,

good luck!!

I have cats of all ages here. I think they are used to being in the cold. I have tried drilling an exit in the back of the shelters. I also sprinkled catnip around and in the shelters. I think it is working. Thanks Hissy and everyone else. You are wonderful people.

Yes, that is what I was going to say! I use catnip, when I put new shelters up at the grainmill in our town, for the feral colony there. It does work well!
Bless you, for caring so much!