Feral Cat Shelter

[tnrmakessense]

For anyone building a feral cat shelter out of a plastic tote , I experimented with a dozen tools, and if you happen to have a Dremmel oscillating tool, it cuts through the plastic like butter. I found a pallet and cut it to size to anchor it, and rather than screwing the tote to the pallet, afraid that movement might crack the plastic, I tied the tote to the pallet. I can untie the rope when I need to add foam insulation and straw.

 

[Furballsmom]

Thanks so much for this info!

 

[tnrmakessense]

You're very welcome !

 

[di and bob]

Good idea! I have been frustrated when cutting holes in totes, your solution is welcome. Tying the sheletr down is a good idea too, I actually had some blow over during a nasty storm. They do need to be anchored. Thanks!

 

[tnrmakessense]

Good idea! I have been frustrated when cutting holes in totes, your solution is welcome. Tying the sheletr down is a good idea too, I actually had some blow over during a nasty storm. They do need to be anchored. Thanks!

You're welcome ! I got lucky - they're doing work at my complex found palleting about 24" wide with nice 6" posts on the bottom that I was able to cut in to several bases 36 long." I noticed today in Lowes garden dept. those same 6" diameter posts. I googled "feral cat shelter" and there are all kinds of great DIY plans. They screwed their totes to their bases but I noticed when trying to cut/drill the plastic that it cracks easily and I was afraid that a good wind would knock it around enough to crack the bottom of the tote. And I was afraid to put anything heavy on the top in case it got knocked down and on to some poor cat.

 

[movinintime]

I am lazy, haha, so bought the KittyTube off Amazon 2yr ago this Dec. It works great, is h2o proof, keeps my feral warm for 2 winters now & going on his 3rd winter. Just FYI for non-do-it-yourselfers like me.

 

[moxiewild]

I do the double tote method and actually just use bricks at the bottom of the first/bigger tote, lay a thin .5” - 1” layer of insulation foam on top of that, then place the second/smaller tote on top.

 

[tnrmakessense]

I am lazy, haha, so bought the KittyTube off Amazon 2yr ago this Dec. It works great, is h2o proof, keeps my feral warm for 2 winters now & going on his 3rd winter. Just FYI for non-do-it-yourselfers like me.

I like the Kitty Tube a lot but for $160 I'd want it to hold the whole group of 16 or at least half of them.I'm in Florida so we have a short cold period but it's the rain the cats need the most protection from. And predators. Lately there've been coyote sightings.

 

[tnrmakessense]

I do the double tote method and actually just use bricks at the bottom of the first/bigger tote, lay a thin .5” - 1” layer of insulation foam on top of that, then place the second/smaller tote on top.

Interesting. I may go that route on the next shelter.

 

[tnrmakessense]

Good idea! I have been frustrated when cutting holes in totes, your solution is welcome. Tying the sheletr down is a good idea too, I actually had some blow over during a nasty storm. They do need to be anchored. Thanks!

I like the Kitty Tube a lot but for $160 I'd want it to hold the whole group of 16 or at least half of them.I'm in Florida so we have a short cold period but it's the rain the cats need the most protection from. And predators. Lately there've been coyote sightings.

As an aside - WARNING- Googling "Kitty Tube" brings up "Tube Kitty" which is a whole other ball of (pornographic) wax.