Cat House

Step 8 End

Hey! It's warm and cozy in here!
Please close the lid!

Comments

[denise4peace]

Great project !  Thanks for thinking "inside" the box and sharing.
Two things I would suggest:
1.  After the cat(s) gets used to hanging out in the shelter, put the food somewhere else.  Raccoons, possums, other cats, even rats, will be attracted to the food and the cat could find itself trapped inside or unable to go inside.  Kitty friend could get hurt pretty bad in such case.  If there's any possibility of dogs getting into the yard, I'd put it up where a dog can't get to, as well.
2.  Use a second-hand cooler (thrift shop, garage sale or Craig's List) to reduce use of natural resources, keep something out of the landfill and save money.
RE:  HAY/STRAW   This would be fine, if it's something you have laying around, but most people don't.  How about a cat hammock (as seen in some other "Instructables" with a removable pad for washing?  It would get the kitties a up off the floor, where it's warmer anyway, and provide circulation underneath to dry out the towel when they come in with wet feets. 
RE:  HEATING PAD  I think a heating pad would probably be too hot, besides using more electricity and possibly being a fire risk. Our long-haired cat loves to be outdoors.  Even when inside, he'll hang out in the cold bedroom instead of the cozy living room.  Not all cats like to cozy up by the fire--especially cats who are used to being outdoors.  In a small, well-insulated space like this, the cat's body heat only needs a little supplement to make it toasty.

[amishjim]

I really like this build. I am going to make one, but with a couple changes. First off, Hay or Straw is the way to go, so it will dry, as cloth may not. A waterproof heated pad sold at pet stores for heat that could be attached to a thermostat to automatically turn on when it got below "x" temp, I'll have to look that up, to see what a good temp would be. Good stuff, thank you.