Introduction: DIY Winter Cat Shelters

This is a simple instructable on how to build an easy shelter to help any cats that are still outside in the winter.

Supplies

1 large plastic tote

1 strofoam cooler

1 plastic garden pot

1 flake of hay (small part of a bale)

Dark Sharpie

Duct Tape

Exacto Knife

Scissors

Safety Glasses (for eye protection)

Dremel Rotary Saw

Step 1: Draw a Circle on the Plastic Tote

  • Place the garden pot against front side of the large plastic tote.
  • Trace it's bottom onto the center of the side with the sharpie.
  • Trace it multiple times to ensure the most accurate circle

Step 2: Cut a Circle Out of the Plastic Tote

  • Use the dremel to cut out the circle you drew onto the plastic tote.

Step 3: Trace a Circle Onto the Styrofoam Cooler

  • Place the styrofoam cooler inside the plastic tote
  • Use your sharpie to trace the outline of the tote's hole onto the cooler.

Step 4: Cut a Circle Out of the Styrofoam Cooler

  • Use an exacto kife to cut out the traced circle on the cooler.
  • (In the picture I'm wearing cut-resistant gloves)

Step 5: Cut Off the Garden Pot's Bottom

  • Use a scissors to cut off the bottom of the garden pot

Step 6: Assemble the Box

  • Put the styrofoam cooler inside the large plastic tote so that their holes align

  • Insert the garden pot into the large garden pot and styrofoam cooler (with the cut end facing inwards)

Step 7: Improve the Entrance

  • Cut long flaps into the garden pot, and tape them down using duct tape.
  • (The stronger the tape, the better, I recommend gorilla tape)

Step 8: Stuff Tote With Hay and Put on Lids

  • Put on the lid to the styrofoam cooler, and stuff the empty space in the tote with hay.
  • Put on the lid to the plastic tote, and duct tape if needed.

Step 9: (Optional) Trial Run With Cats

  • Entice your cat into the box using their favorite toy
  • This ensures the box is cat-approved.