BUFFALO, NY -- With these extreme temperatures, you have to feel for the animals stuck outside. Several people have written in asking for a segment on making feral cat shelters. So, here it is!
2 On Your Side's Maria Genero and her niece put this together - It's easy, inexpensive, and fun.
To start, you'll need a Rubbermaid container. Rubbermaid is recommended because it is less likely to crack in the extreme cold. You'll also need insulating foam, a serrated knife to cut the plastic container, and straw (not hay). Hay is feed for animals - straw has a shaft which repels water and insulates. You don't want to use blankets or paper for bedding either, because should it get wet, it will pull heat away from the animal.
First, you'll cut a 5x5 hole in the container just large enough for a cat to enter. Maria used a dremel tool to make it quick and easy. You want make the opening at lease 3 inches from the bottom so rain and snow won't get in. After you cut the hole, you can cover it with gorilla tape if there are any rough edges.
Next, line the bottom of the container with at least 2 inches of foam. You can cut with a serrated knife or a straight edge razor. Cut the foam for the sides and top of the container. Maria then used spray foam to fill in the sides, where her container curved.
Note: be careful with the spray foam, it needs to set for at least 12 hours.
After the foam has cured, you can trim away any excess with a serrated knife or straight edge razor.
Next fill the container with straw (which you can buy at a craft store).
If possible, elevate the container on a couple of bricks or 2x4's to help keep out the snow and rain.
Sprinkle a bit of cat nip to attract the kitties and you're good to go.
If you do make a box, and see it being used, please send us a picture - we would love to share it.
For more information and complete directions on the cat shelter, you can visit the ASPCA website.