KINGWOOD — Winter is fast approaching and temperatures will soon dip below freezing. Now is the time to consider making shelters for the community cats in your neighborhood.
Alex Evans, director of the spay and neuter program for the Preston County Humane Society, said making a shelter is not a difficult job. She said Styrofoam bins or totes covering a Styrofoam bin are two of the methods that can be used. When making a Styrofoam shelter the lid should be the floor.
“Keep in mind a smaller interior means less heat is required to keep the cats warm,” she said. “Two smaller shelters are better than a large one. One or two cats can heat a smaller space but not a large one.”
Evans said the entrance to the shelter should face a wall so only cats can get in and out. She said the shelters and feeding area should be out of sight, no matter how friendly the area appears.
“If there are dogs in the area that are a threat, place your shelter behind a fence or some other place the dogs can’t get into,” she said.
Evans said shelters should be placed on 2-by-4s or other material to raise them off the ground. She said placing straw underneath the shelter once it’s raised makes it easier for the cats to warm the inside of the shelter with their body heat.
“This raises the door above the ground, and keeps snow from blocking the door and trapping the cats inside,” Evans said. “Raising the rear of the shelter slightly higher than the front keeps rain and snow from piling up on the roof. Drilling a small hole in the bottom of the shelter helps drain out any rainwater or melted snow that might blow in.”
She said the slanted roof will also discourage predators that might be stalking the cats from sitting on it.
Evans said making a small 6-inch-by-6-inch door will keep larger wild animals out and more heat in. She said if there is a need for an escape door, it shouldn’t be cut directly across from the main door because that will cause a draft.
“An awning that covers the door can be made from heavy plastic will keeps rain and wind from blowing in and make the cats feel safer,” she said.
Because Styrofoam is lightweight, Evans said putting weight under the bedding and a few heavy flat rocks or bricks on the roof of the shelter will help weigh it down.
“Straw or other material the cats can burrow in should be used as bedding. Blankets, newspaper, towels or old rags retain wetness and absorb body heat. It will make the cats colder instead of warmer,” she said.
To donate, make checks payable to and mail to The Preston County Humane Society P.O Box 395 Kingwood, WV 26537.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
