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• Cardboard boxes<br />
The <strong>Neighborhood</strong> <strong>Cats</strong> <strong>TNR</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />
A simple cardboard box will do temporarily in a pinch as cardboard does provide<br />
some insulation. Tape the top and bottom of the box closed and seal all seams with duct<br />
tape. Then cut a 6” x 6” doorway a few inches off the ground in a long side of the box<br />
towards the corner. Wrap a plastic trash bag around the box, generously taping it in place<br />
by wrapping duct tape around the bag and box. Cut away the plastic bag around the<br />
doorway and tape the loose edges of the bag to the box. If possible, place the box<br />
underneath something that will shelter it, such as a tree or wide board.<br />
• Insulating materials for the interior<br />
Putting insulating materials inside the shelter will increase comfort and warmth for<br />
the cats. But they should only be used if the shelters can be periodically checked to see if<br />
the materials have gotten damp or too dirty and need to be replaced. If regular checkups<br />
are not possible, leave the interiors bare.<br />
Only insulating materials which the cats can burrow into should be used. Items<br />
which the cats will only lie on top of should not be used, like blankets, towels or flat<br />
newspaper. These items, when they are underneath the cat, will draw body heat out and<br />
actually make the cat colder.<br />
Straw is the best insulating material to use. Straw is better than hay because it can<br />
absorb more moisture, is less prone to mold or rot, and does not carry risk of an allergic<br />
reaction by the cats. Shredded newspaper will also work. One innovative idea is offered<br />
by Ellen Perry Berkeley in her book, “Maverick <strong>Cats</strong>.” Loosely fill a cotton pillowcase<br />
with Styrofoam peanuts, the kind used to pack fragile items during shipping. Then put<br />
the stuffed pillowcase inside the shelter. The pillowcase will conform to the cat’s body<br />
and wrap her in the heat-capturing peanuts.<br />
• Extreme cold<br />
In environments where the winter is especially harsh, such as Canada or the northern<br />
Midwest, extra measures may be needed. One technique is to line the interior walls of<br />
the shelter with pieces cut from a Mylar reflective blanket. Mylar creates warmth by<br />
reflecting body heat back and is marketed as a thermal safety blanket for people stranded<br />
in their cars during winter. It can also be laid down on the floor of a shelter because it<br />
reflects heat rather than absorbing it like a normal blanket.<br />
Here's one (untried) source called The Country Store for ordering large Mylar<br />
blankets at only $1.50 to $1.95 each:<br />
www.healthyharvest.com/product_info.php?products_id=690<br />
Another product for adding extra warmth is the "Flexi-Mat Mysterious Purr Pad"<br />
available from PETCO. The pads are made of polyester fibers and absorb then retain<br />
body heat, so they’ll also work if placed on the floor of the shelter. You can buy them at<br />
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