download/print - Neighborhood Cats

• Styrofoam boxesRestaurants and grocery stores oftenreceive meats and fish in Styrofoam boxes.Meat companies, like Omaha Steak, use themfor shipping their products as well. Theexcellent insulation keeps the products cold orfrozen and will also work to trap a cat’s bodyheat. If you ask around, you’ll likely find aplace that will donate them to you. Theycome in all sizes – some will provide enoughspace for only one cat, others may hold up tothree. To turn them into winter shelters likethe one pictured here:1. Glue the lid onto the top of the box, using silicone glue (preferably avariety that can be painted over; should say “paintable” on the label). Begenerous with the glue because it will also act as a sealant to keep outrain and drafts.2. Using a box cutter, cut a 6 inches x 6 inches doorway in the middle ofone of the narrower sides. Make the bottom of the doorway severalinches above the ground to prevent flooding.3. With latex deck paint, paint the exterior to match the surroundings.4. Stuff the interior with insulating material like straw.• Cardboard boxesIn a pinch, a simple cardboard box will workas a temporary winter shelter because cardboarddoes provide some insulation. Using duct tape,tape the top and bottom of the box closed, sealingall seams. Then cut a 6 inches x 6 inches doorwayin one side of the box, towards the corner and afew inches off the ground. Wrap a plastic trashbag or thick plastic drop cloth around the box,generously taping it in place by wrapping ducttape around the bag and box. Cut away the plasticaround the doorway and tape the loose edges tothe box. Stuff the box with straw or shreddednewspaper. If possible, raise the box off the ground, place it underneath something thatwill shield it, such as a tree, and lay a wide board on top for added protection and toweigh the box down.48