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Feral Cat Shelters for Winter
Feral Cat Shelters for Winter
by Cheyenne Pratt, Technician, Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
When the autumn days get shorter and the temperature drops, cats will grow a thicker coat in prepararation for winter. Although the winter coat helps keep outdoor cats stay warm, they still need a little extra protection against the elements. A cat’ s nose, paws, and ears are susceptible to frostbite, but a warm, dry shelter may prevent frostbite and hypothermia. For cats living outdoors, shelter is more crucial than food during the winter months.
Building a winter cat shelter can be simple and inexpensive by using a plastic storage tote and styrofoam. An 18 gallon tote is the perfect size for one cat, and a 36 gallon can house two to three cats. Smaller shelters work best because less of the cat’ s body heat will escape. Some cats will huddle together for warmth, while others prefer their own space. If there are multiple cats, offer multiple shelters.
To construct the shelter, cut styrofoam insulation to line the inside of the tote and fill it with straw, then put the lid on. For a double layer of protection, use a styrofoam box or cooler, inside a tote. Line the tote with a layer of straw on all sides, then put the straw-filled cooler inside of that, with both lids on. Straw makes the best insulation for a shelter, NOT HAY. Straw repels moisture but hay can get moist and moldy, possibly causing health issues. Avoid using pet beds, blankets, towels, paper, or carpet, as these materials draw the cat’ s body heat away and retain moisture.
Place the shelter in a secluded area with the opening facing away from the wind. The opening should only be big enough for a cat( about 6”- 8”), so that large predators can’ t enter. Elevate the shelter slightly off of the ground to help keep rain and moisture out. Steady the shelter so it doesn’ t wobble or the cat won’ t feel comfortable going in. Encourage cats to use the shelter by putting cat nip at the entrance and inside. Do not put food inside the shelter because it will attract bugs, predators, and other unwanted guests. Check the shelter regularly to ensure that it is clean and dry.
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Raw Bistro Pet Fare of Cannon Falls, Minnesota: Recalling select lots of its Grass-Fed Beef Entrée frozen dog food because of possible contamination with Salmonella. Info: 507-291-3153.( 10 / 10 / 25)
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Buy Bones Inc. of Mount Morris, Michigan: Nature ' s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Info: 810-687-2106.( 10 / 7 / 25)
Arrow Reliance Inc. of Washington, DC: Recalling two lots of Darwin ' s Natural Pet Products Bio-Logics All-Natural and Grain-Free Beef Recipe Dog Food, due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination. Info: 877-738-6325.( 9 / 24 / 25)
Blue Ridge Beef, Virginia: Recalling its Blue Ridge Puppy Mix 2 pound logs and Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix, due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria. Info: 704-873-2072.( 4 / 1 // 25)
Supercan, Florida: Recalling one lot of its Bully Sticks Pig Ears Slivers – Thick Cut Piggy Ear Slices pet treats, due to Salmonella contamination. Info:( 689) 808-5419.( 4 / 1 / 25)
Source: dogfoodadvisor. com, amva. org
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