There is a small (not kitten, just small) grey cat that has wandered onto our property. We have asked around and he/she doesn't belong to anyone in the area. It has returned many times, but won't let us near it yet. I started putting food out for it last week and have seen him/her eat from the bowl from a window (as soon as I go outside, he/she runs away). He has sat far away and watched me fill the bowl, and only runs to eat when I go inside. When I return to the bowl, it is usually empty or near empty, so he/she is obviously hungry. I think he is beginning to trust me, but still won't let me near enough to touch/really have a good look at him, let alone bring it to the vet to see if it's healthy.
In the meantime, I would like to be able to provide it with some sort of shelter. Is there a good type of "cat house" out there that anyone could recommend? I could also build something (out of wood), if anyone has specific ideas that cats have accepted as their "home" outdoors.
2007-07-23 10:17:20 · 5 answers · asked by life is good 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
We made two that were used almost right away by the strays.
Those knee high plastic tubs with the snap top lids were what we used. I had to get a drill to cut a hole in the side, it was too thick for a scissors or tin shears, and made a hole 9" across.
A cardboard box was put inside, just a little smaller than the inside dimensions, with a hole cut into that end too, making it a box inside a box, and I put newspaper between the box and the tub walls for insullation around the three sides and bottom of the box. Two folded towels in the box made a fluffy nest.
Put the box under a bush or by a corner so there's a feeling of security, but facing away from the way the wind usually blows, to keep out rain and snow. This will be large enough for a cat to stand up in, yet feel cozy. The plastic tubs don't age like the clear sweater boxes and clear tubs do - those only last one year then the plastic shatters if it's knocked into.
The tub from Target cost me $6, the cardboard box was free, we used most of a Sunday paper, and the towels were from the Goodwill Store. The snap lid stays on with even high winds, and the cats like it.
2007-07-23 12:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be patient. The cat will come to you when/if it's ready. In the mean time, it's wonderful that you can provide it with food and the potential of a home. As for outdoor shelter goes, anything warm and soft will work. My cats love nothing more then a cardboard box with a blanket inside to sleep in. Most cat 'Trees' are just wood boxes covered in carpet.
2007-07-23 17:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by moonbeam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw, it's really nice that you're doing something like this for a stray cat. I don't really have any ideas, i mean yeah, i guess you could build some type of shelter out of wood. Cat's love being comfy. If that helps. :) Haha.
Good luck! And hope everything goes well!
2007-07-23 17:28:43 · answer #3 · answered by xSSxo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human Society
2007-07-23 17:22:42 · answer #4 · answered by mks 7-15-02 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Anything warm and comfortable doghouse style will work just fine.
2007-07-23 17:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋