Kitty born last summer at my house. It's getting cold out. How do I keep him warm on winter nights cheaply?

Question

I need an AFFORDABLE WAY way to keep 6 mos old kitty (born under my house and left as orphan) warm in outside box, lined with something that will not attract moisture or outside rodents, but keep him warm in freezing conditions. I hear hay isn't a good idea. He is exclusively an OUTSIDE cat and cannot be brought indoors. Never been in cold conditions. I don't want to take him to the humane society just b/c I can't keep him warm and I don't know where else to take him. Surely there is something I can find -- and not have to purchase to make myself for his warmth... We have no $$ to spend on this endeavor. I know paper is a good insulator and I have boxes I can make him something, just not sure what to line it with. I also have some of those "wafflely" foam bedpads, but they don't stay warm. Please help.

Answer 1

Take him to your local shelter don't make him live outside.

Answer 2

It's very nice what you are trying to do. Ideally, you should build this kitty a shelter with a roof and a floor that will protect it from wind and water. This goes a long way in keeping the cat dry and warm. You can line it with old wool sweaters or winter coats. Wool is a great insulator. Down (feathers) is another excellent insulator. It retains body heat amazingly well, but requires lofting (i.e puffing so that air is trapped between the feathers. You can go to either a Goodwill and pick up some cheap feather pillows or an army surplus store and buy some wool army blankets for a reasonable cost. It is very important, however, that you place these items in an area that is safeguarded from wind and rain because once they get wet, they are useless at keeping warm.

As for mice, you definitely have nothing to worry about there. Mice are not stupid and would never make their home near a cat. Good luck.

Answer 3

Wow, I had an identical problem. I found a good size wooden box and covered it with Styrofoam insulation I picked up as scraps from some guys putting siding on a house. I also laid a piece in the ground, (2) on top of each other. Set the box on top, and cut a door in it. I went to the second hand store (St. Vinnie's here), and found an old heating pad for two bucks. I laid it down, put some old clothing over it, (not to thick) and put it on high. She stays in there alot, except when I feed her. I placed a water container in it also close to the pad, in hopes it will keep from freezing as quick. It hasn't been real cold yet, but in the teens at night, and seems to be working. Face the door to the south, and don't make it real big. Try to put it by a building to block the wind from the west. or between to close buildings if possible. I also peel and cut up potatoes in small squares, and add it to some soft food once and awhile to help fatten her up alittle for winter. Learned that on www.catchannel.com. Good luck, and thank you for carrying about an out side cat. Most people I know could care less. You must be a very nice person. Oh yea, I almost forgot, I boil the potatoes till there mushy, and mix them in the food. I also mic the food till warm. She is doing great, and has become my outside buddy.

Answer 4

You could try putting a box inside of a bigger box and packing the space around the smaller box with the best insulating material you can find. Lining the box with aluminum foil could also keep body heat inside. Then cut a hole for the cat to get inside.

The most important thing is to keep the box off the ground. The ground conducts heat away. Place the box on some bricks or anything you have to keep it off the ground. Also place an old blanket or something inside for comfort and to conserve body heat.

Answer 5

If at all possible I would suggest building something out of wood, and then taking probably tin or something similar for roofing. Since the space would only have to be maybe 18 inches in length and about 10-12 inches in width this would be fairly cheap to construct allowing about 12 inches for the cat to stand, then leave an opening of about 6 inches in height and 5 inches in width for easy entry filled with wool or something similar for him to curl up in. With a slightly angled roof to allow water and snow to fall off, and maybe elevated off the ground by 4 to 6 inches. This would allow him a semi-permanent shelter that would be very good for the cold, and for other in-climate weather conditions, the most important part would be sealing it against water getting in, which could be done by recessing the entrance, or placing it in a spot which is protected by other things such as a breezeway or what not.

Answer 6

You can get a small cardbord or wooden box and insulate it with newspaper then pet a fleffy blanket in there. Make sure the openingis just big enough for him to crawl into.

Answer 7

They seem to like shredded newspaper, but really they can keep themselves warm. Anything you do will probably become a home for mice.
.

Answer 8

Im from the ASPCA and that i'm right here to confiscate mentioned kitty. She desires greater interest than you on my own would provide her. Willow and that i shall guard this. thank you on your cooperation.