Make a warm, cozy retreat for feral and neighborhood cats this winter by following this straightforward DIY guide to create a cost-efficient cat house. Your backyard can become a cat-friendly zone with this setup, keeping your furry visitors cozy and comfortable through the frosty months.
How To Make A Cat House
The house measures 38 inches in length and 18 inches in width/height, providing a snug refuge that’s ideal for one or two cats. It features a sturdy frame made from 1/2 inch plywood, reinforced with 2X2 framing, to withstand the cold and prevent wetness from seeping in. The house equipped with two cat doors, cleverly placed to offer an escape route for added safety and positioned to minimize drafts. These doors come with transparent flaps, allowing some light to penetrate the interior while maintaining warmth.
Materials:
- 1/2 inch plywood (6X4)
- 3 pieces of 2X2X8 for framing
- Assorted screws and nails
- 1/2 inch insulation board (water and mildew-resistant)
- 2 cat doors (reclaimed)
- Weatherstripping
- Glue
- Two hinges
Two latches - Solar lights (not yet installed)
- Outdoor paint
- Straw
Making the Winter Cat House:
Pre-Cut the Panels: Start by getting all your panels prepared, keeping in mind a size that comfortably houses one or two cats.
Building the Frame: Then, plan the frame’s layout. Involving kids at this stage might give them a good handle on fractions of inches and basic measurement skills.
Framed Up and Door Cut Out: Once the panels are will frame up, get your cat doors in place making the necessary cutouts.
Assembling and Sanding: The walls and the floor are assembled. Include small legs to prevent the house from getting wet. Fill and sand away any deep crevasses. Pay special attention to smoothing out rough or sharp edges.
Painting Time: Apply an outdoor paint of your choice and don’t be afraid to let children contribute their artistic instincts here.
Keeping It Warm: Line the inside of the house with a 1/2-inch insulation board to retain warmth.
Adjust Openings for Doors: After the insulation board is in place, finalize the openings for the doors.
Door Installation: Install the two cat doors ensuring that they add to the safety of the cat.
Water-Tight Preparation: Add weather stripping to the top and ensure the lid provides a weather-tight seal.
Final Touches: Attach the lid/roof with two hinges at the back and latches at the front to keep everything secure. Put straws for bedding to ensure that cats can make a warm nest.
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