If you are feeding a colony of community cats and live in a part of the country where winter’s cold temperatures are a concern, you should be providing them with insulated winter shelters to protect them from freezing temperatures. The Internet is filled with great ideas on winter shelters, everything from the simple to the elaborate and everything in between.

Obviously, your budget and skill set will help determine which shelter is best, but here are a few things you'll want to consider when setting up winter shelters to create the best housing for cats:

• Protection from the elements, especially water - The shelter must not allow any water to permeate the inside or it will be useless, so if you are using a non-waterproof shelter, then you must make sure to place it under a porch or another overhang that protects it from water. Is there a prevailing wind direction? Face your shelter so that the cold wind doesn't blow straight into the shelter entrance.
• Protection from predators - Does the shelter protect the cats from whatever predators you have in your area that might seek to harm them? Research your area and design you shelters accordingly.
• The right insulation for your shelter - Choose from two popular types such as rolled and sheet. Each can be cut to fit and then duct taped in place.
• Correct placement - It is best to place shelters away from high traffic areas and at least a few yards away from the cats' food source. If you are placing shelters on public property, you'll want to hide them as best as possible, so they don't get removed, or disturbed.
• Ideal bedding - Straw is the best option for shelter bedding. Change the straw at least once yearly, and avoid blankets or sheets as they tend to draw moisture in.
• Encouragement - Catnip is an ideal enticer. Sprinkle some catnip on and inside the finished shelter to encourage the cats to use it.

A few other cold weather considerations with outdoor cats:

-Cats tend to eat more in winter, so place more food down for your outside cats in cold weather.

-Make sure water sources stay unfrozen. Check them a couple of times a day or you can purchase heated water bowls online. 

We want to hear about your community cats! Do you have great ideas to help keep outdoor cats protected in colder months? If so we’d love to hear them! Contact us at cats@idausa.org. Please also share pictures of your colony and your shelters, if you have them.