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8 Things an Outdoor Cat Might Need

By Christina Mulberry

Certainly many people take responsibility for the care and well being of stray and feral cats that they can not bring into their home. In addition, some cats are allowed the freedom of the outdoors based on their personality or the owner's decision that it's important for their health or the health of their feline, to allow it outside despite any risks.

Unfortunately, in many areas of the world a cat that is outdoors for too long during the wintertime may suffer frostbite, hypothermia, or even death due to exposure. While cats have fine fur coats that provide protection, it isn't enough when temperatures dip well below freezing. For these outdoor cats, there are a number of special things to consider to assure their safety and well being. Here are eight of them:

1. A cat house.

Shelter from snow and frigid winds is important. Just being tucked away to avoid getting wet and removed from frosty winds can do a lot to prevent disaster. Ready made cat houses can be purchased or, for those tending feral cat colonies or needing to keep costs low, simple houses can be fabricated from large plastic bins. Cats tend to like small spaces, so larger houses aren't usually a good option. In addition, the door should only be large enough for your cat, not bigger animals.

2. Insulation.

The ideal cat house will also stand up to winter temperatures by including suitable insulation. Wood is a natural insulator and therefore houses constructed of wood are a good choice. Keeping the house elevated a bit off the ground can also prevent the transfer of cold from the bare ground or concrete. Adding styrofoam insulation, straw, or any number of insulating materials to the sides and roof can help.

3. A platform.

Cats naturally like high places. This is also a defensive mechanism. They can see any potential predators that might approach and stay out of reach. Therefore, placing a house on a platform can be a good idea.

4. Heat.

Ideally, the cat house will also have a heat source. Heating elements, light bulbs, and commercially available pet house heaters can be used. Many commercially available products are temperature controlled. Even solar pool covers can be used. Placing a cat house where it can get some sun is a good idea, although you should avoid placing it entirely in the open.

5. Adequate flooring.

A wood floor is better than plastic or concrete. Placing straw or wadded up newspaper on the floor can help too. However, this has to be kept clean and dry. Carpeting is not recommended as it tends to retain moisture. Another option is a heated bed or pad. These add warmth and tend to use little energy as they heat only the area where the cat is present.

6. A Door.

Of course your cat house needs a doorway for the animal to enter, and two doorways can make it feel secure. However, in winter time it can be important to have a covered door. If you care for a pet, then it may be accustomed to using pet doors and not be bothered by such things. Other cats will breach only fabric flaps, which can be made of insulated cloth. For feral cats, it may take some enticing and others may never accept them. It depends upon the cat, but doors can indeed help maintain a good internal temperature in the shelter.

7. Food.

Clearly any pet or stray animal needs food. In the winter, this is doubly true. Keeping an outdoor cat's coat thick and healthy and maintaining additional body fat can go a long way in assuring survival. Feeding cats outdoors isn't generally recommended because it can attract unwanted wildlife but sometimes it's the only option. One possible solution is to use an automatic feeder which will dispense only a designated amount of food at intervals you identify.

8. Water.

Cats of course need water. In fact, kidney failure is one of the more common ailments they suffer. In the wintertime, those who care for outdoor cats need to be vigilant since water supplies freeze. There are heated water bowls available on the market.

Caring for an outdoor cat in the wintertime requires some special precautions. In many instances, caregivers aren't able to provide all of the items above, but each one can make a difference.

PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE

Outdoor Cat Shelter
Information about outdoor cat shelters
www.squidoo.com/outdoor-cat-shelter

What a thoughtful and insightful intel. It's a common conundrum. You come across a stray or feral cat, and you're sorely tempted to take it home - but you run the risk of turning into the neighborhood's "crazy cat person" with 27+ cats in the house. I've made this mistake myself. Keeping 'em outside is an in-between solution that gives the stray some quality in life while allowing you to maintain your own sanity. Good, practical intel.

Caring for strays is almost addictive, but yes, who wants to be the nutty person in the news with 100 cats?

Great intel Christina.
As a farm boy, I appreciate you complete detailed information to protect animals from the elements.
Keep up the fine intels.
Frederick

Thanks for stopping by

If the furry little felines of the world read your intel Christina, they would be making a B-Line to your place to live in luxury. I have always been a cat lover and have sustained many a scratch whilst trying to 'rescue' strays from their predicaments. Great intel and thanks for sharing. =^..^= Meeeoooowww!

Nice to know we have a love of kitties in common.

Great intel, and a timely guide. With heated water containers and what have you, not to mention the carpentry work, I'll bet it all adds up. I think anyone trying this first needs to make oodles of money from Squidoo commissions like the author of this intel does.

Yes, if you buy everything it is pretty pricey! You can buy a large plastic bin though, insulate with left over straw or styrofoam, cut a door in it and for $10-$20 dollars be well ahead. I've heard that you can get a pool cover at yard sales for a few bucks and supposedly they keep the temp above freezing.

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