How can I use this for a feral cat winter box shelter? This poor terrified cat survived last horrid winter but I have to better this year. Can I put this on the outside of a sturdy box & still wrap the box with a garbage bag to protect it from water? Will it work? I will put blankets inside. Oh I hope I have come across the answer to help this poor cat in harsh nights. How can I use this for a feral cat winter box shelter? This poor terrified cat survived last horrid winter but I have to better this year. Can I put this on the outside of a sturdy box &... » Read More How can I use this for a feral cat winter box shelter? This poor terrified cat survived last horrid winter but I have to better this year. Can I put this on the outside of a sturdy box & still wrap the box with a garbage bag to protect it from water? Will it work? I will put blankets inside. Oh I hope I have come across the answer to help this poor cat in harsh nights. « Show Less
759341
This is really good insulation but you would need to use in inside of the cat box i dont think it would do as outside cover. We have a dog house that we are going to cover with the insulation and then cover it with shingles both are very in expensive and easy to install. A cat needs to have its sleeping area up off of the ground We have a cat and she will not sleep in anything that is not up high and off of the ground.
759342
Just keep the cat inside a warm home. Or inside somewhere its warm like humans live in. Just wondering. Sounds like you don't need a cat box shelter, need to keep it inside a warm place so it can run free.
759343
Yes line the box with this but no blankets they get wet use hay or straw...use a large Tupperware container..cut a hole..line with newspaper then reflectix then hay bed....there are small electric pet bed heaters that only use the power of a light bulb too...hope this helps..Chris...
759344
Someone mentioned using HAY inside the lined box....DO NOT USE HAY...USE STRAW. Straw is DRY hay....you don't want to put anything in the box that will add moisture. Also don't use cedar shavings..cats don't like it and won't use it. Good luck with your feral cat--we take care of a couple of stray/community cats and use shelters much like you describe putting together.
759345
If the shelter is small enough the reflectix will keep that heat in the box. It sure works in a small camper during the winter.
768194
Yes you can. I have had this box for a few months now and have never used a liner. In my experience the liner can get punctured by the cats claws and is a waste of money. I have 7 cats (4 adults and 3 kittens plus I foster for our city shelter.) and 4 litter boxes, 3 of which are the normal covered type. This one is my favorite and I will slowly replace at least two of my other boxes with this one. I will leave one the regular style due to my older cats do not like to crawl inside this one. It does keep the smell down as well as the littler off the floor and is easy to clean (I clean at least 2-3 times a day). Yes you can. I have had this box for a few months now and have never used a liner. In my experience the liner can get punctured by the cats claws and is a waste of money. I have 7 cats (4 adults and 3 kittens plus I foster for our city shelter.) and 4 litter boxes, 3 of which are the normal covered type. This one is my favorite and I will slowly replace at least two of my other boxes with this one. I will leave one the regular style due to my older cats do not like to crawl inside this one. It does keep the smell down as well as the littler off the floor and is easy to clean (I clean at... » Read More Yes you can. I have had this box for a few months now and have never used a liner. In my experience the liner can get punctured by the cats claws and is a waste of money. I have 7 cats (4 adults and 3 kittens plus I foster for our city shelter.) and 4 litter boxes, 3 of which are the normal covered type. This one is my favorite and I will slowly replace at least two of my other boxes with this one. I will leave one the regular style due to my older cats do not like to crawl inside this one. It does keep the smell down as well as the littler off the floor and is easy to clean (I clean at least 2-3 times a day). « Show Less
482015
this is PERFECT for your feral cats - the "upstairs" area is a bit small because there is an opening in the middle, down to the ground level but .. if you do NOT take out the wire - elevate so there is an up and down level...and make sure it is shielded below from driving rain or wind, should be big enough for both ...i am nuts about cats ...and i bought one for each ...sleep upstairs, litter box in the bottom for when i have to bring them inside and contain them ..these shelters are perfect for cats !!!
236803
I suppose you could put a cat in here, but why would you opt for this kind of set up? There are other, better, cat options. Better yet, just don't let your cat out at night. This is a chicken coop or possibly a rabbit hatch, but not really a cat containment system. I'd do a search for cat runs. Just my opinion.
1502587
I don't know. I can tell you my part-time outdoor cat warmed up to this scratcher a lot faster than I expected. She gets her outdoor time (not lately since she doesn't like the Michigan cold). If you're out of options, this wouldn't be a terrible thing to try, but I can't promise it'll solve your predicament. Wish I could've helped more. Every cat is unique. Good luck.
473583
Dear Serendipity...You might want to try some catnip and sprinkle some on the cover. I had the same problem with a few ferals and it took a few times but eventually they all laid on it. It also helps when the temp's get really cold. They can sense the warmth!
65748
I think YardStash II for feral cats would be considered overkill. There is so much room it think you would do better with a small pup tent or even a pet shipping crate. I guess you could keep the bottom and flap partially unzipped for access if you are determined to use it.
57853
As long as the pad and cord is in good condition, I don't think there should be an issue. I have a plastic Kitty Tube house with foam insulation and bedding. The mat gets warm, but maintains a safe temperature. I highly recommend the mat, it was literally a lifesaver for the feral cat(s). Thinking about buying a second one this fall.
1175193
We use the 12" x 18" pad in a "house" on the covered front porch for feral cats for 8 or 9 winters. We purchased additional pads (same size) for family cats that like to sleep in the garage in the winter. The heat is activated by the weight of the cat so you need to put a book or something on it for a few minutes to test it. Ours are all still working.
1770224
If you have a big kitty, you may want to consider buying a large plastic storage tote and cutting an opening in one end. This is what I do, I don't purchase commercial litterboxes anymore. 5 cats and no accidents with this method. Cats like to have a LOT of room in their box if you can give it to them!
922516
If you're using a lid, take that off. Some cats feel vulnerable using boxes with lids. You might also try "seeding" it with some clumps from your old litter box. I would also suggest you unplug it for a few days. My cats were scared at first when it would make noise or move on its own. Once your cat starts using it, then you could plug it in at certain times of the day and eventually work up to plugging it in all the time.
235876
I bought the house to be a cat shelter in the wintertime so I'm sorry not to be any help on this question. I didn't get it for a dog. Good luck--I'm sure that you'll hear from the dog owners.
136973
Hi. I only left the old box there for a day. I took it away and watched my cats and they used it right away. Try using some litter from the old box into the new one. Don't worry she will use it. Put it in the same spot as the old one.
2011655
I have 3 garage cats and 3 thermo blankets. I wrap each in a thick blanket to protectfrom claws and wash the blankets occasionally. I believe the manufacturer advises notto leave unattended, but check their instructions. As for safety, can you put it onsomething non flammable? Great product, cats love it. Check with the mfgr.
105539
Hi Cassandra, Amazon asked if I could answer your question. I think the hole is for an electrical plug of some sort, but I don't remember what the instructions indicated about it. I did not use the hole, I plugged it up. I think it best for you to contact the Kitty Tube company with your question. It was a terrible winter, the Kitty Tube helped alot, I put alot of straw in it and placed the shelter under a balcony for protection from wind and snow. The little feral cat survived! (So did I!) P.S. Don't use catnip in it, racoons love catnip!Best regards
473584
serendipity: Well. We built a kind of cat house for the feral cats that came to us. It is insulated. We live in the mountains, so it snows here. There is a shelf inside the house where the heat pad sits. They seem to use this cat condo when it snows, mostly. Also, covered porch area with a love seat, with blankets and tarp, with heated lap blanket. Cats are creatures of comfort. It is likely the cat will use the heat pad when it gets cold. I know you are worried the cat will suffer the cold, but it seems to me you are doing the best you can to help a fellow creature.
65746
feral tom cats will spray on this type of fabric and you will never get the smell out. Actually I have used the covered litterboxes and thrown old towels or rags in for outside cats for shelter