http://www.alleycat.org/sheltergallery
K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty House
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: waterproof vinyl backing, easy to assemble, 2 exits, thermostat-controlled, heated floor pad, comfy
Possible Drawbacks: Cost, not as sturdy as more permenant shelters, may not provide adequate protection from predators because of the materials used and large door openings
Cylindrical Feral Cat Shelter
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: Weatherproof, drain holes.
Possible Drawbacks: Cost, may not accommodate more than one cat.
KatKabin
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: Lightweight, protects from the elements.
Possible Drawbacks: Cost, not well insulated, complaints about cracking in outer plastic.
The Kitty Tube
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: Made from recycled materials, weatherproof, insulated, removable lid, easily cleanable, and comes with a "straw only" option.
Possible Drawbacks: Cost, the pet bed option is not recommended for outdoor use.
Tick and Thistle Basic Cat House
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: Well-conceived.
Possible Drawbacks: Cost, comes with fleece blanket (not recommended for outdoor shelter use).
Ark Workshop Outdoor Cat House
Purchase the shelter.
Advantages: Sturdy wooden construction, spacious, available with add-ons such as insulation, another exit, door flaps and overhangs, and risers.
Possible Drawbacks: We don't recommend some of the bedding options such as cedar and pine shavings. The base price is reasonable, but once you include add-ons, it can get pricey!
Special thanks to Ark Workshop.
Feral Villa
Purchase the shelter*
Advantages: Durable wood and weatherproof shingles.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires some tools for construction.
*Check out the pre-made feeding stations available for purchase on the same site.
Special Thanks to Feral Villa.
Plastic "Igloo" Shelter
Advantages: Pre-made and can be purchased at most pet stores.
Possible Drawbacks: Wide door opening makes this shelter harder to insulate and guard against the wind. This also provides less protection from predators.
Easy
Styrofoam Cooler Shelter
Advantages: Styrofoam cooler is available from hardware stores, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Simple to make.
Possible Drawbacks: Lightweight - provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure. Cats may scratch styrofoam.
As with many of our low cost shelter options, this shelter is not weatherproof, and will require more upkeep then some of the more permanent and professionally built shelters.
Try reinforcing this shelter by taping heavy duty lawn and garbage bags around the outside of it, to provide added protection from rain and snow.
Special Thanks to Indy Feral.
All About Spay Neuter Fish Box Cat Shelter
View instructions and purchase information
Advantages: Available in white or camouflage, tiled floor to prevent scratches, drainage system.
Possible Drawbacks: Lightweight - provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to All About Spay Neuter.
Spay And Stay Weatherproof Cat Shelter
Read the instructions
Advantages: Inexpensive, easy to build and transport.
Possible Drawbacks: Lightweight - provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to Spay And Stay.
18-gallon PlasticTub Shelter
Download the instructions
Advantages: Inexpensive, easy to build and transport.
Possible Drawbacks: Lightweight - provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to Community Cats Maryland.
All About Spay Neuter All Weather Cat Shelter
View instructions and purchase information
Advantages: Pressure sealed, 2 insulations all around, low maintenance.
Possible Drawbacks: Lightweight - provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to All About Spay Neuter.
Roughneck Home
Read the instructions
Advantages: Affordable, easily reproduced in quantity with commonly available materials and simple tools.
Possible Drawbacks: Provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to eRubbermaid.
Storage Container Shelter with flap
Download the instructions
Advantages: Affordable, door flap to help keep out weather, easily reproduced in quantity with commonly available materials and simple tools.
Possible Drawbacks: Provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to Dana Hudson Goldstein from VoteAnimals.org.
50-gallon Storage Container Shelter
Download the instructions
Advantages: Affordable, easily reproduced in quantity with commonly available materials and simple tools.
Possible Drawbacks: Provides less protection from predators than a wooden structure.
Special Thanks to John V.
Plastic Cooler Shelter
View video instructions.
View slideshow gallery.
Advantages: Weather proof, pre-insulated, relatively inexpensive and includes an easy opening top for cleaning.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires special tools for cutting an opening.
Faux Rock Shelter
Advantages: Available at most home improvement stores and garden centers, well camouflaged.
Possible Drawbacks: Prefabricated rocks can be expensive, tools will be necessary to cut opening and attach base.
Special Thanks to CSUN Catpeople.
Corokitty Shelter
Design information and updates
Advantages: Stylish and well designed. Simple, inexpensive, durable materials. Weather resistant. Variety of designs that can be easily modified. Some designs can be attached together to create multi-unit shelters.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires some degree of skill and access to tools—like a jigsaw for cutting. Not all design plans are complete—the site is a work in progress—so check back for updates.
Special Thanks to Chris Peterson.
Moderate
Alley Cat Allies' Inexpensive Do-It-Yourself Shelter
Download the instructions
Advantages: Sturdy design, can house multiple cats, provides protection from predators.
Possible Drawbacks: Building requires a moderate degree of skill.
"Dog House" Shelter
Advantages: Sturdy design, provides protection from predators.
Possible Drawbacks: Building requires a moderate degree of skill.
Fiver Cats Shelter
FIVER Cats Raised Wooden Cat Shelter
Download the plans.
Advantages: Very sturdy, two exits, raised for potential high snowfall, can use water-resistant/proof material for roofing, small “porch” on front.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires tools for construction, cost, larger size.
Special Thanks to FIVER Cats.
Camper Topper Shelter
Download the instructions
Advantages: Can house 10-15 cats, camper toppers are readily available for purchase.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires some tools and moderate skill for modification.
Special Thanks to Friends of Felines in Sedgwick, Kansas.
Garden Shed as a Shelter
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Advantages: Shed is easily re-purposed and modified. Houses many cats and provides heating options.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires larger space, availability of a shed, and moderate skill to install a cat door.
Special Thanks to Community Cats Maryland.
Lattice-Wrapped Porch
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Advantages: Easy to install, provides protection from predators and its intended purpose is not noticeable.
Possible Drawbacks: Moderate skill level required to frame and apply lattice.
Special Thanks to Community Cats Maryland.
Faux Hedge Shlter
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Advantages: Accomodates more than one cat, inexpensive and easy to construct, provides privacy for cats and aesthetic consideration for neighbors.
Possible Drawbacks: Not weatherproof, requires additional measures for cold weather use.
Special Thanks to Ellen Hart.
Advanced
A-Frame Cat Shelter
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Advantages: Sturdy design, provides protection from predators, large A-fram roof allows for heat lamp.
Possible Drawbacks: Building requires a high degree of skill.
Special Thanks to Community Cats Maryland.
Coop Shelter
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Advantages: Houses multiple cats, sturdy, offers protection from predators.
Possible Drawbacks: Requires skill, and large space.
Special Thanks to Community Cats Maryland.