Not for the first time, we have a stray cat hanging around. Until now I've put a warm bed in the garden shed and left the door cracked. Unfortunately, the shed is at the back of the back garden and a bit inconvenient and I need to have something close to the back door. Looking for ideas for the scraps of lumber I already have, I came across this:

Full details here

It's meant as a feeding station/shelter for feral cats and is on the large size, but could be scaled down with no problem. I have all the materials I need, including stain, waterseal and shingles, except hinges.

I shall use cedar shavings to put on the floor and styrofoam sheets instead of fiberglass for insulation (because that's what I have on hand). I also have spare vinyl flooring for lining the interior, which will make cleaning easier.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Answers

Thanks! I'll pass it on to my neighbor who's in charge of attracting the neighborhood orphans. (My indoor cats don't tolerate the visitors wandering near my house, having been thoroughly traumatized years ago, but I do contribute towards the food my neighbor puts out.)

Except for the coldest nights I wonder if there is enough air circulation. It looks like it could use some screening on the leeward side, in addition to the doorway. Also, I would be concerned about disinfecting it properly. That's more than just a cleaning, and could depend on the materials. Vinyl flooring is a good start, maybe running up the sides?

One thing I like about the design is that it is low and could be conveniently and solidly nestled under his deck. He has tended towards the cardboard box routine, with a tarp when it's wet. The tarp flaps in the wind, scares the cats, and then the box gets wet.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Yep, had intended to run the vinyl up the sides and caulk the seams. Don't forget to mention to your neighbor to use regular outdoor plywood and not treated lumber (I know you know that). I happen to have some redwood stain on hand which will look pretty good. I've decided to get a bit more ambitious and make a little "porch" under a wide overhang so the old cat has somewhere safe to stretch out in the shade. Oh and it's going to be low enough so he can jump up but high enough to keep other critters out. I was thinking too that I might put in one of those louvered foundation vents, you know, the kind that opens at 60 degrees or whatever. Rain is due so no outdoor projects today.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001