Shelters To Keep Stray Cats Out Of The Cold

Among the news that comes out every day and affects the animal world, we highlight this one: they build shelters so that stray cats do not get cold.

It is always comforting to hear positive news, which serve to help stray dogs, stray cats or any other type of animal. They suffer human abuse.

A project to help stray cats

A recent news reports that businesswoman María José Tejeda and Plataforma dos Parados – unemployed – from Cáceres have joined forces to prevent stray cats from getting cold.

Both parties started the project to build shelters for stray cats. For this, they use insulating material that can protect the city’s cats.

The idea came about because of the low temperatures that Spain had in recent weeks. The promoters got together and decided to build some boxes out of insulating material, more than a meter long and forty centimeters high, and a few more in depth.

According to reports, this insulating material is used for walls or fish boxes at the same time, covered with insulating or packing tape. These boxes can accommodate and protect multiple cats street, giving them protection from the cold and rain.

In addition to this noble action to give the pussies the necessary protection, this can prevent accidents, such as those caused when the cats take refuge in cars.

Petitioning authorities for improvement measures

María José and Plataforma are demanding that the city of Cáceres be more involved in improving the quality of life of stray cats.

In other Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, the so-called CES method is being implemented, that is, capture, sterilization and release of the animal.

With this system, it is possible to advance in reducing the uncontrolled reproduction of animals and also to reduce the bad smell that comes from cat urine.

Males are sterilized and reduce the demarcation of territory in many public spaces. Also, their urine no longer gives off a strong odor as usual.

Furthermore, it is important to make it clear that,  with these methods, animals do not suffer any kind of physical harm.

How can we create small shelters for stray cats?

• During the winter, stray and wild cats live outdoors, no matter where.
• A small cat shelter should be no more than 50 centimeters high and should not be too big. Don’t forget that giving more space equals loss of heat, and inside it will remain as cold as outside. Therefore, the ideal is that in each shelter an average of three to five cats should be received.
• The door must be no more than 8 inches wide. Thus, preventing other animals from entering the shelter.
• If it is possible to create some kind of door or cover, it is ideal. This will ensure maximum protection from snow, wind and rain.

• Other conditions of the shelter or inn refer to the covering.
• Straw is very suitable for repelling rain and snow and for ensuring that cats stay warm and dry. It is important to avoid towels and other materials, which tend to absorb moisture.
• These shelters should not be nearly touching the cold ground. Therefore, it is best to use a platform with wooden platforms filled with insulating material. This will raise the shelters and avoid drafts.
• If it is a snowy area, it is important to clean the entrance to the shelters well. Someone must be responsible for this task.
• This way, it facilitates the access of cats and also their exit, preventing them from being trapped inside the shelters.
• With regard to food, the cats that are on the street during the winter need extra calories and a dose of lipids.
• Canned food is the most suitable, unless there is a risk of freezing. There are alternatives such as dehydrated products for kittens. These products have more calories than adult cat food.

• Stray cats often seek warmth and safety under a car. We have to get used to hitting the car’s bodywork a bit before turning the key in the ignition. Then you can start the car. It’s possible that a cat is under our engine.