How we keep Winston, our feral cat, warm in the winter. Post may contain affiliate links.
Keeping Feral Cats Warm in the Winter
I have mentioned our feral cat, Winston, many times. We worry about him in the winter and have finally come up with a solution that works for us and for Winston. I should first say that we live in the sort of Southeast, so our winters are usually not as frigid as those of you in the north. We may get down into the teens and single digits occasionally, but usually within a couple of days we are back up into the 40's and the 50's. We also have a screened in back porch that is on a second level. It has a cat door inserted in the screen door. So we have the benefit of the porch and an electrical outlet.
Working from the outside in, we purchased a Petmate Small Barn House. It is a nice big size for a cat and allows us to fill the inside how we wish. In the summer we take out everything but a layer of cedar shavings and a towel. He doesn't use it much in the summer, but sometimes if it's storming or very windy, he will get in it.
Next inside we have a big towel that we lay over a soft igloo house that we got at HomeGoods that is similar to this one soft plush igloo cat house, Then the item that pulls it all together is this K&H Heating Pad. What we love about this heating pad is that it is triggered by the cats weight, so it is not constantly running.
The best part is that Winston loves it. With our cold mornings, he has taken to sleeping in and doesn't come out till almost 8:30 to get breakfast. On cold days, I will find him the house several times through the day. In this photo he is close to the front because I think he was waiting for me to bring out his food. He can actually curl up further back, which he does when it's really cold.
This week I am linking up with:
Caturday Art |
Selfie Sundays |
Wordless Wedneday
Camera Critters |
Blog Paws Wordless Wedenesday |
Thankful Thursday |
Cat Thursday |
Friday Linkies |
The Pet Parade |
Friday Ark |
Feline Friday |
Maryp says
I hope he's been neutered and vaccinated. I've taken care of outside cats for decades. I use a straw filled large litter box for a feeding station and Styrofoam filled straw containers for shelters in hidden areas aroสปubd my property
stevebethere says
Aww! how cute especially the lat pic heheh!
Have a sleepytastic weekend ๐
Comedy Plus says
We had a heated doghouse for your dog when we had to be gone during the day. She was an indoor dog 98% of the time. We worried about her being cold as you do. Excellent way to make sure our four legged buddies are warm.
Have a purrfect Feline Friday. Happy Friday the 13th too. โบ
Karren Haller says
That is such a nice thing to do, wonder if he gets other visitors?
Hannah and Lucy says
Thank you for taking care of Winston - we wish we had a heating pad too!
Joni B. says
What should I use here around Dallas Texas? I insulated an old storage container & put it on our porch & one night a possum got on it I washed all her towels & she still wonโt get back in it even now with our 99 degree days.
Someone told me to put an exit on the opposite end, so she can exit if a
Visitor drops & she can leave! What do yโall think?
Joni B.
Dragonheart, Merlin, and Devi says
What a wonderful winter home for Winston! He is lucky to have you!
Katie Kat and Katie Kitty Too says
Brilliant heating pad - definitely something to be thankful for. Glad to know they exist. Winston looks warm and happy in his bed. Purrz fur all your do fur you outdoor baby. -Katie the Mom
mariodacat roever says
Winston is furry luckky to be living at your house because you have a veyr nice set up for him. Thank you for providing him with such a nice home in the winter.
ATCAD - Socks, Scylla,Chimera,Yin,Yang, Fenris & Tuiren says
That is a nifty idea, we need to figure out a way to run a heating pad to Tuiren's dog house then she could stay in it when it gets cold ( we have weather similar to yours). Currently we make her come inside but she doesn't like to and cries to go back outside all night.
Robin says
Winston is such a lucky guy to have found you and your family. You are very kind to have bought him this little house. ๐ He is adorable in there! It looks like he has totally claimed it too.
Brando and Bogart says
If we were Winston, we would never come out!!! It looks snuggly warm!!! <3
Chris says
Most non-homeless homeless cat ever, lol. So cute!
Rosa @ Cat Lady Confidential says
Winston is very fortunate to have found you. That heating pad was a great idea.
Erin the Cat (Princess) says
I think that is brilliant, that blanket, and that you are a star for helping Winston, who is a delight to see, so very much. Have a great week. purrs ERin
Lola The Rescued Cat says
Winston is so lucky he has you to take care of him. Thanks for being so kind.
Silver Kitten says
This is BRILLIANT! Thank you for being such a caring family for Winston. You have our deepest admiration and thanks for this.
Happy Sunday Selfie,
The Dash Kitten Crew
Flynn says
That is a lovely warm home you have given Winston. He looks very snug in there.
Marty the Manx says
How absolutely fantastic of you ๐ Winston is a lucky guy.
mommakatandherbearcat says
Winston is handsome. You really thought that set up through and I bet it works amazingly! Winston definitely seems happy.
Hairballs and Hissyfits says
Winston looks incredibly comfy! More warm and cozy than my indoor cats sometimes do! Too bad Winston doesn't want to become an indoor kitty!
Cathy Keisha says
Thank you for treatingWinston so well. Many people wouldn't. Winston is lucky to have you.
The Island Cats says
Winston has it pretty good there!
Little Binky and Granny says
You are an angel, Pam. Winston is a lucky guy to have you around. Pawkisses for a Happy and warm Caturday ๐ <3
Athena says
Winston is so handsome and that's a great idea. We're so glad you're taking care of him.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Ellen Pilch says
That is so sweet of you to take such good care of this cutie.
Cindy Topp says
Dear Pam,
Thank you so much for this posting! Reading it brings back a real hit of nostalgia for me. Decades ago, when no-kill shelters were still very much in their infancy, my mom and I were faced with having to deal with a colony of 30 feral cats in our and two neighboring backyards. Keeping these beautiful, independent animals healthy, well-fed and warm was simultaneously a constant challenge and a privilege of grace. Although not all of the cats could be saved, and indeed, due to issues of cannibalization, the Humane Society ultimately had to be brought in, we were able to save one mother cat, all her kittens, and many other kittens from other litters. As a result, we increased our household by eleven of the purry furballs, all from then on indoor cats only, and not only tolerated, but totally loved by our eleven year-old poodle. Our darlings had the opportunity to live out their lives and to see old age, many reaching their upper teens and one even its twentieth birthday, something often denied feral cats out-of-doors.
Thank you for the memories,
Cindy T.
Esme says
What a great idea. I love it. What we do for our kitties.
Shanna says
This is a great setup for Winston. I really dig that weight-activated blanket.
Roby Sweet says
Bless you for looking out for Winston, and for sharing how you did it. Happy Saturday!