09/26/2026
In most cases, cats will figure out how to use shelters on their own. Here are a few things you can do to attract them if it doesn't seem like your cats are using the shelter:
▪️Be patient. Some cats need a lot of time to get comfortable with a new shelter.
▪️Loosely fill the shelter ½ to ¾ full of straw, NOT HAY. Replace the straw every few 2-3 months or as needed as straw does breakdown with usage.
▪️Remove any door flaps on the shelter. While doorway flaps help keep cold air out and warm air in, they should not be added until after your cats are used to going in and out of the shelter.
▪️Do not place food in or near the shelter. Cats instinctively avoid sleeping near food as it attracts other cats and wildlife (predators).
▪️Location is important. Place the shelter where your cats are already hanging out. More feral/less social cats typically want to shelter farther away from humans. The more secluded the shelter, the more likely cats are to use it.
▪️Place the shelter near natural cover, as opposed to out in the open where your cats may not feel safe. Cats prefer to move along walls, hedges or other natural barriers and boundaries. Place the shelter under or up against a building, fence, tree, porch, bush or some type of overhang.
▪️Place the shelter with the entrance facing away from the wind, rain and snow.
▪️Make sure the shelter is on a flat surface. A wobbly shelter could discourage cats from entering.
▪️It’s possible that your cats have another shelter where they feel safe. They may already have a shed, crawlspace or some other shelter they prefer.
▪️When all else fails, try a new location, but only after giving your cats plenty of time to explore and get used to the current location.
(We thank FeralVilla.com for this great advice!)
THANK YOU to the caregivers who have taken the time to build a feral cat shelter. Protection from the elements is critical, especially during the cold months, and your thoughtfulness will no doubt save many lives this winter.
