10/09/2026
Shelter entry placement is important! 🎯
When making shelters from styrofoam boxes or totes, aim to place the opening as far to the side (left or right, your choice) as possible without compromising the side wall of the container. Also, place the opening high up, as close to the lid as possible. You want the cat to step down into the straw that you'll eventually place inside. Placing the hole high also prevents puddling rain and accumulating snow from entering the shelter and soaking the straw. Remember, you're going to fill that shelter approximately 2/3 full with loose straw. The cat should step DOWN into it, not have to make his way through it. Also, when kitty exits, he will not drag the straw out of the shelter if the hole is placed higher.
Remember to keep the entry hole small. It only needs to be 5-6" wide, or the width of kitty's whiskers. A smaller door discourages other animals (like raccoons) from entering and keeps heat inside.
