Is hay or straw needed to keep the outside kitties warm?
1408264
No, you don't have to use straw or hay as the barn house is built in a manner that kitties will be warm inside. Adding straw or hay would give kitties an extra layer of warmth but it is not necessary.
1408265
If you read up online one is preferred but I don't remember which. We use an electric warming pad with removable fleece cover which we wash once the weather warms up.
1408266
No, it's good as is. It's already insulated, and the cats will keep each other warm though body heat. The 2 feral cats in front of my condo existed during the last winter with -15 degree weather with the cat barn.
1408267
Yes. You can also use a low heat pad in colder temperature. Some of soft blanket for them to huddle together to build up their own body heat. Just like you under a blanket. Thanks for taking care of the little ones
1212986
Do Feral Rescue. Straw is very warm and we have COLD nights. You can always buy straw at a Home Depot. You may want to try the heated pillow first. if it does not work can always put straw in after REMOVING heated pillow.
1074574
No, my cats don't go outside so this gives them a room with a view. You should be able to open the window if you wanted to though.
150408
We placed the pad on a plastic container lid. The sterilyte storage container is upside down with a hole cut in the side for a door.The barn cat was toasty this morning in his little hut and it was zero degrees last night. The pad seems safe on the plastic. We have had no problems. Don't know about straw.
759344
Someone mentioned using HAY inside the lined box....DO NOT USE HAY...USE STRAW. Straw is DRY hay....you don't want to put anything in the box that will add moisture. Also don't use cedar shavings..cats don't like it and won't use it. Good luck with your feral cat--we take care of a couple of stray/community cats and use shelters much like you describe putting together.
473582
We have 3 of the K&H outdoor houses (with the heating pads) and we started by putting their cat treats in them. Once they figured it was warmer in the house they have used them every night. We think you might want to put the blanket on the heating pad since they are used to that. You might also try the cat treat thing since they could feel the warmth on their feet they decided that was a good thing. We hope that helps!
1291454
I don't believe the kitty bed is designed for outdoor use (?).....I only know the bed is warmer than the room air when the cat is laying in it..my cats LOVE it!
259446
In most instances, the straw should be adequate. The tube is insulated on the bottom, sides and top. With about one third of the straw provided, the cat should be snug If you live in the northern states that have bitter cold (long periods below zero), then I would opt for the heated pillow, but make sure from time to time that the pillow hasn't become wet. Straw can be changed form time to time to assure it is dry. The straw also is a familiar, natural smelling substance that many ferals recognize and are used to being in.
1704511
It is a thick plastic material. mine is kept inside the garage for my cats. I did buy an electric pet bed for them. Keeps my kitties warm.
167106
The 'extra' 2 pieces of plastic give the food a bit more weather protection and the cats more room. The feral family I am currently working with likes to all eat together...that's 4 at a time. When you get a rain with lots of wind, the 'extra' plastic helps keep the food dry.
2234452
Violet: I have not had this house through the winter yet. It is so well built and you can get the heating pad with it like I did and your kitties should be warm all winter. I think with the pad it should be fine in the coldest of temperatures. Getting in and out of it in the snow might be a problem as the opening is right on the bottom. I always clean area's for my birds and will add the area in front of the house for the cat. It is very sturdy and should have no problem at all covered with snow still keeping them warm. Hope this helps with your decision. I really do think this is a great purchase. It's made so very well it will last for years and years. Violet: I have not had this house through the winter yet. It is so well built and you can get the heating pad with it like I did and your kitties should be warm all winter. I think with the pad it should be fine in the coldest of temperatures. Getting in and out of it in the snow might be a problem as the opening is right on the bottom. I always clean area's for my birds and will add the area in front of the house for the cat. It is very sturdy and should have no problem at all covered with snow still keeping them warm. Hope this helps with your decision. I really do think this is a great... » Read More Violet: I have not had this house through the winter yet. It is so well built and you can get the heating pad with it like I did and your kitties should be warm all winter. I think with the pad it should be fine in the coldest of temperatures. Getting in and out of it in the snow might be a problem as the opening is right on the bottom. I always clean area's for my birds and will add the area in front of the house for the cat. It is very sturdy and should have no problem at all covered with snow still keeping them warm. Hope this helps with your decision. I really do think this is a great purchase. It's made so very well it will last for years and years. « Show Less
31164
This is THE BEST BED for kitties! I put a throw blanket over this little bed, because it does get warm. There is no adjusting mechanism. My cat often digs under the blanket, because she likes it warm. The good thing about it though is that when the cat isn't in the bed, it's not really warm to the touch; it seems to increase in warmth in response to her body temperature. Mine are over a year old now, and still going strong!
100544
It's not really padded. I bought hay so thecats could have warm bedding. Blankets and towels are useless if they get wet. Hay and straw are better for them and the environment.
1212983
I use the straw, and a piece of fleece over the straw. I put the straw down and sprayed it with flea and tick spray. I also spraye the fleece and when it was all dry, about 3-4 hours, I put the fleece on top of the straw. So far our feral kitty, Heidi, loves it. It's gotten down to low 20's and she seems okay. Good luck and thanks for taking care of the ferals.
796347
Yes it is, though I did put mine up against a bush. If you have 60 mile an hour winds, no guarantee's.:)If you are using this for a outdoor feral, or semi-feral cat, I would find someone who could drill a hole in the back. Does not need to be as large as the entrance. Feral cats need an entry and an exit to feel safe. I also suggest, SnuggleSafe. They are round disks with a fleeze pad. The disk can be micro-waved, put back in the pad, and under a blanket in the igloo. They stay warm for quite some time! Meow:)
1321404
I would not keep food in it. Wild animals might come and attack the cats. Also, this house is great EXCEPT it needs a back door for outdoor kitties. This makes strays feel much more safe and they would be way more apt to use it. It also should have a door flap on it. Best to you in getting your kitties to use it. We had a cat family 2 years ago that used it all winter. But this year, the newest outside cat family would NOT use it until my husband cut a back door in it. Now they are using it. But it does need door flaps. I hope this helps!
1057197
No, I covered mine with tarps, placed hay inside the coop area, and when it became very cold I placed a heat lamp in one of the runs. I was leery at first but it seemed to work. I use the deep litter method in the coop part.