From emergency and free solutions to engineered models. Filter by animal, season, heating and design class.
The simplest rain and wind cover: a lidded tote with an entrance and a little straw. Without insulation it is not a winter solution; it is a starting point to upgrade later.
A tote raised off the ground, with a high entrance sill and loose straw up to half the height. An inexpensive winter option for one cat until an insulated shelter is built.
A tote lined inside with 30 mm EPS on every side and under the lid. The foam must be covered by straw and checked for scratching.
The same tote as the EPS variant but with XPS boards that tolerate moisture and pressure better. Useful when you have XPS offcuts from construction.
The Alley Cat Allies method: a large tote of about 30 gallons, a foam slab on the bottom, a smaller tote of about 20 gallons inside and straw, with one entrance through both.
A tote-in-tote with foam panels also in the gap between walls, not only on the bottom. More work and material than the basic version, with a more complete insulation layer.
An OSB/3 box with EPS and a thin lining, roofing felt and a roof falling to the rear. Sealing the OSB edges is mandatory.
Exterior plywood, 30 mm XPS and an interior lining. For two cats that get along, without the framing and hardware of the engineered models.
An OSB box with 50 mm EPS, one entrance and enough room for two cats to curl up together.
Two separate chambers, each with one entrance, for cats that do not share a space or to keep an escape option per entrance.
Two chambers for two cats each in one OSB box, close to the Alley Cat Allies suggestion of about 2 × 3 ft for a small group.
Three chambers with one entrance each and a service roof for cleaning. A budget alternative to the engineered Alpine Colony Six.
A lighter insulated box without roof covering, only for a porch, shed or garage with no rain. It must not stand outside without a roof.
A roof with a back and one side panel facing the wind and a raised base. It gives daytime cover from wind and rain but is not a winter sleeping shelter.
A roof with a back panel and a dry raised base for resting on rainy days. A closed shelter can also be placed beneath it.
An open structure with an opaque roof and a raised base: shade without an enclosed space that traps heat. Place it on grass, not concrete.
An uninsulated box with an entrance at the front and a second opening at the rear so hot air can move through, as Alley Cat Allies recommends for summer. It must stand in full shade.
A feeding station with a roof and three closed sides, raised off the ground, so food and water stay dry and shaded. It is not a sleeping shelter.
The same pallet frame as the basic version, with EPS in the cavities, OSB cladding outside and an interior lining. Floor and roof are not insulated.
An OSB/3 box with 30 mm EPS, an interior lining and roofing felt, for a small dog. OSB edges must be protected.
An OSB/3 box with 30 mm EPS, an interior lining and roofing felt, for a medium dog. OSB edges must be protected.
An OSB/3 box with 30 mm EPS, an interior lining and roofing felt, for a large dog. OSB edges must be protected.
Exterior plywood, 30 mm XPS and a bituminous membrane on the roof. Simpler than the engineered models, without framing or a service roof.
An open canopy with an opaque roof and a raised bed that air can move under. A closed doghouse is no protection from extreme heat; this is shade, with water and free movement.
An open canopy with an opaque roof and a raised bed that air can move under. A closed doghouse is no protection from extreme heat; this is shade, with water and free movement.
An open canopy with an opaque roof and a raised bed that air can move under. A closed doghouse is no protection from extreme heat; this is shade, with water and free movement.
A roof, a back wall and one side wall facing the wind, with a raised bed. A daytime cover next to the house; not a winter sleeping shelter.
A simple bed raised 150 mm off the ground, away from damp or hot surfaces. Place it in shade in summer or under a canopy.
The order of work for an existing house: roof and water first, then raising, entrance protection, and only then insulation with a protective lining. Shown for a reference house; enter your own house in the retrofit tool.