If you have recently adopted a cat and live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may be wondering how to build a waterproof cat house. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do in order to make sure that your cat’s house will stay dry during even the heaviest downpours.
Read on to find out how to build a waterproof cat house in just a few simple steps.
How To Build A Waterproof Cat House?
Get Building Materials
Outdoor cats require cover from wind, rainfall, and cold. Use strong building materials or recycle an old container. Try these:
- Plastic storage container from a hardware shop (approximately 35 gallons/132 L)
- Old doghouse from a relative or friend
- Plywood or timber (one 4 × 8 foot sheet or miscellaneous scrap)
Adjust The Size So That It Fits Tightly
The heat generated by a cat’s body can only effectively heat a limited area. There is no ideal size to go for, although the biggest shelters have dimensions of around 26 inches tall by 26 inches wide by 32 inches deep (66 x 66 x 81 cm)
If you are going to use an existing container that is substantially larger, you will need to cut it in half or divide it using plywood.
Make The Roof Detachable.
If the roof is detachable, it will be easier for you to clean the bedding. If you are building your own house, you should use a hinge to connect the roof to the walls of the house.
Use the lid of the plastic storage tub as a roof if you are going to use the tub for storage. When it is completed, you may next use pebbles or other things of a similar weight to press the roof down.
Raise The Level Of The House Above The Ground
If there is a chance of snowdrifts or flooding in your location, the shelter has to be lifted. In most areas, a depth of 18 inches (46 centimeters) is sufficient, but in regions with weather that is less severe, a depth of 12 inches (30 centimeters) or less will do.
Here are some tips for raising the level of your cat’s house:
- Keep the shelter on top of a covered raised patio
- Place the shelter on top of stacked materials such as waste lumber, concrete blocks, or any other suitable material. It is imperative that the stack be totally level and solid.
- Surround it with things that are weighty to keep it from collapsing.
- Keep it on a stable sheet of plywood that is elevated off the ground using four legs made of 2x4s (38 x 89mm) that are secured using coated deck screws.
Create an Entrance and an Exit
Cats prefer shelters that have two entrances, which allows them to flee from any threats that may be sniffing in one of the openings. Carve out two doors measuring 6 inches by 6 inches (15 cm by 15 cm) on opposite sides. If you are going to use plastic, use duct tape to conceal any sharp edges.
Make The House Waterproof
Since the container for storage is made of plastic and is already waterproof, you can skip this step. Sand and paint anything you’re going to use as a shelter from the weather, whether it’s plywood, timber, or even a doghouse. Covering the roof with roofing material provides not only significant protection but also adds insulation.
Install Insulation in the Wall and Roof
A cat house made of timber does not need insulation because it naturally retains heat well, but any other material does.
Cover each wall with one by gluing it on foam insulation board with a thickness of 2.5 centimeters purchased from a home improvement store. Leave a space of three inches (7.5 cm) between the top of the walls.
To properly insulate the roof, place an additional sheet of foam on top of the walls.
Provide Your Cat(s) With Food and Water
When you introduce the house to your cat, place a dish of food and water inside. Some cats will need time to adjust to their new home and may not want to go in right away.
Consistently check the food and water dishes to make sure they are clean and full. It is also important to keep an eye on how much your cat is eating and drinking. If you notice a decrease in appetite or water intake, take your cat to the vet as this could be a sign of illness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to build a waterproof cat house, you can provide your feline friend(s) with a warm and dry place to rest and take shelter from the elements. This is especially important in winter when temperatures can drop significantly. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can build a sturdy and reliable cat house that will last for years to come.
