Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Siwsan

(27,296 posts)
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 09:59 AM Oct 2023

Time to get prepared for weather changes

I've got 4 shelters out for the ferals. They all got fresh straw and I 'reinforced' the biggest one. It's a big old carrier. I removed the door and had made a gallant effort at blocking the vents to keep out the rain. It's where Arthur and his litter mates were born so I guess it's not too shabby.

I cut open an empty kibble bag (VERY strong plastic) and duct taped it down. I'm also going to stabilize it with a lid from a plastic tub to use as an awning. That will help keep precipitation from getting inside.

I know I'll have to get something stronger to hold the plastic in place, but this will do for now. What I want to find is some sort of insulation to put between the carrier and the bag and some straps to hold the bag in place. I might try making those, myself. Maybe some sort of strong binding with Velcro to hold it together. I'm thinking of repositioning it so the opening is facing the house. That should cut down on wind AND I can keep an eye on things from the sun room window.

One thing for sure, my brain is kept relatively agile trying to come up with ways to take care of these sweeties.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Time to get prepared for weather changes (Original Post) Siwsan Oct 2023 OP
Nice job! 2naSalit Oct 2023 #1
I was thinking the exact same thing Siwsan Oct 2023 #6
Almost anything... 2naSalit Oct 2023 #8
Large sized padded mail pouches are moisture-resistant blm Oct 2023 #10
Tikkun Olam, my friend. You are repairing the world. thatcrowwoman Oct 2023 #2
CrowWoman, you speak eloquently for me. Polly Hennessey Oct 2023 #5
...not a criticism justaprogressive Oct 2023 #3
There's no fiberboard Siwsan Oct 2023 #4
The object the carrier is sitting on justaprogressive Oct 2023 #15
That is a concrete paver. Siwsan Oct 2023 #16
eyesight no doubt failing :) justaprogressive Oct 2023 #17
Just a thought. Nanuke Oct 2023 #7
You'd need a bunch of them... 2naSalit Oct 2023 #9
I would put a couple of regular sized bricks on top at either end, Bayard Oct 2023 #11
I wish we were closer, physically, Siwsan slightlv Oct 2023 #12
For insulation, Mr.Bill Oct 2023 #13
This message was self-deleted by its author Mr.Bill Oct 2023 #14

2naSalit

(92,752 posts)
1. Nice job!
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 10:28 AM
Oct 2023


That will do for now. Turning it away from most of the wind is a good idea. Do you have something, even bag material, that could stretch across the first 6 - 8+ inches at the bottom of the opening? Could be taped to the sides?

An awning will surely help too. Such a labor of love, wish I could be there to help... I would work for kitten snuggles during break time!

Siwsan

(27,296 posts)
6. I was thinking the exact same thing
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 11:23 AM
Oct 2023

Maybe even cut some Styrofoam. I always hold on to that when it's in any packages I get.

2naSalit

(92,752 posts)
8. Almost anything...
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 11:40 AM
Oct 2023

Would do to keep the breeze out of the straw which will help keep those little kits warm. Styrofoam is a great insulator. When I made a shelter for Mikey, I used an old carrier but I also found a clean styrofoam shipping carton from Omaha steaks, cut an entry hole in it and put it inside the carrier.It sits back inside the carrier a few inches so there's a kind of vestibule to it. I also packed old, torn up blankets around to styro box inside the carrier so it's super insulated and the opening is small enough that he can defend himself from inside. He uses it in the colder months but he does sleep in the house at night then too. In summer, he lives outside as he always has and he has now found several safe spots when he's in need. He has learned to not walk out in the open due to eagles, hawks and owls.

There are lots of ways to do it and you've got good ideas!

blm

(113,822 posts)
10. Large sized padded mail pouches are moisture-resistant
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 11:49 AM
Oct 2023

and good insulation. And should fit easily between your carrier shell and plastic

thatcrowwoman

(1,230 posts)
2. Tikkun Olam, my friend. You are repairing the world.
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 10:33 AM
Oct 2023

Thank you for sharing your continuing KitCats saga with the community of readers and commenters you have brought together here, Siwsan.
It gives me something to look forward to each day.

You are a powerful care~giver with a generous spirit.
Your caring and generous spirit always lift mine.
It’s a precious blessing.
Finest kind, Siwsan.
Many thanks for being a beautiful spark of light in these challenging times.
🕊💫🩵tcw

Polly Hennessey

(7,461 posts)
5. CrowWoman, you speak eloquently for me.
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 11:21 AM
Oct 2023

I look first for Siwsan posts. They make me feel like I’m in a better world. I like your “repairing the world”. 🤗

Siwsan

(27,296 posts)
16. That is a concrete paver.
Mon Oct 2, 2023, 07:03 PM
Oct 2023

The wheels on the bottom of the crate make it difficult to elevate on anything. I've got some old fence posts that might do but they will have to be cut to size.

Bayard

(24,145 posts)
11. I would put a couple of regular sized bricks on top at either end,
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 12:09 PM
Oct 2023

Then use zip ties through the vent holes to fasten the plastic and bags to the crate, if you don't want to put bungees around it (did you save the string from the straw bales?). Old towels are good insulation if you put them under the other layers.

You could also put half a board in front to block the wind, or even another bale of straw.

Good luck!

slightlv

(4,335 posts)
12. I wish we were closer, physically, Siwsan
Sun Oct 1, 2023, 02:22 PM
Oct 2023

Right now, I'm advertising on the Buy Nothing forum in my area, trying to get rid of TVs and extra stuff I have in my house. I'm reconfiguring the house. It'll grow as I go through the rooms. I'd love to have you just go through the house, looking to see what you could use for the ferals. I know there's much you could put to good use, and it pains me we're so far apart. As it is, I've helped women "escapees" (their phrasing) from TN and TX so far get set up here with TVs and furniture. Later will come computers as I rebuild what I have into working systems for them. It started at first just to get rid of "junk" so I could walk thru this house without hurting myself, but now, after seeing the look on these women's faces, it's become so much more. I remember being them in my earlier days... only now, in today's world, it's so much worse.

I've bought some of these large, cheap totes that I had used to keep kibble in... they're all hard, clear plastic. I cut a large circle out in one of the ends as an entrance/exit and added straw for bedding. Facing away from the weather, I found it makes a good home for a couple of the ferals in my area that are bonded. I keep it out by the fence... far enough away from house they're not scared of being too close to the humans, but close enough I can feed them easily.

Response to Siwsan (Original post)

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»Time to get prepared for ...