You may have noticed (especially if you follow me on Instagram) that I have a couple of stray cats that hang around my house. One of them is very friendly. The neighbors named him Tiger because of his markings.
The first time I saw Tiger, he was resting on my front porch, and he was so skinny. I can’t stand to see a skinny cat or dog, so I started leaving food and water for him, and he warmed up to me very quickly. Before long, he was running up to me each morning when I’d walk out the door. He was jumping on my lap when I’d sit in the chair on the front porch. And most incredibly, he was lying on his back, kneading with his front paws, purring loudly, and letting me rub his belly. He’s a very affectionate cat.
The other one isn’t so friendly or affectionate. He won’t let me get close to him or touch him. If I do sneak up on him when he’s eating or distracted, he’ll hiss and swat at me. So I’ve had a harder time getting a good picture of him since he’s always running and hiding when I’m around. But you can see him in this picture. He’s the one further to the right. He’s mostly solid dark gray with white feet.
I’m determined that he’s going to let me pet him and even pick him up before all is said and done, but for now, he keeps his distance. He comes running for food every morning when I feed Tiger, but he stops before he gets too close and then just meows loudly at me to let me know he’s also hungry. So I’ve started putting food out for both of them.
When I started parking the van in the carport, I noticed that Tiger started spending a lot of time on top of the van and sleeping up there.
I don’t mind that at all because being on top of the van keeps him safe from predators from the ground, and being under the carport keeps him safe from predators from the sky. So I like that he’s found a safe spot to nap. But cold weather is coming, and I want to give these cats a comfy and warm place to sleep.
We’re in central Texas, so our cold weather comes a bit later than other areas of the country. Right now, we’re still in the 70s and 80s during the day, but our nights are starting to cool off, with lows starting to get into the high 40s. So while it’s not cold, and we’ probably won’t have any real winter-like weather until January, I want to be ready and have a comfy, cozy place where these cats can warm up and sleep.
Whatever I buy or build, I’ll need two of them. These cats tolerate each other fairly well as long as there’s distance between them. I put their food bowls about a foot apart, and they’re fine eating next to one another. But if they’re just lying around, and one gets too close to the other, they start hissing and swatting at each other. So they’ll definitely need separate houses.
I’ve never cared for outdoor cats before, so what I’m not really sure what to look for. I’m guessing they would be more comfortable in something that can be heated, so this is one that I’m considering (affiliate link). The price seems reasonable considering that I’d need two of them.
But I also like this one (affiliate link). It’s a little more (but it does have coupons available), but I like that it’s up off the ground, and it also has an escape door in case a predator comes lurking around.
Anyway, like I said, this will be my first winter caring for outdoor cats, and I’m not really sure what’s best for them. I’m sure that some of you are way more experienced at this, so if you have any input and guidance, please let me know! And if you’ve found the perfect heated cat house that won’t break the bank, tell me about it. I want to be prepared well before they’re actually needed and the cold weather is upon us.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
