How to Build an Outdoor Cat Shelter Using a Styrofoam Cooler

As colder weather approaches, providing outdoor cats with a safe and warm shelter is a thoughtful way to help them out. Whether they’re feral, stray, or just prefer the outdoors, a DIY shelter using a Styrofoam cooler is an affordable and effective solution. Not only will this help keep them warm, but it will also give them a place to retreat from the elements. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a cozy cat shelter with two openings, so cats can escape in case of danger, such as predators.

What You’ll Need:

- A large Styrofoam cooler (often found at grocery stores, hardware stores, or used for shipping food)

- A sharp knife or box cutter

- Straw (NOT hay) for insulation

- Duct tape or waterproof adhesive

- Heavy-duty garbage bags or plastic sheeting (optional)

- A weather-resistant material like tarp for extra protection (optional)

Start with a clean Styrofoam cooler large enough for a cat to comfortably fit inside. The cooler’s insulation will help keep the shelter warm during colder months.

Using a sharp knife or box cutter, cut two entrances on opposite sides of the cooler. Each entrance should be about 6x6 inches—large enough for a cat to enter and exit easily, but small enough to retain heat. Having two entrances allows the cat to escape if a predator approaches.

Make sure the cuts are smooth to prevent any sharp edges from harming the cat.

To keep the shelter warm, line the bottom with straw. Important: Be sure to use straw, not hay. Although they might look similar, hay can absorb moisture, leading to a cold and damp shelter. Straw, on the other hand, repels moisture and allows cats to burrow for extra warmth.

Fill the cooler with enough straw to make it comfortable without overcrowding the space.

Place the lid on top of the cooler to enclose the shelter. Use duct tape or waterproof adhesive to secure the lid in place, making sure it’s tightly sealed. If needed, reinforce the edges of the lid with additional tape to prevent cold air or moisture from getting inside.

For extra protection against rain or snow, wrap the entire cooler in a heavy-duty garbage bag or plastic sheeting, leaving the two entrances open. Secure the plastic or garbage bag with duct tape to ensure the shelter stays dry.

If you live in an area with especially harsh winters, you can also cover the shelter with a tarp for added protection.

Choose a safe and sheltered location for your outdoor cat shelter. Look for a spot that’s out of the wind, such as under a porch or beside a building. Elevating the shelter slightly off the ground, using bricks or wooden pallets, can prevent it from sitting in snow or puddles.

Ensure the shelter is placed in an area where the cat can easily find it, but also where they won’t feel trapped.

Be sure to check on the shelter regularly to ensure the straw stays dry and replace it if needed. It's important to keep the shelter clean and free of moisture to ensure the cat stays comfortable.

If you’d like to offer food and water, place them nearby, but not inside the shelter, as this could attract other animals.

Styrofoam coolers are perfect for building outdoor cat shelters because they offer excellent insulation. They help retain body heat and keep out cold air, creating a warm and cozy space for outdoor cats. Additionally, Styrofoam is lightweight and easy to move or modify, making it a versatile material for this project.