Cats, like humans, require a layer of protection to keep them safe from the elements. It’s even more difficult for those that sleep in a cat home or shelter outside. First, you must insulate their space. “What is the best bedding for an outside cat house/shelter?” you might wonder. While individuals employ a variety of materials, straw produces the most outstanding results due to its capacity to resist moisture and protect cats from the cold in the winter and even the heat in the summer.
Today, we’ll go over the most acceptable sorts of cat home bedding for keeping it secure and comfortable and some cat house recommendations.
What Can I Use for Feral Cat Bedding?
During the winter, an outdoor cat box packed with straw rather than hay will keep your feline pals warm and comfortable. The distinction between straw and hay may appear insignificant, but it may impact cats significantly. While both seem identical, straw is better for outside cat shelters than hay, which creates a wet mess.
Hay is commonly used to feed horses and other animals. Unfortunately, it absorbs moisture and becomes chilly and unpleasant for cats, as well as having the potential to get moldy. A damp bed can also be problematic in the winter, as it increases the likelihood of cats being ill.
Straw, made up of dried stalks from harvested crops, is the ideal bedding for outdoor cat shelters since it repels moisture. Fill the shelter with straw until it’s about a quarter or half full. That concludes our discussion.
The price difference between straw and hay is the easiest method to determine the difference: hay is usually two or three times more expensive than straw. Straw is a sturdy, thick, lightweight, yellow, or golden material. Hay is usually thick and green, although there are kinds, so ask the clerk if you’re unsure.
Straw isn’t challenging to get by. Take a look at these places:
- Stores that sell pet supplies
- Stores/catalogs that sell the farm, animal, or agricultural supplies
- Centers for gardening
- Agriculturalists (ask your neighbors!)
- Inquire with your veterinarian about local vendors.
Straw is usually sold in bales, but only a tiny amount is required to line a cat housing. Make sure you have enough straw on hand to keep the shelter clean and smelling pleasant for the cats as the seasons change. Consider teaming up with other carers to share a bale. Straw may be preserved for decades if kept dry and above the ground, such as on a wood pallet.
What Do Feral Cats Like to Sleep In?
Feral cats prefer and appreciate sleeping on a nice bed like outdoor cats. However, they’re not that different from indoor cats.
If you’re frequently visited by stray cats and want to adopt them into your household, the first step is to make friends with them. If you provide goodies, for example, see if the cat will come closer to you.
Contrary to common opinion, relocating a cat from the outdoors and acclimating it to indoor life isn’t as difficult as it may appear. But first, make sure your family is on board with the idea and that if you have any other pets, you’ve evaluated whether they’ll be able to adjust to the newcomer. Then, once the feral/stray cat has expressed an interest in being your everlasting owner, make sure you have all of the required cat supplies on hand, including a litter box, pet dishes, wet and dry cat food, toys, and a cozy bed(s) for it to sleep in.
How Is Cold Too Cold for Feral Cats?
When the temperature drops below 45° F, kittens, senior cats, and ill cats should never be left outside.
Cats are cuddly and warm creatures, with resting body temperatures that are higher than humans. While resting, a cat’s body temperature should be between 100.5° to 102.5° F.
Because a cat’s body temperature is slightly higher than a human’s, it stands to reason that if you’re comfortable in your house, your cat will be as well. A temperature of 65 to 75° F is ideal, with 70° F being the target. Cats are not at risk of hypothermia; therefore, a colder environment is good if the cat has warm bedding to burrow in and protection from the outdoors.
On the other hand, summertime necessitates more caution in managing your home’s temperature. Cats, like dogs, are susceptible to heat stroke, so it’s critical to have the air conditioning running in your home throughout the summer. If you don’t have air conditioning, ensure your house is adequately ventilated and your cat has enough fresh water and shade during the day.
Many criteria, such as hair thickness, length, and body mass, determine whether your cat’s temperature is too chilly. Unfortunately, this makes determining a precise temperature that might be harmful to your pet’s health difficult. According to medical advice, indoor pets not exposed to cold weather should not be left outside when the average daily temperature is below 45° F. Even if they are used to being outside. Cats should always have access to warm shelters.
What Is the Warmest Bedding for Outside Cats?
If you need to warm any bedding for a cat, you need a cat-safe heating blanket.
This is one of the most satisfactory ways to keep your cat happy and toasty if your cat utilizes a cat bed. During the winter, ensure their cat beds and nests are off the ground – cold air sinks, after all! Elevating your cat’s bed even a few feet can help insulate them from drafts, put them in reach of warmer air, and offer them a modest activity boost since they must jump or climb to locate their comfy nest.
Is your cat not using a pet bed? It’s no issue! If your cats already have some cushioning, consider adding a blanket to an area where they enjoy lounging. If your cat insists on lying on the floor, this will give them something additional to burrow in and block those pesky drafts.
You may add a heating pad to their snuggling locations if you still need a heat boost to warm up your feline companions. Some mattresses even have built-in heating pads!
A basic heating pad can be a decent alternative if they reject the wonderful bed you bought them because of the cardboard box it arrived in.
Remember Rule #1 when it comes to heating pads and cats – always keep an eye on them. Because cats wear fur coats everywhere, they may not notice when they’re too hot: leave the heating pad on for brief periods, wrap it in a towel, and don’t forget about it. If you use a heated blanket for your cats, you must pay particular attention to it. The heat is milder in the blankets, but you must ensure that your cats do not claw at it when kneading — clawed heating filaments are harmful to everyone.
