The Straw Method

What you’ll need:

• 2 large plastic tubs (one needs to be small enough to fit inside the other, leaving room around the edges) 
• Hairdryer 
• Sharpie 
• Xacto knife 
• Straw 

How to build:

• To start, remove the lids from the tubs. On the large tub, use the blow dryer to soften the rubber or plastic of the tub by blowing it on the area where you’ll be cutting a hole for the cat to enter the shelter. For visuals, check out this video. 

• With the Xacto knife, cut a 6 inch square hole, about 6 inches from the bottom of the large tub (to keep out snow, water, or anything else that could damage the interior). Once you’ve cut the hole, place the small tub inside of the large and trace the hole onto the small tub. Repeat the hair dryer process, then cut the hole in the small tub. 

• Before placing the small tub inside the large, lay a light layer of straw at the bottom of the large tub. Then, place the small tub inside the large, making sure the holes are aligned. Fill in the empty space between the two tubs with straw to insulate the shelter. 

• Put the lid on the small tub, then cover with more straw. Then put the lid on the large tub, enclosing the shelter. 

The Insulation Method

What you’ll need:

• 2 large plastic tubs (one needs to be small enough to fit inside the other, leaving room around the edges)
• Hairdryer 
• Sharpie 
• Xacto knife 
• Insulation (from any hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot) 

How to build:

• To start, remove the lids from the tubs. On the large tub, use the blow dryer to soften the rubber or plastic of the tub by blowing it on the area where you’ll be cutting a hole for the cat to enter the shelter. 

• With the Xacto knife, cut a 6 inch square hole, about 6 inches from the bottom of the large tub (to keep out snow, water, or anything else that could damage the interior). Before you place the small tub inside the large, you’ll need to trace the bottom of the tub on the insulation, like this. If you can’t find thick insulation, try the heat reflective material used in this method. 

• Cut the traced insulation area with the Xacto knife and place at the bottom of the large tub. Repeat this process by tracing each side of the bin so that you have insulation on each side of the shelter. Trim insulation accordingly if the measurements are off. Place the small tub inside, making sure it fits snugly between the insulation and the large tub. Put the lid on the small tub, then place remaining insulation on top before covering completely with the large tub lid. 

• You can use insulation like this water-resistant option or this thermal insulation for best results. 

*Cats feel most comfortable in warm, tucked away spaces, and cushioning your shelter with blankets will make them feel much more at home. To make the plastic interiors cozier and more inviting to our feline friends, add polar fleece, towels, or soft blankets for them to snuggle up in!

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Building Homemade Shelters for Stray Cats appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Keep Them Outside Just Long Enough To Take Care Of Bodily Functions

If you don’t want to be doing your business outside, chances are neither does your pet. Let your pet outside to use the bathroom, but make sure to let them back in when they’re finished. Don’t forget to wipe their paws! Rock salt can irritate their paws and their mouth, if they get a chance to lick their paws. 

Get some shoes for those paws! (Or check out Musher’s Secret!)

Dog booties come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll surely be able to find the right ones for your pet! Many dogs with longer fur are susceptible to accumulating balls of ice on their paws while walking in the snow. The snow packs on to their paws creating balls of ice that get stuck in the fur, making a simple walk extremely painful. You may notice your dog limping or whimpering during a walk in the snow, check the bottom of their paws! If you see snow and ice building up, go grab them a pair of booties! Some dogs hate their boots, for those dogs we think you should try Musher’s Secret. Musher’s Secret is a thick wax coating that protects your dog’s paws in all types of climates. Anything from from hot pavement to icy roads, Musher’s Secret has them covered.

Get your pet a coat!

Some dogs and cats look adorable in their winter gear. Others, however, seem to hate every minute of wearing a jacket. We always want our pets to be comfortable, so if they hate it then don’t force them to wear it. In the winter months many smaller cats and dogs benefit greatly from having an extra layer wrapped around them during a walk through the snow.

Dog Doors!

There are many pets out there that do outdoor chores for their owners. Whether it be on the farm or hunting, weather can still be life threatening even if your pet is actively running around while out in the cold. Ensure that your pet has a place to go if they get too cold outside. Some of these dogs spend the vast majority of their lives outdoors, others never even see the inside of their owner’s house. Even if you don’t believe your dog should come inside of your home, you can still provide them with access to shelter. Doggy doors can be attached to anything from houses, garages, or even your shed. Get one for your dog this winter to keep them warm and protected from the elements!

Every Pet is Different

All pets have a different tolerance for the cold. Often times the difference comes with the breed. Many Huskies see the snow and immediately fall in love with it. They would spend all day running around in the cold and rolling in the snow if you let them. It is important to keep an eye on your pet though, as they don’t all feel the same way. Just because your breed of dog or cat originated from a cold environment, doesn’t mean they want to be outside all winter. Pay attention to what your pet is trying to tell you!

The winter can be a tricky time when taking care of your pets. Some of them typically love the outdoors, but want nothing to do with these frigid winter months. Even our pets that love the snow need a break from the cold now and again. The key to navigating the cold months is to pay attention to what your pet is telling you, and knowing when to listen. Small dogs might hate their jacket, but need it to stay warm on their nighttime walk. Other dogs might never want to leave the great outdoors, but don’t know just how cold and windy the weather is expected to be. As long as your dog seems happy, they typically know what they can handle when it comes to the cold. Keep an eye on your pets, listen to what they’re telling you, and most importantly keep an eye on the weather. Extreme cold temperatures can be dangerous for your pets, and sometimes even life threatening. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe In The Cold appeared first on Lilly Brush.