DIY Stray Cat House: Easy Shelter Ideas for Outdoor Cats: 1 Minute to Build Cozy Cat Shelters, Fast-Track Solutions for Outdoor PetsSarah ThompsonJan 20, 2026Table of ContentsTip 1 Repurpose an Old CoolerTip 2 Plastic Storage Bin HideoutTip 3 Wooden Crate CabinTip 4 Insulated Styrofoam BoxTip 5 Upcycled Furniture ShelterFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne winter night, I found myself chasing an old tabby out of my garden – not because I didn’t want her there, but because she looked so cold that I panicked about how to help. That moment reminded me that small spaces can spark big creativity, and making a cat house isn’t just cute, it’s genuinely life-saving. From my own projects and some neighborhood rescues, I’ve gathered 5 DIY stray cat house ideas you can try.Tip 1: Repurpose an Old CoolerI once turned a broken cooler into a snug shelter with insulation panels. The lid keeps rain out beautifully, and the thick walls trap warmth. It’s not the prettiest, but it survives harsh weather. If you sketch your design first using an online room planner, you can avoid mistakes like cutting the entrance too big (which invites wind).save pinTip 2: Plastic Storage Bin HideoutA sturdy storage bin with a cut-out entrance works wonders – just add straw inside for insulation. It’s lightweight and easy to move if you notice cats prefer a quieter spot. The only challenge? They can tip over in strong wind, so add bricks inside for stability.save pinTip 3: Wooden Crate CabinI built one for a calico that kept hiding under my porch. Using reclaimed wood kept costs down, and it looked charming in the yard. A slanted roof helps rain slide off, and a small overhang keeps the doorway dry. If you want precise sizing, play with dimensions in a free floor plan creator before cutting wood.save pinTip 4: Insulated Styrofoam BoxFor quick builds, thick Styrofoam shipping boxes are amazing – they’ve already got insulation and light weight. Just tape seams and add waterproof covering. Biggest plus? You can finish one in under an hour. Downside: not very chew-resistant, so swap if it gets damaged.save pinTip 5: Upcycled Furniture ShelterOne of my favorites was turning an old bedside cabinet into a cat condo – adding a curtain made it feel private. Old furniture often has solid structure, and it’s fun to give it a second life. Test your layout in a kitchen layout planner style tool to see if cats have enough crawl space before committing to heavy cuts.save pinFAQ1. How big should a stray cat house be?Enough space for the cat to turn around, usually 18x18 inches inside. This keeps it warm and cozy without wasting materials.2. What is the best insulation material?Straw is recommended over hay – according to Alley Cat Allies, straw stays dry and traps heat better.3. How do I keep the shelter waterproof?Use tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, or raised platforms to avoid ground moisture seeping in.4. Can I use blankets inside?Better not – blankets absorb moisture. Stick to straw or shredded paper to avoid freezing wet surfaces.5. Where should I place the cat house?In a quiet, sheltered spot away from direct wind and traffic, ideally near food and water.6. How many entrances should it have?One main entrance for warmth, but adding a small emergency exit can help cats escape predators.7. What if other animals try to get in?Make the entrance small enough for cats only (about 6 inches wide); this discourages raccoons or possums.8. How often should I maintain it?Check weekly in winter for dryness and cleanliness – replace straw if damp.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE