DIY Cat Shelter Ideas: Cheap & Cozy Outdoor Solutions for Winter (UK Guide)

by Yum Yum Mama Team October 29, 2025

When temperatures drop, outdoor cats face harsh weather, rain, and freezing nights. Whether you care for your own cat or local strays, building a DIY cat shelter is a simple, affordable way to help them stay warm and dry through the winter.

Here’s a complete guide on how to make a homemade cat shelter using items you might already have — plus when it’s better to choose a ready-made option like the Mr Snugs Cat Den.

Why Build a DIY Cat Shelter?

A DIY cat shelter offers warmth, comfort, and safety for outdoor or feral cats. It:

Keeps cats dry and insulated during cold nights
Offers refuge from wind, snow, and predators
Costs under £20 if you reuse materials

If you’d rather explore pre-made options, see our guide to the best outdoor cat shelters for winter.

What You’ll Need (Simple DIY Cat Shelter Materials)

You can make a cat shelter using common household items:

Large plastic storage box or old cooler
Straw (not hay or blankets — straw insulates and stays dry)
Box cutter or utility knife
Strong tape or duct tape
Bin liners or plastic sheets
Insulation foam (optional but helpful)
Bricks or wood blocks to lift the shelter off the ground

💡 According to the RSPCA winter pet care guide , keeping outdoor shelters insulated and raised helps cats stay warmer and drier through the UK’s wet months.

🪚 Step-by-Step: How to Make a Homemade Cat Shelter

Follow these easy steps for a sturdy, insulated outdoor cat house:

1️⃣ Cut the entrance hole — around 6 inches wide, just big enough for a cat but small enough to retain heat.
2️⃣ Add insulation — line the walls with foam or tape bin liners inside for wind protection.
3️⃣ Fill with straw — it’s the best bedding for warmth and moisture control.
4️⃣ Seal the lid tightly — secure with duct tape to prevent leaks.
5️⃣ Raise it off the ground — use bricks, wood, or a pallet.
6️⃣ Face the opening away from the wind — ideally toward a wall or fence.

For even more weatherproofing, place the shelter under a roofed area like a shed or porch.

Can a Cat Stay Warm in a Cardboard Box?

Yes — temporarily. A cardboard box lined with straw can act as a basic cat shelter in mild weather.
However, cardboard absorbs water quickly and becomes damp, which can make cats colder.

If you want a longer-lasting option, switch to a plastic or styrofoam container.

💬 Pro Tip: Styrofoam coolers work surprisingly well! They’re lightweight, easy to cut, and retain heat better than cardboard — just remember to cover them for waterproofing.

How to Make a Weatherproof Outdoor Cat Shelter

To make your DIY cat shelter weatherproof:

Wrap the box in a bin liner or plastic sheet
Seal seams with duct tape
Add a flap of vinyl or rubber over the entrance
Elevate it on bricks or a pallet to avoid flooding

If you’d rather skip all the DIY steps, the Mr Snugs Cat Den is a fully waterproof, one-piece solution — no gaps, no setup, just instant protection.

Where to Place Your Shelter

Cats prefer hidden, quiet spaces.
Ideal locations include:

Under hedges or garden benches
Behind sheds or garages
Next to a wall (for wind protection)

Avoid open spaces where rain or snow might blow inside.
If you’re caring for multiple cats, place two shelters a few metres apart to prevent territorial disputes.

Learn more in our guide on how to keep cats warm in winter.

How to Keep Feral Cats Safe in the Winter

Feral cats rely on shelters to survive cold months.
Here’s how to help them safely:

Keep shelters discreet and dry
Check food and water daily (prevent freezing)
Use straw, not fabric, for bedding
Avoid locking cats in garages or sheds accidentally

The Blue Cross recommends leaving out dry food and ensuring fresh, unfrozen water for outdoor cats.

🐕 Bonus: DIY Cat Shelter Plans (Quick Alternatives)

If you’d like to get creative, here are three easy shelter variations:

Double-Box Shelter: One box inside another, with straw between layers for insulation.
Styrofoam Cooler Shelter: Lightweight and naturally insulated — perfect for quick builds.
Repurposed Tote Shelter: Large plastic storage tubs are waterproof and stackable.

Need inspiration? Search Pinterest or Reddit for “DIY cat shelter plans” — there are dozens of clever UK-friendly builds shared by pet lovers.

Final Thoughts

A DIY cat shelter is a beautiful way to help your feline friends — and it costs less than £20.
But if you’d rather invest once in a durable, weatherproof design, the Mr Snugs Cat Den is the best long-term choice for keeping cats warm and safe through every UK winter.

Once your DIY shelter is complete, make sure it’s fully rainproof — see our guide to Waterproof Outdoor Cat Houses in the UK for weatherproofing tips.