Natwerk Designs

How can I design a heated house for my outdoor cat?

I would like to design a small house with a light bulb or other heating device that is powered off solar energy and has thermostat controlled. Any idea on the type of thermostat to use? Any help finding a resource for such a design? Of course I'd like to bring the cat in, but she is a ferrel cat and is FIV+. I already have two indoor cats, so infecting them is not an option. Also, she is wild (ferrel) and won't adapt well to the indoors.

Public Comments

1. It sounds like a unique and novel idea...but may I ask if it would not just be more simple to make the outdoor cat into an indoor cat and keep him safe and warm in your home? Did you know that, in addition to the cold, your outdoor cat faces many hazards? It can get hit by a car, attacked by other cats, dogs or wild animals, be poisoned, fall victim to cruel humans who torture helpless animals, get lost, contract diseases (that it brings home to you), become infested with parasites (which it can also bring home to you), it can caught in traps set for other animals and may become injured or suffer before being released, and - if not spayed or neutered - can contribute to the overpopulation of feral/homeless cats. Please read "The Great Outdoors is No Place for Cats" and make the decision to give your kitty a safe, warm, loving indoor life: http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/hazards.pdf