build cheap feral cat shelter

Material

1. Sterilite 18-gallon tote model 1830
2. Sterilite 10-gallon tote model 1820
3. insulation
4. metal foil tape

The smaller tote costs $4.47. The larger tote costs $4.97. One small roll of fiberglass insulation costs $5.00. Total cost for the material is about $18 (December 2013 prices).

Tools

1. box cutter
2. electric drill
3. 6" hole saw
4. scissors

Preparation

The Sterilite containers can be purchased at various stores. I bought mine at Walmart. These containers are very easy to maintain and clean.

I purchased foil-backed fiberglass insulation (Johns Manville duct insulation wrap - part number 670380) from Zoro.com. I found the foilbacking easier to work with than just insulation alone. Zoro also sells on eBay. One roll is 1.5" x 48" x 25'. This is enough to insulate up to twenty (20) shelters. According to the Johns Manville website, this insulation has a R6.7 insulation factor. Grainger sells this insulation too but at slightly higher prices.

I prefer the foil-backed fiberglass insulation, but if you would rather go to your local Lowes or Home Depot, you can buy a small roll 2" x 16" x 48" which is not foil-backed. One small roll will insulate one shelter. If you prefer to go green, Home Depot sells the same size roll of insulation made of recycled denim. This is not sold in stores and can be ordered for free delivery to your local Home Depot store.

   

Step 1

Drill a 1/4" hole on both ends of the 18-gallon and 10-gallon totes approximately 7" from the bottom.

Step 2

Attach the 6" hole saw to the electric drill and drill an outline hole on both ends of both of the totes.
Be very careful. Squeeze the trigger on the electric drill in spurts.

I bought the EazyPower 6" Hole Saw from Amazon.

Step 3

Use the boxcutter to cut out the plastic hole.

tote with both holes cut

Step 4

The edges of the circles will be somewhat jagged on both totes. You can smooth them out as much as possible by cutting the metal foil tape into 1" x 1" pieces to line the edges.

Step 5

Cut the large roll of foil-backed fiberglass insulation with the scissors along the 48" side so that you end up with a piece that is 15" wide and 48" long. Cut this piece in half.
If you bought the small roll of either the regular fiberglass insulation or the recycled denim insulation, you would use the entire roll and cut it in half.

Step 6

Put the lid on the small tote and carefully place the small tote along with the fiberglass insulation into the large tote.

Step 7

If you want, put another piece of fiberglass insulation on top of the small tote.

Step 13

Place lid on the large tote. The shelter is now complete.

If you have questions or comments, please email me at   info  AT  broadwayfocus.com