Friday, February 6, 2026

Repurposing with a very Specific Purpose

Sitting in my comfortably warm brick home electricity on and backup heating solutions in place this afternoon, I heard the most pitiable cat cries outside. I’m not aware of many strays around and our winters tend to be mild. But tonight’s forecast predicts icy wind chills as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.

I tracked the sound and stepped onto our back patio but the yowling had stopped. Regardless I called out, willing to let the poor creature into our basement and deal with any future consequences after this weather emergency. Shivering, I stepped back through the basement sliding door and wandered in search of sheltering possibilities.

My eyes landed upon a tall litter box that our girls left untouched. I covered the unused litter with two outdoor seat cushions, overlapping them at the bottom while tucking the rest up each wider side. Scrounging two soft foam packing pieces from amidst old computer boxes, I wedged them into each narrow end.


Once complete, top latched into place, this makeshift shelter got placed near the freshest prints. I’m crossing my fingers that this might do some good. I need to plan ahead for potential future emergencies.
Those poor, cold toes...


I’d appreciate any feedback from all those heroic folks helping animals year round that might read this humble post. Please be honest if my efforts today are misguided.

Can you imagine how wild critters survive such extreme weather anomalies? Are you surprised that I wouldn’t last long trapped in an unforgiving wilderness?

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22 comments:

  1. I suppose you'll be able to see if it is used for shelter and warmth.

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    1. I don't have a good vantage point without disturbing any takers. lol We shall see as the weather calms. Thanks for the kind words.

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  2. How sad. That sounds like a good hiding spot to keep warm. Praying the kitty will be OK. XO

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  3. The cat is probably still there, once it hears you it will be quiet. It needs some warm and some food probably.

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  4. Glad you tried something. I have no advice here. I have heard of people putting out makeshift shelters for stray cats and other critters when the weather gets that cold.

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  5. I think, from my limited experience with cats, what you have done is perfectly fine. They usually figure their way out. Nothing to worry. Here too, stray cats do occasionally come into our apartment complex especially to the basement. Some of them cry making their intentions clear that they are looking for food and some comfort. We do feed them. Some stay on. Others leave after a few days!

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  6. Outside animals somewhat acclimated to the weather, but below zero is damn cold.
    Please consider removing fabric from any outside shelter, as the water from melting snow from fur or paws can freeze; straw is the best nesting material for outside.
    Animals need access to liquid water more than they need food, but heated bowls often freeze up in these extreme temps, so I just refilled water bowls often multiple times a day.
    In addition, since we've had so much snow, I've shoveled pathways for the wildlife can move around easier.
    Hope this helps you some.

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  7. Hi Darla, yes, those paw 🐾 prints...cold for sure.
    I think your idea is great and kind 😇
    There is a channel on YouTube that I subscribe to and highly recommend.
    It is called Love ❤️ Street Cats.
    They are a couple who go out every single day to feed homeless cats.
    They not only feed them, they have them spayed or neutered to prevent overpopulation.
    As well, they even build houses to keep them warm, dry and safe.
    I think you will enjoy their videos.
    Love Street Cats channel on YouTube.

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    1. Thank you for sharing and for the kind words. Be well!

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  8. Looks comfy to me. Been watching episodes of I Shouldn't Be Alive on youtube. Several have been about people stranded injured or near frozen when they try to climb mountains. They are difficult to watch.

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    1. Thank you for the kind words. I don't know why we watch painful videos except to make ourselves feel more fortunate. Hugs, my dear.

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  9. When such a thing as that comes to me here...which is not often, it wrings my heart. I have done many things to help. Once, I managed to get one of them adopted. Thank you so much for helping...they are at our mercy many times.

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