Free Winter Cat Shelters Available in Ingham County

Ingham County Animal Control is helping us out with something near and dear to my heart: cats and kittens!

Things are about to get particularly cold in Michigan. The sun is rising later, setting earlier, and pretty soon here, we're going to get freezing temperatures and snowfall.

That kind of weather is not safe for cats to be outdoors, yet we see so many around Lansing.

It's not a strange sight to see stray cats running around during the wintertime. But just because they're outside doesn't mean those conditions are safe for them.

How to Make a Simple Winter Shelter for Outdoor Cats

That's why Ingham County Animal Control posted about these winter cat shelters you can use to help stray cats during the colder months.

How to build a cat shelter for community cats using a Styrofoam cooler and straw — Photo by Kristen Matthews TSM Lansing

You can take a Styrofoam cooler with a lid, cut a hole in the side large enough for a cat to get in and out, and fill it with straw! These shelters help community cats stay warm and sheltered from the elements.

Where to Get a Free Cat Shelter in Ingham County

If you can't make your own, Ingham County Animal Control has some of these shelters available for free. You can pick one up at 600 Buhl Street in Mason.

However, if you have the means to make one yourself, remember the saying "Straw is for strays, hay is for horses."

Why You Should Use Straw Instead of Hay

You may think straw and hay are interchangeable in this instance, but they're very different when it comes to keeping a shelter warm and insulated. Hay "is moist and can grow harmful bacteria and mold," which makes it unsuitable to help keep cats warm.

Straw, on the other hand, makes a great insulator because the pieces are hollow and can trap air. This makes it perfect for keeping heat inside the makeshift shelter and the cold out.

Get our free mobile app

Styrofoam containers aren't the only items you can use to make cat shelters. Check out the video below to see how else you can help community cats around Lansing.

Does Your Dog Live Outside? Here's What You Need to Keep Them Warm During the Winter

Dogs, just like people, are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. That's why it's so important to keep them safe and warm during the frigid winter weather. If your dog lives outside during the winter months, here are ways you can keep them warm all winter long.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

2025 Update: 8 Animals You Can Hunt Year Round in Michigan

Whether you're looking to pass time before opening day of deer season, or you're looking to put something new on the dinner table, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides a list of species where it's open season any time of year. Here's a look at eight species you can hunt year-round in Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow