The winter season is the most severe for stray animals, especially for cats, due to freezing temperatures. However, a resident of Almaty has come up with a simple idea to help them get through the winter.
In a viral Threads post, the user proposed that those sympathetic to stray cats build «cat hotels» from XPS boards and spray foam, where animals can spend the winter.
The post drew users’ attention, who shared photos of cats in small shelters and their own ideas for helping stray animals in the comments. For example, one commenter pointed out the disadvantages of the proposed construction, claiming that the house is not padded either inside or outside, its entrance opening is positioned too low and lacks a curtain, the structure does not feature a removable cover for adding straw and visual inspection and the shelter does not stand on 60-millimeter legs.
Overall, users recommend lining the houses with warm fabric and filling them with straw. However, several commenters worry that such initiatives may not last long due to vandalism.
Many people suggest ideas for making such shelters, with one of the simplest involving a cardboard box and an old sweater.
@heloien This is genial😻 #christmasgiftideas #tips #homemade #catcave #cathouse #catsoftiktok #catlovers #cattips #makeityourself #diy #diyideas ♬ Tantalizing – Tiësto & Soaky Siren
Notably, in January 2025, Tashkent International Airport introduced kennels for stray cats with a heating system for the cold season and ventilation for hot weather.
