We covered them in the Styrofoam wrap for insulation. (If you have those blocks of Styrofoam that electronics usually come packed in, use it.) Just secure it to the outside of the boxes.

As much as I like these dogs, I dislike cats. To me, cats seem needy and moody, temperamental and vindictive. I don't care for the way they can take over a space or insist on getting your attention until you feel forced to give it.

Cat photos

A Backyard Breeder is someone who breeds their pets that have not even had health screens to check for problems that some breeds have, and there kittens are not titled (registered) in anything. With a cat from this type of breeder, typically you will run into health problems during your kitten's life, and you may also have a temper issues as well. Sure these kittens may be cheaper to purchase, but trust me on this one you will be paying more in the long run. A pet store is the absolute worst place you can get a pet. If you are at all sensitive about mistreatment of animals, please do not read any further.

Each cat does have a story, uniquely their own of where you found her, or how she found you. Share her story, if she was a shelter rescue, a lost or abandoned stray, or a frightened feral that bravely ventured closer, with a spark of hope and in that glimmer found a chance to belong. Have you had her since she was a kitten, or did she become your companion as a mature cat?

We enclosed one other area. On the back steps landing there is bench area with just enough space for one box. We put a sheet of wood over the benches to form a roof, put a tarp over the sheet of wood and secured it to the floor with cement blocks and then put heavy duty plastic all around the railing to keep out the wind and snow.

In a neighboring town there's a large shelter facility. I believe they have a contract with the city to also serve as animal control. At any rate, the facility is equipped with wings to house dogs large and small. They also have cat rooms where the more docile cats can co-exist together, and a viewing room full of caged cats for those that need to be in their own space. My guide was well versed in animal behavior and even introduced me to their on-staff behaviorist who has spent years training birds, dolphins, cats and dogs.

Tell your cats' story

Give tips on cat care, habits, common medical concerns, that the life of a free roaming or indoor/outdoor cat is 3 to 5 years compared to an age of 15 years, and older for an inside cat. Provide cat facts, cat trivia, legend, and intertwine with tales of compassion, and commitment. A happy cat shares a spot, as a member of the family, with needs, expectations, and deserving attention and love.

Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" animals wind up in shelters. Actually, the opposite is true. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.

I learned that cats need mental and physical stimulation as much as any human. Items like cat trees give cats an opportunity to change their surroundings and see things differently. They can climb up cat trees and look down, hide in the enclosures as though stalking prey. They can use the sisal-wrapped posts as a place to scratch their nails. Cat trees are one way that shelter cats can get the physical stimulation necessary to keep them in good health (loose limbs, trim weight, etc.) but also the physical stimulation necessary to ward off bad behavior.

1. Prepared the Boxes.