01/23/2026
❄️🥶 EXTREME COLD WARNING — PLEASE READ & SHARE 🐾
From all of us at Bark ’N Good Time, here are some tips on helping critters and cats outside in this bitter cold.
🚫 **PLEASE DO NOT PUT OUT BLANKETS OR TOWELS FOR OUTDOOR CATS**
This is one of the biggest winter myths. Towels, blankets, hay, and fabric **absorb moisture, freeze solid, and make animals colder**, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
✅ **STRAW ONLY.**
Straw stays dry, repels moisture, and allows cats to burrow and retain body heat. Nothing else works safely in freezing temps.
🐱 DIY WINTER CAT SHELTERS (EASY + LOW COST)
**OPTION 1: Tote + Cooler Shelter**
* Use a plastic storage tote with a lid
* Cut a small entrance hole (about 6 inches — cat-sized) (can use a blow dryer to warm up the plastic for easier cutting)
* Place a styrofoam cooler *inside* the tote
* Cut matching holes in both
* Fill the cooler with **straw only**
* Secure the lid and elevate slightly off the ground if possible
**OPTION 2: Simple Styrofoam Cooler Shelter**
* Use a thick styrofoam cooler
* Cut a small entrance hole
* Fill with **straw only**
* Wrap the outside with plastic (trash bag or plastic sheeting) to keep moisture out
* Weight the top so it doesn’t blow away
📍 Place shelters in a quiet area, protected from wind, with the opening facing away from prevailing winds.
🐾 **FOR OWNED PETS GOING OUTSIDE IN THIS COLD**
* Keep potty breaks *very* short
* Make sure collars are properly fitted
* Ensure collars have **current ID tags**
* Microchips are great — but visible tags are critical in emergencies. Make sure that chip is registered!
Cold like this is life-threatening. A little knowledge and a few simple supplies can save lives. Thank you for caring for the animals who depend on us. 💙🐾
More information on cat shelters:
https://alleycatadvocates.org/creating-winter-shelters/
Here is a local page that also helps with winter tips and information for feral cats: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1L8ipEQwtf/
For Birds:
Keep bird feeders full — birds burn massive calories staying warm
High-fat foods are best: suet, black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts
Provide fresh water if possible (heated bird baths are ideal)
Break ice daily so birds can drink
For Wildlife (rabbits, squirrels, possums, etc.):
Leave brush piles, leaf piles, or natural cover — these are critical shelters
Avoid disturbing animals you see resting; conserving energy can save their lives
Do not attempt to bring wildlife indoors
If leaving food, keep it minimal and appropriate for the species
Nature is already built to handle winter — we help most by not removing shelter, limiting disturbance, and offering safe food and water during extreme conditions.
