you go, Donna!

in addition to Rubbermaid tubs, i also use laundry baskets~~incidently, i am right near the factory~~maybe i should pay a visit to hit 'em up for free or discounted shelter stuff~~

i also use heavy-duty laundry baskets for shelters for my ferals. i buy some 1/2" doweling, and use stout, outdoor tape like duct tape to secure the doweling to the basket to frame it up for extra security. i cut two doors in it~~that way, the cats have a way out in case something like a raccoon would try to avail himself of the kitty food while kitty's inside eating. it helps the kitties feel more secure knowing they're not trapped.

i set the basket upside down, and cover it with heavy gauge, cut-to-size garbage bags, taped securely so they don't come loose in the weather, leaving a "window" on the leeward end so the kitties can keep an eye out. the basket is good in summer, too, because it has vents already.

i set the basket on a heavy, moisture-resistant ground cover~~an un-pressure-treated piece of lumber is good, because it sets the basket up and allows air to circulate underneath, plus provides a warmable floor, and line it with straw (non-toxic mulch works well, too)~~anything that won't hold moisture and freeze into boulders~~like towels and blankets.

then i stake the entire conglomeration down with tethers pounded into the ground~~kind of like staking a tent, but with the tethers (usually aircraft cable), snug to the basket so no one can get caught up in them.

remember~~two doors, an in and an out, are a good idea, so no kitty gets cornered.

cat