I guess the only thing keeping me from being exceptional is the fact that I'm broke. Damn..knowing that kinda depresses me even more...I still try to do what I can for strays. I'll feed the local colony and I got a stray that was clearly not feral and was abandoned to a no kill shelter..he was adopted within a week. I would have kept him if I wasn't broke like I said. God..I just need a miracle in my life because if I could, I would give it all back to those in need, both people and animals.
I’ve been using those white Styrofoam coolers for cat houses since the mid-70s. Not the cheap ones, really thick ones. I live in an area where it can get below zero for weeks at a time and the cats on my property really appreciate it. 👍🏻
I now live in a State that has outlawed all use of Styrofoam. There is an "eco" version of it, but I do not know yet if it is sturdy. Inside a rubber bin with some hay maybe.......
I love watching things like this. My neighborhood is full of strays. I feed them and have made a few shelters for them. Have also got help to trap a couple to get them fixed. Need more people like you, very caring towards animals. ❤️
How do you coerce them into using the shelters? I have several strays...and no matter how much work I put into making warm shelter.,,.they will not use them. 🤔😕
@@Brenda0312F exactly - i just wrote that i have a cat who lives in my garden, made him a house - sat there once when we just made it. Never again. Sometimes sits on top
What a wonderful way to Trap Neuter Return, while also giving the cats a warm, safe place to live. It sounds super great to reduce/reuse and repurpose Coolers with minimal effort rather than dump them. The cup holders on the top look cute for summer time sunshine & snacking for the cats. Great job, I am raising a grandchild from a horrific situation, when I can retire and she is older, I hope to rescue somehow some way, animals. I have been in human services my entire career, soon it will be time for the animals (I have had rescue dogs and cats along the way). May G-d bless you in all you do.
G-D, LORD ACTUALLY BLESSINGS NOBODY. WE HAVE TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES, AND SORT THINGS OUT FOR OURSELVES! LORD IS AS POWERLESS AS A GNOME!😵😵AS POWERLESS AS THE TOOTH FAIRY! 🐑🐑🐑🐑MAN INVENTED MAN FAIRY TALES, TO MAKE MAN FEEL BETTER, AND SEEK A FAIRY TALES" NEVER ENDING "" HERE"" AFTER!! FACT IS WE ALL DIE LIKE ALL ANIMALS, AND GO TO THE SAME PLACE= NOWHERE!!
@@captainamericaamerica8090 What?? You say Gnomes are powerless!! Well, I will have to agree with you there, and rolling up my sleeves is what I do. As long as you are happy with your beliefs, I am happy for you. I hope you do help all creatures and humans as best you can, spread the kindness and your life will be a rich one. I am not one who believes atheists are sub-human, I am sure you are just fine. Be well.
Even leaving fresh water helps! In freezing temps with multiple checks and daily changes and in hot summers! All animals are appreciative! Thank you for all you do !
@@ragemodels We had 3 cats in our community. We took 1 inside our home and For the remaining 2, We have provided ecoFlex shelter bought from Amazon. We already have 2 adopted cats from shelter. It's easy to join people rather than starting from scratch..
I built a heavy-duty house for my indoor/outdoor cat about a year before he passed. 2x4 frame, 1/2" plywood sides/floor/roof, roof waterproofed and shingled to match the house, roof on hinges for cleaning, inside lined with 1/2" R-5 insulation panels, front door offset to the left with wind-break panels, lined with straw. In the center was a large tote with a door offset to the right for more wind-break. He loved it. Jack was a black/white Tuxedo who was rescued as a kitten. He was the most loving and loyal cat I've ever had. After he passed, I donated the house to a local lady that runs a cat rescue. It was a struggle for her and a friend to load it into her truck. It weighed about 80 lbs. Fair winds and following seas to all.
Never be ashamed of crying, these animals give so much and all they want in return is a little love. The way you treat animals defines you as a person. You are both good souls. I have a couple of homemade shelters in my garage, I change the straw every month and the feral cat is nice and warm.
THANK YOU BOTH FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️ Watching this literally brought me to HaPpY Tears. My husband and I will be doing the same. We have several stray cats that we've been nurturing and Ol'man WINTER is coming upon us Too Soon.. We will post a pic when we've completed ours.. Bigggg Hugzzz for the both of You ‼️
Years ago I had made a few of these cooler/ shelters for the neighborhood wandering cats - glad to see others fully involved with rescue. The huge cost of veterinary care is a challenge, many animal lovers are more than willing to love rehab feed and house strays- but the vet costs becomes the largest challenge.
I just lost by own indoor 5year old beautiful boy to -what-? I still don't know. He was losing weight (wasn't fat to begin with) and our vet did an ultrasound then sent us to 'the' specialized ER Vet center out here (on Long Island, NY). They charged us $5,000+ up front for the tests and care they'd provide - which we agreed to, anything to save our baby. One specialist after another told us different 'stories'. Then suddenly we were instructed to pick him up with a feeding tube in his neck - while I floundered, trying to explain how difficult that would be with my wrist arthritis and my husband's inability to manage something small like this --could they show him (on his way there already) how to do it? the vet was cold as ice as he snapped at me that it would be 'fine'. Called me 20 mins. later to ask where my husband was. I explained where we lived and that he was on his way - had rushed out of the house. So he called my husband in his car - then called me back to say that my baby was braindead and only his heart was beating so I might as well allow them to euthanize them before my husband could get there. I've never cried so hard. I've never not been there for one of my furbabies. Have held every single one as they've left us. Of course, this happened on my birthday - a week before Christmas. We're still shaken. ALL that cost - and I think they were incompetent and basically killed him. I could have saved so many more animals with those incredibly high costs (they did an under-anesthesia scoping after telling me it would NOT be done, finding nothing - but inserting the feeding tube at the same time). I miss him desperately--wish I could bring in the outdoor cats who are very friendly with me but right now my newest (rescue) dog stil has a high prey drive so it would be too difficult to make work and they live outside my home and roam around our property. I feel as long as I can get them through the roughest weather with good food twice a day and watching for any signs of illness, we're doing our best.
@@ElizabethGS I’m so very sorry you’re going through this sudden devastation. So terrible when those we treasure are gone. I’ve been blessed with many furry beloveds over the years and it never gets easier when we have a loss. And it seems like salt in the wound when the “experts” have no answers. As my mom used to say “ consider yourself hugged “
@@deborahfox-rogan65 Oh, thank you so much for understanding, Deborah. It helps to know there are other people out there who 'get it', even though it must mean you've been through it too. :( I'd never wish that on anyone. Your empathy and sympathy mean a lot. Hugs back to you and thank you again.
Ya wtf is up with this? I used to love being around people and talking to strangers then boom Covid happened and I’d say 90% of people have turned into what you said
@@larysius you can make a natural 'awning' out of the rubbermaid box (or any plastic box you use for the outside) by cutting a 3-sided cut (with a straight-blade): down, across at the botton and back up but NOT across the top. I make mine roughly 5"x5" because two of our wee feral family are big furry Norwegian-forest cat types and tend to expand in the Winter. :) Pushing up on this 'flap' with your hand (I've mentioned above that you can actually heat the plastic very gently with a hair-dryer on low) helps you push it up from the outside until it forms a 'roof' to prevent the rain/snow from entering. But it will still allow 'some' water to get in unless you place the house under an overhang of some kind. Still, ours tend to get damp but the K&H heaters (which stay plugged in all Winter) do tend to dry out any moisture and keep the cats safe and dry. The money we've spent has more than been worth it since these houses have lasted for years, now. Chewy got in the houses again so we bought another since one of our earlier ones began to disintegrate (the hinged top wasn't waterproofed obviously) and was directly under water coming off our gutters, alas. This house was on top of one of our outdoor benches and slept at least two of the furries. It faces our all-glass storm door so they watch for us in the mornings (for their breakfast).
I make similar shelters but add a piece of mylar-coated foam insulation to the floor (mylar side up). The foil conducts body heat. Cats will often burrow through the straw in order to have tummy contact with the mylar.
Fulani Child: I've just posted above - about the houses I make and I don't use straw at all, but also the foil coated (on one side) hard foam insulation as well! I line the lid but not the floor since I buy extreme outdoor cat heaters and plug them in - they're on all Winter. I do use small fleece cat crate beds (they come with a small bolster around) which the cats love. I've been yelled at by those who insist those beds 'get wet'. Mine don't - since the cats rarely stay out in the rain or snow and any moisture brought in dries off from the warmth of the heater (which stays just at body temperature for a cat). I agree about the foil: Since we shut off the heating pads in late Spring, on the occasional chilly day in late Summer or early Fall, the cats will still use the houses and I've seen them snuggle against the walls to retain body heat.
@@ElizabethGS Your cats live in luxury! I don't have a power source at my cat colonies so my cats make do with mylar and straw. We live in Florida so it gets them through the one or two freezes we have in winter.
@@fulanichild3138 Oh, I had no idea you were in Florida. Of course you don't need severe Winter weather homes there, or the extreme weather heaters.. :) (Unless our weather patterns continue to change). Still, it's so nice for you to give them homes for those few chilly days. Our wee homes are set outside on my fairly new stone front patio (we had it built extra wide, and several outdoor outlets added when we had work done). It makes life so much simpler - for us and the cats. I didn't begin taking care of this little family, someone else did - but they moved away, so I inherited these kitties. They're really beautiful - two of them big, fluffy and looking like Norwegian Forest cats. They snuggle with each other and their much less fluffy brother to keep him warm --the cutest thing ever (he's the only one I could tell his gender) and they travel as a trio. Occasionally I see their Mom too and she reserves one of the houses I made for herself. No one else can get to use it or they face her wrath, lol but she's much more skittish, as is another brother. My 2 indoor cats and our dogs and I have much fun watching these guys but of course I always worry about them.
@@MeMe-jn8me Mylar looks like tin foil. It conducts heat and is used in emergency blankets to help warm people who are suffering from hypothermia. You can buy Styrofoam insulation boards that are coated on one side with Mylar. Line the floor of your cat shelters with it to help them stay warm in winter. I buy mine in the insulation department at Lowe's. I get the 3/4 inch thick boards. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to get the thicker ones. The boards are around 8 feet by 4 feet but are easily cut to any shape and size using a utility knife or a kitchen knife with a serrated blade. If you have a small car like me, be sure to bring a knife with you as you will have to cut the boards in half to fit them in your car.
You guys are heroes! My cat has a clipped ear and is almost a carbon copy of the cat at 2.53. She has been a challenge, but watching her sleep will just make you melt. Thanks
I had a colony of cats ... I did the TNR program for about 4 years it is very emotional.. I commend the both of you and thank you for loving the kitties
I wish there are more people are like you folks. Bless you. I got 4 kitties TNR at my place of business. Today, I feed them least 5 days a week for the past year and half. I am going to make them these cat shelters for them. Thank you for caring.
You go Tyler!! Even if it's only like one a month, you will be showing other's how they can also help the poor animal's, who didn't have anything to do with them being abandoned.. Good luck Tyler.. Thank you! ❤️😸😘
first off thank you 2 for all you do for them cat and second thats a wonderful idea to shelter them cats, ill be doing this for a couple kitties in my neighborhood
What lovely caring people! The animals well being is the top priority as it should be, and they pay for it themselves wow that is commitment and those cat coolers are a work of genius, god bless
I've been doing TNR since 2010 and always had rescue kitties. I feed on average 10-15 cats a day in colonies down from the roughly 100 that were on my block when I started. I'll never get to retire as a result, but I have no regrets. I've found homes for over 30 cats and kittens over the years.
Thank you so much for all you do for these little ones. They can't speak for themselves so we have to be their voices. Bless you all for your had work and compasion hearts.
Thank you for that incredible job !I love kitty's my husband and I rescued few, but know two more are around. Husband got deployed last month and I need a house for them. And this is the idea I need. God bless you both.🙏
Look on graig list for free coolers. I've also check thrift stores yard sales.and Ive gotten a few on evening trash night. Good scrub and a good cleaning.
@@elainephleps4705 All of your ideas are excellent advice! Thank you for stating such...maybe this will give others the incentive to help rescue all those poor kitty-cats!
We also use HEAT Trak Matts under our cat feeding stations to eliminate 12 to 20 inch of snow that collects. For my wife I have added another 5-8 matts so she can get to the feeding stations without having to shovel the snow - we are in the North East in NYS.
I have put out all the Heat Trak matts - but I have them on Heat Trak thermostats - these thing turn on at 35 degrees far. and turn off at 50 degrees far. I have not seen anything like it on the market they cost $50 each. In this way I can reduce the electic I use - I have 29 solar panels and monitor my electrical usage each month.
I am a total cat lady. I live in Maui so we don't worry about the cold. Lots of cat colonies here at parks because there is so much animal neglect where people let their cats breed and abandon them. I feed 25 cats at one of them here. You are a great inspiration to me. If only the world had more generous and animal loving people like you.
I fostered for a feral cat charity for 10 years in the past ,it's one of the most rewarding things I've done.Its needs more people out there doing this as neutering and spaying is vital.
Bless you and your beautiful, caring hearts. You are doing such a wonderful job with these precious fur babies. I wish the education system would teach the importance of spay/neuter to children in the schools. They can certainly find the time & funds to indoctrinate them with other ideas that are not helpful. I've been doing TNR for quite a few years now & I've lost count of how many. Sometimes I am able to get vouchers from different organizations but when I can't I pay for it myself. Some have been adopted, some go elsewhere when I release them, some stay with me. I have 22 or so that I feed, a few of which are actually my cats. It can get to be quite expensive but I feel it is important not only for the animals but also for the community. It doesn't take long for a neighborhood to be overrun with strays when people don't spay/neuter their pets. Puppies & kittens are absolutely adorable but it is cruel to allow animals to breed and overpopulate an area. Keep up the good work and keep making videos and inspiring others to take up the cause.
You people are Wonderful !!!!! Thank you so much from the bottom of my being for helping kittys!!!!Finally someone that feels about them ALL the way I do !!!! That's a great idea and this will help communities!! Blessing s to you and our 🐾🐾🐱
I'm crying too! Thank you! Y'all are awesome! I Jane befriended a beautiful black and white cat and named her Miss Kitty. She's letting me pet her. She even touched noses with one of my dogs and rubbed on his chest. I want to bring her in but my husband is seriously allergic to cats. These cat shelters are awesome! I'll definitely follow your advice.
I had this made for 2 outdoor cats - I put a self warming pad in it and top with STRAW not hay which I change out every fall. Not sure if they both use it at the same time but I have seen both cats come out of it at various times - Mine has an escape door with flaps on the end of the cooler. I also put it on top of a table next to my fence so water does not enter from the ground. It works well
Thank you for what you’re doing. I came up with the idea of using coolers for cat shelters but had a problem with rain getting in. I tried awnings but they didn’t work very well. Yours look pretty good though. I solved the water problem by putting the shelters in my horse run in shelter and inside an extra calf hut I had. Now the cats stay warm and dry and I sleep well.
My ❤️ goes out to BOTH of you, All the way fr Honolulu, HI. I shared a few tears watching this video. Thank you for sharing your cat house tips, valiant rescue efforts and TNR to stop the flow of kittens. All my cats are rescues since I was a child.. right off the street, found on a busy freeway, a sidewalk, a Craigslist free cat ad, and an unwanted kitten in a box... -->>> A D O P T
Joyce. Thank you 💖 for being an 😇. I'm 72 + feed the ferals in my senior complex. The local shelter supplies the dry food. I pay for wet food + treats. The cats are so grateful. The shelter sends someone out to TNR every few months. The vets don't charge for ferals, they clip ear, give basic shots, then return. The hardest part is they won't get close enuf to pet unless they're older. We brought one in who was sick..it was a bad tooth. Vets removed it for $25 donation + he's been living on the couch for past 8 months. He's blind from sun 🌞...the way he looks at us breaks your heart when it's time to be fed..so sweet. I am ready to pass the torch per Ortho pain like you. There are several others who love kitties too. Will share this video them. Take care + you will see your friends later who crossed the 🌈 Bridge already. Love 🧓🇺🇸
Hats off to you guys. I love all animals especially cats. My husband and I buy and donate food for some of the animal shelters in our area. It’s a good feeling to help give an animal a second change at life. Love the cooler ideas and I will have to pass this ideal along.
Major props to you! So much of what you said hits home, because I'm the crazy cat guy in my neighborhood. But if I don't do it, nobody will. You put my efforts to shame, but what it costs even at my level is staggering. And I totally get the crying. I seldom rehome a cat because it's just so darn hard to find a really good home. And although I can give away a cat, I can't give away my sense of responsibility for it's well being. Once I involve myself in their life, I'm responsible forever.
“We’re just regular people…” No, you’re exceptionally compassionate people who take action to care for those in need.
Yes! You are WONDERFUL PEOPLE! May God bless you!!
I guess the only thing keeping me from being exceptional is the fact that I'm broke. Damn..knowing that kinda depresses me even more...I still try to do what I can for strays. I'll feed the local colony and I got a stray that was clearly not feral and was abandoned to a no kill shelter..he was adopted within a week. I would have kept him if I wasn't broke like I said. God..I just need a miracle in my life because if I could, I would give it all back to those in need, both people and animals.
What is the aluminum cover called do I can go and get and make for my stray kitty?
@@Deniseluvsdogsgo to Home Depot, ask for flashing. Show them a picture from this video.
Don't be so dramatic
Thank you to all the people who made this happen!!! Great people doing great things.
You are not ordinary people you ARE AMAZING people THANK YOU xo
I'm doing the same thing. Not with coolers but I build cat houses to help keep the cats safe and warm
Mr. Lindsey, thank you for your kindness to the kitties in your neighborhood. You are a caring, compassionate person.
I need to do that but coyote proof them.
To : Troy Lindsey ---- Do you sell them ? I need a few that are Florida rain proof and coyote proof.
Sharon in South Florida.
@@LCx829
How about building igloo entrances ?
You guys rocks. People like you make the difference. God bless you all.
This people are the best of mankind. The absolute best. Nobody tops people who are kind to animals. They are the apex of human evolution.
I’ve been using those white Styrofoam coolers for cat houses since the mid-70s. Not the cheap ones, really thick ones. I live in an area where it can get below zero for weeks at a time and the cats on my property really appreciate it. 👍🏻
I now live in a State that has outlawed all use of Styrofoam. There is an "eco" version of it, but I do not know yet if it is sturdy. Inside a rubber bin with some hay maybe.......
You’re so kind! Thank you for taking care of the stray fur babies 🙏
@@mrffe
@@mrffestraw, not hay
I love watching things like this. My neighborhood is full of strays. I feed them and have made a few shelters for them. Have also got help to trap a couple to get them fixed. Need more people like you, very caring towards animals. ❤️
We need more people like you!!! God bless you for your kindness and willingness to help the kitties in your neighborhood!!! 💛💜💛💜😻
No, we don't need "more people like them." We need *us to be like them.*
How do you coerce them into using the shelters? I have several strays...and no matter how much work I put into making warm shelter.,,.they will not use them. 🤔😕
I FOUND A WAY TO TRAP HARD TO CATCH CATS. I SET OPEN TRAP IN AREA THEN USE A LASER POINTER.
@@Brenda0312F exactly - i just wrote that i have a cat who lives in my garden, made him a house - sat there once when we just made it. Never again. Sometimes sits on top
What a great idea!!!!!! These people are hero’s. Great great people.
I'm always at awe when I see good hearted people helping those that are in need of help. Bravo!
I NEED HOMES FOR THIRTY. I PUT HEAT AND MADE CUBBY HOLES OUT OF OLD DRESSERS IN A STORAGE BUILDING.
Bless these amazing people for the work they do.
What a wonderful way to Trap Neuter Return, while also giving the cats a warm, safe place to live. It sounds super great to reduce/reuse and repurpose Coolers with minimal effort rather than dump them. The cup holders on the top look cute for summer time sunshine & snacking for the cats. Great job, I am raising a grandchild from a horrific situation, when I can retire and she is older, I hope to rescue somehow some way, animals. I have been in human services my entire career, soon it will be time for the animals (I have had rescue dogs and cats along the way). May G-d bless you in all you do.
Good luck with Grandkid! And I am sure you will be good value to the animals you get to care for.
I'd like to follow in your footsteps in me senior years. God bless you.!
G-D, LORD ACTUALLY BLESSINGS NOBODY. WE HAVE TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES, AND SORT THINGS OUT FOR OURSELVES! LORD IS AS POWERLESS AS A GNOME!😵😵AS POWERLESS AS THE TOOTH FAIRY! 🐑🐑🐑🐑MAN INVENTED MAN FAIRY TALES, TO MAKE MAN FEEL BETTER, AND SEEK A FAIRY TALES" NEVER ENDING "" HERE"" AFTER!! FACT IS WE ALL DIE LIKE ALL ANIMALS, AND GO TO THE SAME PLACE= NOWHERE!!
@@captainamericaamerica8090 What?? You say Gnomes are powerless!! Well, I will have to agree with you there, and rolling up my sleeves is what I do. As long as you are happy with your beliefs, I am happy for you. I hope you do help all creatures and humans as best you can, spread the kindness and your life will be a rich one. I am not one who believes atheists are sub-human, I am sure you are just fine. Be well.
Even leaving fresh water helps! In freezing temps with multiple checks and daily changes and in hot summers! All animals are appreciative! Thank you for all you do !
I wish we have people like you in our community...
Why don't you Become like them and then people in your community will follow your example ???
@@ragemodels We had 3 cats in our community. We took 1 inside our home and For the remaining 2, We have provided ecoFlex shelter bought from Amazon. We already have 2 adopted cats from shelter. It's easy to join people rather than starting from scratch..
Better yet, please help them!
I built a heavy-duty house for my indoor/outdoor cat about a year before he passed. 2x4 frame, 1/2" plywood sides/floor/roof, roof waterproofed and shingled to match the house, roof on hinges for cleaning, inside lined with 1/2" R-5 insulation panels, front door offset to the left with wind-break panels, lined with straw. In the center was a large tote with a door offset to the right for more wind-break. He loved it. Jack was a black/white Tuxedo who was rescued as a kitten. He was the most loving and loyal cat I've ever had. After he passed, I donated the house to a local lady that runs a cat rescue. It was a struggle for her and a friend to load it into her truck. It weighed about 80 lbs.
Fair winds and following seas to all.
I burst into tears when they teared up
You guys just Ángels . Manu blessings to you both🥰
Never be ashamed of crying, these animals give so much and all they want in return is a little love. The way you treat animals defines you as a person. You are both good souls. I have a couple of homemade shelters in my garage, I change the straw every month and the feral cat is nice and warm.
Rescuers like yourselves make me believe in humanity. Thank you for all you do.
You can you be a foster parent to a feral kitty or 2 . An earth angel.💓😇
This couple is everything you would want in a neighbor and such an asset to a community. Cats are such wonderful creatures.
THANK YOU BOTH FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
Watching this literally brought me to HaPpY Tears. My husband and I will be doing the same. We have several stray cats that we've been nurturing and Ol'man WINTER is coming upon us Too Soon.. We will post a pic when we've completed ours.. Bigggg Hugzzz for the both of You ‼️
How did it work out? Did the kitties use the shelters you made?? 💜💛💜 God bless you both for your kindness and willingness to help those kitties!!😻
Thank you for your act of compassion and kindness.
Rescue and fostering is one of the most heartbreaking but best feelings in the world. TNR your community cats folks!
WHY are there ONLY 23K views for this video? EVERYONE SHARE this on your social media (put it to good use for a change). GET the word out!
This is so awesomely wonderful
Years ago I had made a few of these cooler/ shelters for the neighborhood wandering cats - glad to see others fully involved with rescue.
The huge cost of veterinary care is a challenge, many animal lovers are more than willing to love rehab feed and house strays- but the vet costs becomes the largest challenge.
I just lost by own indoor 5year old beautiful boy to -what-? I still don't know. He was losing weight (wasn't fat to begin with) and our vet did an ultrasound then sent us to 'the' specialized ER Vet center out here (on Long Island, NY). They charged us $5,000+ up front for the tests and care they'd provide - which we agreed to, anything to save our baby. One specialist after another told us different 'stories'. Then suddenly we were instructed to pick him up with a feeding tube in his neck - while I floundered, trying to explain how difficult that would be with my wrist arthritis and my husband's inability to manage something small like this --could they show him (on his way there already) how to do it? the vet was cold as ice as he snapped at me that it would be 'fine'. Called me 20 mins. later to ask where my husband was. I explained where we lived and that he was on his way - had rushed out of the house. So he called my husband in his car - then called me back to say that my baby was braindead and only his heart was beating so I might as well allow them to euthanize them before my husband could get there. I've never cried so hard. I've never not been there for one of my furbabies. Have held every single one as they've left us. Of course, this happened on my birthday - a week before Christmas. We're still shaken. ALL that cost - and I think they were incompetent and basically killed him. I could have saved so many more animals with those incredibly high costs (they did an under-anesthesia scoping after telling me it would NOT be done, finding nothing - but inserting the feeding tube at the same time). I miss him desperately--wish I could bring in the outdoor cats who are very friendly with me but right now my newest (rescue) dog stil has a high prey drive so it would be too difficult to make work and they live outside my home and roam around our property. I feel as long as I can get them through the roughest weather with good food twice a day and watching for any signs of illness, we're doing our best.
@@ElizabethGS I’m so very sorry you’re going through this sudden devastation.
So terrible when those we treasure are gone. I’ve been blessed with many furry beloveds over the years and it never gets easier when we have a loss. And it seems like salt in the wound when the “experts” have no answers.
As my mom used to say “ consider yourself hugged “
@@deborahfox-rogan65 Oh, thank you so much for understanding, Deborah. It helps to know there are other people out there who 'get it', even though it must mean you've been through it too. :( I'd never wish that on anyone. Your empathy and sympathy mean a lot. Hugs back to you and thank you again.
These two people warm my heart. This is how people use to be, not the rude, entitled and arrogant misfits you get everywhere nowadays.
Ya wtf is up with this? I used to love being around people and talking to strangers then boom Covid happened and I’d say 90% of people have turned into what you said
Amazing people!
True colors came out
Thank you so much
Thanks do much for what you’re both doing . Such loving caring people to take care of the innocent little angels. A tru labor of love!
May I ask what you use to make the little awnings?
@@larysius you can make a natural 'awning' out of the rubbermaid box (or any plastic box you use for the outside) by cutting a 3-sided cut (with a straight-blade): down, across at the botton and back up but NOT across the top. I make mine roughly 5"x5" because two of our wee feral family are big furry Norwegian-forest cat types and tend to expand in the Winter. :) Pushing up on this 'flap' with your hand (I've mentioned above that you can actually heat the plastic very gently with a hair-dryer on low) helps you push it up from the outside until it forms a 'roof' to prevent the rain/snow from entering. But it will still allow 'some' water to get in unless you place the house under an overhang of some kind. Still, ours tend to get damp but the K&H heaters (which stay plugged in all Winter) do tend to dry out any moisture and keep the cats safe and dry. The money we've spent has more than been worth it since these houses have lasted for years, now. Chewy got in the houses again so we bought another since one of our earlier ones began to disintegrate (the hinged top wasn't waterproofed obviously) and was directly under water coming off our gutters, alas. This house was on top of one of our outdoor benches and slept at least two of the furries. It faces our all-glass storm door so they watch for us in the mornings (for their breakfast).
I love this couple. Bless them.
They're the best, aren't they?
I admire and respect this fine couple! They should get kudos instead of useless public figures out there
I make similar shelters but add a piece of mylar-coated foam insulation to the floor (mylar side up). The foil conducts body heat. Cats will often burrow through the straw in order to have tummy contact with the mylar.
Fulani Child: I've just posted above - about the houses I make and I don't use straw at all, but also the foil coated (on one side) hard foam insulation as well! I line the lid but not the floor since I buy extreme outdoor cat heaters and plug them in - they're on all
Winter. I do use small fleece cat crate beds (they come with a small bolster around) which the cats love. I've been yelled at by those who insist those beds 'get wet'. Mine don't - since the cats rarely stay out in the rain or snow and any moisture brought in dries off from the warmth of the heater (which stays just at body temperature for a cat). I agree about the foil: Since we shut off the heating pads in late Spring, on the occasional chilly day in late Summer or early Fall, the cats will still use the houses and I've seen them snuggle against the walls to retain body heat.
@@ElizabethGS Your cats live in luxury! I don't have a power source at my cat colonies so my cats make do with mylar and straw. We live in Florida so it gets them through the one or two freezes we have in winter.
@@fulanichild3138 Oh, I had no idea you were in Florida. Of course you don't need severe Winter weather homes there, or the extreme weather heaters.. :) (Unless our weather patterns continue to change). Still, it's so nice for you to give them homes for those few chilly days. Our wee homes are set outside on my fairly new stone front patio (we had it built extra wide, and several outdoor outlets added when we had work done). It makes life so much simpler - for us and the cats. I didn't begin taking care of this little family, someone else did - but they moved away, so I inherited these kitties. They're really beautiful - two of them big, fluffy and looking like Norwegian Forest cats. They snuggle with each other and their much less fluffy brother to keep him warm --the cutest thing ever (he's the only one I could tell his gender) and they travel as a trio. Occasionally I see their Mom too and she reserves one of the houses I made for herself. No one else can get to use it or they face her wrath, lol but she's much more skittish, as is another brother. My 2 indoor cats and our dogs and I have much fun watching these guys but of course I always worry about them.
What is mylar ? Can you post a photo ?
@@MeMe-jn8me Mylar looks like tin foil. It conducts heat and is used in emergency blankets to help warm people who are suffering from hypothermia. You can buy Styrofoam insulation boards that are coated on one side with Mylar. Line the floor of your cat shelters with it to help them stay warm in winter. I buy mine in the insulation department at Lowe's. I get the 3/4 inch thick boards. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to get the thicker ones. The boards are around 8 feet by 4 feet but are easily cut to any shape and size using a utility knife or a kitchen knife with a serrated blade. If you have a small car like me, be sure to bring a knife with you as you will have to cut the boards in half to fit them in your car.
You guys are heroes! My cat has a clipped ear and is almost a carbon copy of the cat at 2.53. She has been a challenge, but watching her sleep will just make you melt. Thanks
Thank you so much for taking the time to TNR these cats and making them shelters. It warms my heart to know we are helping these animals. 😻😻
God will bless these people a hundred fold!
We made shelters and adopted/support our local sanctuary. I would be in a dark place without our cats. They bring so much joy!
Bless these people.
This is awesome! Love these people. Much love and happiness to these fine people and the cats.
Such wonderful people. Caring sensitive men are great and much needed in our world.
I had a colony of cats ... I did the TNR program for about 4 years it is very emotional.. I commend the both of you and thank you for loving the kitties
Thank you for caring. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
God bless this couple.
This cooler idea is perfect for my situation!
How did you find a cooler large enough?
I can't believe someone said " I don't know what to do!" Get them fixed! Love ya both!
I wish there are more people are like you folks. Bless you. I got 4 kitties TNR at my place of business. Today, I feed them least 5 days a week for the past year and half. I am going to make them these cat shelters for them. Thank you for caring.
You go Tyler!! Even if it's only like one a month, you will be showing other's how they can also help the poor animal's, who didn't have anything to do with them being abandoned.. Good luck Tyler.. Thank you! ❤️😸😘
first off thank you 2 for all you do for them cat and second thats a wonderful idea to shelter them cats, ill be doing this for a couple kitties in my neighborhood
I love you guys and love anyone who really cares for cats and other poor animals
God bless you ♥️♥️♥️
I am the same. 4 kitties rescued inside. 2 outside that won't let me near them. Bless you for what you do
God bless you both for all you do & for loving these kitties & cats. It’s heartbreaking how many there are. Thank you. 🤗
These are beautiful people.
What lovely caring people! The animals well being is the top priority as it should be, and they pay for it themselves wow that is commitment and those cat coolers are a work of genius, god bless
These people are living Godly lives . Much love to them , many blessings
That being said this is a wonderful idea even for cats who don’t get home in time at night to get inside and are stuck outside for the night.
These ppl are Angels on earth! What a brilliant idea!!!
You two are amazing. Love this.
I've been doing TNR since 2010 and always had rescue kitties. I feed on average 10-15 cats a day in colonies down from the roughly 100 that were on my block when I started. I'll never get to retire as a result, but I have no regrets. I've found homes for over 30 cats and kittens over the years.
Thamkyou❤️🐈
Even when you release them, you have given them such a better life. Maybe not the best, but better!
You're wonderful, wonderful people. ❤️
Thank you so much for all you do for these little ones. They can't speak for themselves so we have to be their voices. Bless you all for your had work and compasion hearts.
Thank you for that incredible job !I love kitty's my husband and I rescued few, but know two more are around. Husband got deployed last month and I need a house for them.
And this is the idea I need. God bless you both.🙏
Look on graig list for free coolers. I've also check thrift stores yard sales.and Ive gotten a few on evening trash night. Good scrub and a good cleaning.
@@elainephleps4705 All of your ideas are excellent advice! Thank you for stating such...maybe this will give others the incentive to help rescue all those poor kitty-cats!
May all the love, time, and resources you give return to you 10 fold. Beautiful story.
We also use HEAT Trak Matts under our cat feeding stations to eliminate 12 to 20 inch of snow that collects. For my wife I have added another 5-8 matts so she can get to the feeding stations without having to shovel the snow - we are in the North East in NYS.
I have put out all the Heat Trak matts - but I have them on Heat Trak thermostats - these thing turn on at 35 degrees far. and turn off at 50 degrees far. I have not seen anything like it on the market they cost $50 each. In this way I can reduce the electic I use - I have 29 solar panels and monitor my electrical usage each month.
I am a total cat lady. I live in Maui so we don't worry about the cold. Lots of cat colonies here at parks because there is so much animal neglect where people let their cats breed and abandon them. I feed 25 cats at one of them here. You are a great inspiration to me. If only the world had more generous and animal loving people like you.
Are they fixed?🙏
I fostered for a feral cat charity for 10 years in the past ,it's one of the most rewarding things I've done.Its needs more people out there doing this as neutering and spaying is vital.
Thank you for your love towards the animals. The first step of desexing the cats will slow down the need to rescue.
Wow, really clever!!!! Awesome idea!
When people like you step up it's amazing.
No red tape. And that's just amazing
Thanks
Ten kotek to szczęściarz,że ma domek.I ludzi,którzy go akceptują ♥️
You are amazing! Thank you for caring. Rescue is hard work but incredibly rewarding!
Bless you and your beautiful, caring hearts. You are doing such a wonderful job with these precious fur babies. I wish the education system would teach the importance of spay/neuter to children in the schools. They can certainly find the time & funds to indoctrinate them with other ideas that are not helpful.
I've been doing TNR for quite a few years now & I've lost count of how many. Sometimes I am able to get vouchers from different organizations but when I can't I pay for it myself. Some have been adopted, some go elsewhere when I release them, some stay with me. I have 22 or so that I feed, a few of which are actually my cats. It can get to be quite expensive but I feel it is important not only for the animals but also for the community. It doesn't take long for a neighborhood to be overrun with strays when people don't spay/neuter their pets. Puppies & kittens are absolutely adorable but it is cruel to allow animals to breed and overpopulate an area.
Keep up the good work and keep making videos and inspiring others to take up the cause.
You guys are cool people with big hearts. Thank you.
Omg I hope you guys are so blessed!
Stunning people with a big heart!
You people are Wonderful !!!!! Thank you so much from the bottom of my being for helping kittys!!!!Finally someone that feels about them ALL the way I do !!!! That's a great idea and this will help communities!! Blessing s to you and our 🐾🐾🐱
Heroes. Adults who take the on the responsibility of the vulnerable, without being paid nor being asked. HEROES
What lovely people !!!! God bless em
God bless you,
and thank you so much
Nice coolers. We’ve used Omaha Steak coolers, lined with mylar and stuffed with straw. The ferals in -28 degrees were toasty!
GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.
I'm crying too! Thank you! Y'all are awesome! I Jane befriended a beautiful black and white cat and named her Miss Kitty. She's letting me pet her. She even touched noses with one of my dogs and rubbed on his chest. I want to bring her in but my husband is seriously allergic to cats. These cat shelters are awesome! I'll definitely follow your advice.
Thanku for being so very kind and sharing you endeavors and ingenuity with us. Much luv2u❤
I had this made for 2 outdoor cats - I put a self warming pad in it and top with STRAW not hay which I change out every fall. Not sure if they both use it at the same time but I have seen both cats come out of it at various times - Mine has an escape door with flaps on the end of the cooler. I also put it on top of a table next to my fence so water does not enter from the ground. It works well
That sounds like a great set up. And you're even considerate enough to make sure no water gets in the kitty-cat shelter! Brilliant!!
These people are Angel's here on earth,God bless them continuously 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💖💖💖
I just ❤ this. You'll are angels caring so much for the fur babies. Thank you for posting. 🐱
As a cat lover myself I love these kind of people that care enough about the kitties to provide them shelter
Awesome work thank you!
Thank you for being such good human beings. This should be humanity's role on this planet caretaking the earth and the creatures we share it with. 💕
Thank you for what you’re doing. I came up with the idea of using coolers for cat shelters but had a problem with rain getting in. I tried awnings but they didn’t work very well. Yours look pretty good though. I solved the water problem by putting the shelters in my horse run in shelter and inside an extra calf hut I had. Now the cats stay warm and dry and I sleep well.
What a kind and wonderful couple!🥰❤️
Thanks for caring so much. This is a wonderful idea.
God bless you two!
My ❤️ goes out to BOTH of you,
All the way fr Honolulu, HI.
I shared a few tears watching this video.
Thank you for sharing your cat house tips, valiant rescue efforts and TNR to stop the flow of kittens.
All my cats are rescues since I was a child..
right off the street, found on a busy freeway, a sidewalk, a Craigslist free cat ad, and an unwanted kitten in a box...
-->>> A D O P T
Such a fantastic idea. Perfect to keep them warm and dry.
Yes thank you and i pray for safety so all these cats be taken care of ❤️
GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!❤❤❤
I rescued for 50 yrs. I just turned 70 in January n sadly I have too many orthopedic issues to continue 😥😥😥
Joyce. Thank you 💖 for being an 😇. I'm 72 + feed the ferals in my senior complex. The local shelter supplies the dry food. I pay for wet food + treats. The cats are so grateful.
The shelter sends someone out to TNR every few months. The vets don't charge for ferals, they clip ear, give basic shots, then return.
The hardest part is they won't get close enuf to pet unless they're older. We brought one in who was sick..it was a bad tooth. Vets removed it for $25 donation + he's been living on the couch for past 8 months. He's blind from sun 🌞...the way he looks at us breaks your heart when it's time to be fed..so sweet.
I am ready to pass the torch per Ortho pain like you. There are several others who love kitties too.
Will share this video them. Take care + you will see your friends later who crossed the 🌈 Bridge already.
Love 🧓🇺🇸
Hats off to you guys. I love all animals especially cats. My husband and I buy and donate food for some of the animal shelters in our area. It’s a good feeling to help give an animal a second change at life. Love the cooler ideas and I will have to pass this ideal along.
Great people doing this for cats, very cool coolers,Godbless
May god bless you both for doing this. Thats awesome... Thanks 🙏 🙏 🙏 so much... Hugs from an animal lover ❤❤❤❤❤❤
You are wonderful people!! May God bless you each and every day.
Major props to you! So much of what you said hits home, because I'm the crazy cat guy in my neighborhood. But if I don't do it, nobody will. You put my efforts to shame, but what it costs even at my level is staggering. And I totally get the crying. I seldom rehome a cat because it's just so darn hard to find a really good home. And although I can give away a cat, I can't give away my sense of responsibility for it's well being. Once I involve myself in their life, I'm responsible forever.
It is amazing what you are doing. I wish we had this in every community. There are so many cats abandoned and suffering out there.
I'm crying rn I love all the cats
You are very very great people, God will bless you for your kindness to animals. And you are so right, anybody can do this. We can all help.
Fantastic idea! Thanks for posting.