Although cat advocates recommend keeping cats indoors for their ultimate safety, some cats just won’t tolerate being cooped up inside. The model for my Klepto Cat Mysteries, my mother’s cat, Smokey, is one of those. When he arrived special delivery from Idaho six years ago as a kitten (from my sister-in-law’s surprise litter), he already had his mind made up that he would be an outside cat. Especially now that he lived in a nice climate. And no amount of human reasoning could change his mind. So Smokey goes out by day (unless it’s raining or windy—he does have his limits) and he comes in before dusk.
But some cats never step foot indoors. And some of those live where winters are harsh. 
The cat outside might be one you’re feeding regularly or a stray that wanders in. You may feel as if there’s nothing you can do to protect him during the winter, except maybe leave a plate of food out in hopes he’ll come close enough to get some nourishment.
Did you know there are little igloo-type houses you can set up in your yard for your own outdoor pets (who refuse to be inside) and/or the stray cats in your neighborhood or even the wild critters that need a little warmth?
Here’s a link to an article on how to keep outdoor cats safe in harsh winters. They even give ideas for building your own shelter. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/tips/caring_feral_cats_winter.html
Here’s a review of ten different types of outdoor shelters you can buy for cats. https://www.worldsbestcatlitter.com/clearing-the-air/2016/02/10-awesome-winter-shelters-for-feral-cats/
If you see cats outside your window trying to survive another wintery night, consider providing some sort of shelter. If you’re already caring for homeless cats, we’d love to hear about it.
