Creativity
You are a creative person. Do you know how to be sure? Because you’re breathing. Every person alive is creative without exception. You are creating an animal sanctuary. You are creating something beautiful that is highly pleasing to you. You are creating something that will make the world a better place. You are creating a legacy.
First Permanent Cat Home – Shed
Building houses for the animals you care for is another way to be creative. At Bear Den Sanctuary, the first permanent cat home I made was a shed already on the property.
I repurposed the shed into a sprawling cat haven. Every nook became a cozy bed, every drawer a hiding spot. Simple shelves became bunk beds with a bit of ingenuity.
Gathering materials from friends and family, like old blankets and towels, made it possible to create comfort without breaking the bank. With a good pair of fabric scissors, you can customize bedding to fit any space.
Then there were the barns. By seeking out cost-effective solutions for a permanent cat house, like bidding for cement work and opting for prefabricated structures, I maximized resources.
Ramps and shelves inside provide vertical playgrounds for the resident felines, while custom-built wooden houses offer cozy retreats.
Finding Bargains
For smaller shelters, like those for kittens, creativity and practicality went hand in hand.
Rubber flooring and easy-to-clean walls ensure hygiene, while thrifted finds like dog houses and repurposed goods from stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army offer budget-friendly options.
Prefab Options
Looking ahead, I’ve learned from experience. Next time, I’ll streamline the process by exploring prefab options for the next permanent cat homes at a new sanctuary.
Places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and online retailers offer a variety of choices, reducing both cost and construction time.
And for those who prefer a DIY approach, there are endless possibilities. Websites like Cozy Cat Furniture and Blythewood Works offer ready-made permanent cat home solutions, saving time and effort. By sharing these insights, I hope to spare others the trials I faced, turning my journey into a guide for future sanctuary founders.
