Gimme Shelter

Once we decided to keep the kitties, the next step was to figure out where the would sleep. Obviously they will never be indoor cats. I wouldn't get their claws removed and they are too curious to be happy stuck indoors all the time. And I don't clean litter boxes. Ever. There were a few options for kitty homes. They had been sleeping under our back deck and seemed pretty happy about it. But, winter was coming and the deck is not windproof and I don't think there is any source of heat down there (but we suspect the dryer vet might be under the deck, we aren't sure though). The people at the Humane Society with outdoor cats said they just had basically lean-tos that they put straw in for the cats to use in the winter. However, V and I thought that wouldn't be warm enough since Inky was only 8 months old and Little Caiti had recently fractured every bone in her left paw.

V found a petgloo on Amazon that was windproof and pretty water proof. It was insulated and also had a heating pad that we could buy to put inside. That seemed like the best option for softies like us. However, it wasn't cheap. I've learned that nothing about having pets is cheap. We were a little worried when we initially bought it because the kitties didn't want to go in there. To get the used to the igloo we started putting all their food in it (including their favorite wet food) so they gradually got used to going inside. Now they love it! They sleep in it, eat in it, and generally lounge. It's definitely they new home. It's also nice because I can sit and watch them cuddle while they are asleep in it. It's gratifying seeing how much they enjoy it. It has been one of the best purchases we made... so far!

Now, I need to find outdoor shelter for myself. We got some really nice wooden chaise lounges for reading by the pool. I love sitting and hanging out by the pool with a history mystery. Sadly, I can't sit outside very long because I get burned really easily. So... the next thing I'm saving my money for is an awesome cantelever umbrella! That way I can chill by the pool in the shade while the kitties enjoy their petgloo.