I bought this Petbarn as a house for an outdoor feral cat (neutered). It became a weekend project to insulate it and make it waterproof. In addition to sealing the rear vent and closure tabs as other purchasers have done, I made the opening smaller. The main reason for the water issues that other people have mentioned is because the doorway is too large and too low, and rain/snow will just pour inside if this house is kept out in the elements. If you are going to keep it in a barn or garage, I would say just insulate the interior (because it is still an icebox) and leave the large opening. However, cats only need a 6 inch diameter opening, which also helps keep out unwanted larger animals like raccoons and foxes. I used mostly materials I had in my home already. I started with a bamboo garden stake that turned out to be the perfect diameter for the rear air vents. I cut two small pieces to the correct length and inserted them as backer rods, and then used DAP 230 Dynaflex sealant on the vents, inside and out. To make the front opening smaller, I glued the front panel of an old litter box with Loctite marine epoxy and sealed the edges with Dynaflex. I used a hairdryer to soften the plastic and cut it into shape with some snips. For insulation, the easiest thing to use would have been 1 inch rigid foam insulation with foil backing. However, since it comes in 8 foot sheets, I couldn't fit one of these into my car. Instead I bought a roll of Reflectix insulation at HD and used it with some leftover Styrofoam I had at home. I cut sheets of both materials for the floor, ceiling and walls, and wrapped silver aluminum foil tape around the edges to seal them together. Reflectix is great stuff: non-toxic, adds extra warmth, prevents kitty claws from damaging the Styrofoam and is easy to wipe down if the cat sprays inside. So I created a box within a box with the six panels. Finally, I added some straw bedding, also purchased at HD for 10 bucks (one bale), snapped the lid in place and sealed the closure tabs with Gorilla tape. The interior dimensions with the insulated panels in place are approximately 18 in. L x 11.5 in. W x 11.5 in. H. The new opening is about 6 in. H x 7.5 in. W. Perfect for one large cat to snuggle inside during winter. My cat Priscilla gave it a test run before I put the lid in place. I have to say that even with the extra work and money to make this thing weatherproof, it was a fun project and the final result is still way more affordable than the Kitty Tube I bought previously. The Petbarn is also sturdy plastic and weighs 10-12 lbs, so if you keep it outside up near a wall, like I do, it's heavy enough not to blow away. I have a townhome with no front porch, so I have the Petbarn tucked up against the house behind my azaleas. The first night I had it out Thor was already in it! Update!!! It's 5 years later and my feral cats still love this Petmate shelter. The cat I originally bought it for died, but I've had others over the years that have used it. Other than having to replace the interior insulation panels from time to time, which have been clawed and sprayed by the occasional Tom discovering it, it has held up to the elements. I have other cat shelters that I have bought (Kitty Tube, Feral Villa, Ark Workshop cedar houses) and made (Rubbermaid storage bins) and all have their pros and cons, but this one has remained a cat favorite. I must emphasize though, as I said 5 years ago, if you are keeping it out in the elements you not only need to seal the closure tabs and rear vent with Gorilla tape but you HAVE to make the entrance smaller to keep out water. I wish this company would make a cat version of this house, with a smaller 6-inch diameter round entrance that was higher up. If they made cat shelters this company would make a fortune because there are tons of people out there who want affordable, durable and weatherproof options for their outdoor cats!!!
