Winnipeg man makes 200 shelters for stray cats

If you come across a random, homemade cat shelter during Winnipeg’s frigid winters, there’s a good chance it was constructed by Nick Merrells.

Building the shelters to ensure stray cats can stay warm during the cold months, he says for the animals, it’s a matter of life and death.

“Out of the nearly 200 I’ve made, I’ve never heard of a cat freezing to death in one of mine, so I’d say they do the trick,” said Merrells. 

The venture started roughly four years ago while Merrells was living in the West End where the cats were almost always present, saying he wanted to ensure the population had shelter. 

“I didn’t know how many cats there were, or how big of an issue this was but, we were seeing cats like crazy,” he said. “We took some in, and from there, about four years ago we just started making shelters and now I’m right around the 200 mark.”

He makes the shelters in his home using plastic bins, styrofoam and straw, leaving them around the neighbourhood to be found by their feline occupants. Merrells also offers them up to those looking for a way to keep stray cats safe for a small donation, all of the funds going toward construction of more shelters. 

“I have given away many for free, and generally I ask for $40 per shelter,” he said. “ Some people pay more, some people pay less, but it’s all about helping the cats.”

According to animal advocates, it’s a service that’s much needed in Winnipeg.

“Cats are absolutely everywhere and these shelters provide a chance for a lot of these cats to survive. Because a lot of them as well aren’t just house cats that are used to being pets and that can be brought indoors,” said Tatiana Janovcik the cat administrator at K9 Advocacy.

“A lot of them are semi-feral and feral colonies and they’re not used to being around people. So, there’s a lot of people that aren’t familiar with how to trap or care for them, so really, this is their best chance at surviving the colder months.”

Merrells says the demand in itself is proof of the need, as it doesn’t take long for cold cats to take up residence. 

“I’ll give them a shelter and within half an hour, an hour, they’ll send me a picture of the cat in the shelter,” he said. “I always ask for pictures and I always like to stay updated. But yeah, nothing bad coming out of these shelters.”

Those looking to contribute to Merrells’ efforts can get in touch on Facebook under the name Nick Niche or they can email him at nick.merrells204@hotmail.ca.