Winnipeg man builds shelters to help stray cats survive winter cold

As temperatures drop across Manitoba, stray cats are finding warmth thanks to the efforts of a Winnipeg man who has built hundreds of outdoor shelters for homeless animals.

Nick Merrells says he has built more than 300 shelters for stray cats over the past four years, a milestone he never expected to reach.

“Amazing! I’ve never thought I’d make even a hundred. And to hit 300 mark is just amazing,” Merrells said.

Merrells, a Winnipeg resident, said the idea began while he was living in the city’s West End. Seeing numerous cats roaming outside during harsh winter weather prompted him to build shelters to help them survive the cold.

“I started seeing tons of cats all over the place. We actually took one in. And from there I’ve been making these shelters ever since. I’ve done over 300 now,” he said.

One stray cat in particular motivated Merrells to continue the work. His family adopted the animal after finding her in poor condition.

“She was really old, super skinny. Just skin and bones. She was not in a good health. And that’s the one that set it all off,” he said.

Merrells builds the shelters using containers, Styrofoam coolers and straw. While some materials are easy to find, he said others have become harder to source.

“I’ve been buying Styrofoam coolers from fish store. And I bought them out completely. So at the moment I am having a lot of trouble finding big Styrofoam coolers. And then I do also accept monetary and supply donations,” Merrells said.

He said many people find him through Facebook to request a shelter, and he begins building right away. Some residents even purchase shelters for cats they do not know.

“Some people actually will buy one for a street cat outside that they don’t even know. And which is amazing,” he said.

Merrells says shelters he has built can now be found across Winnipeg, offering protection to stray cats during the city’s coldest months.