Indy Neighborhood Cats Helping Keep Community Cats Warm All Winter Long

Winter shelter program provides thousands of insulated shelters and fresh straw to help outdoor cats stay safe during Indiana's coldest months.

Winter in Indiana can be tough, especially for cats living outdoors. But thanks to Indy Neighborhood Cats, thousands of community cats have a warmer, safer place to escape the cold.

The Indianapolis nonprofit distributes more than 3,500 insulated winter shelters annually, along with fresh straw, to residents caring for outdoor cats.

A Little Shelter Makes a Big Difference

When temperatures drop, outdoor cats look for places to escape the wind, snow and freezing conditions. Unfortunately, those places aren't always safe. Cats may seek warmth beneath mobile homes, inside crawl spaces or in other potentially dangerous locations.

Indy Neighborhood Cats is working to provide safer alternatives through its Winter Shelter Program.

Each insulated shelter can accommodate two to three cats, allowing them to share body heat and stay warmer together.

“Please don’t wait until a winter storm is on the way to get a shelter,” said Dawn Benefiel, executive director of Indy Neighborhood Cats. “Putting a shelter out early gives the cats you care for time to find it and become comfortable using it. We want people to know help is available so they can prepare before the weather becomes an emergency.”

Where to Pick Up a Winter Shelter

Shelters and fresh straw are available at:

FIDO Warehouse

1505 N. Sherman Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46201

November 14 through December 20, 2026

• Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Sundays, 9 a.m. to noon

December 27, 2026 through February 28, 2027

• Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.

Suggested donations are just $2 per shelter and $2 per bag of fresh straw. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted.

Indy Neighborhood Cats also plans special pop-up distributions during severe winter weather.

How You Can Help Community Cats This Winter

Even if you don't have outdoor cats of your own, you can make a difference by sharing this information with neighbors, friends and family who care for community cats.

A shelter placed before the first major winter storm gives cats an opportunity to discover a safe, dry place to rest.

For pickup updates and additional winter care information, visit IndyNeighborhoodCats.org or follow Indy Neighborhood Cats on Facebook.

Because every cat deserves a safe place to stay warm this winter. 🐾

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