We all love those videos of cats moving across the couch to stay in the afternoon sunbeam. Sleeping in the sun is good for relaxing muscles and reducing stress. If you’re skeptical, try it yourself. Best nap I ever took was at 3 pm, on the couch with my college cat, Lily, sleeping on my chest.

Once the weather turns cool and cold, not even a mid-afternoon sunbeam is enough to keep your cat warm. She needs a cozy nest (link to PCS Forum board) for napping, resting, and simply having a nice place to snuggle into while meowing to the world to bow before her.

A nest can be inside or outside. For an inside nest, you need to provide a shell that gives a sense of protection. In that shell, you should put in cozy bedding (blankets and old towels) that is soft and comfortable, but can still withstand some clawing without coming apart in just a few days or weeks.

An outside nest requires a bit more care and thought. In addition to a sturdy shell for protection and cozy bedding, you need to factor in these features as well:

Secure location – This needs to be a patio, porch, or another space very close to your home. The ideal area would be enclosed in glass or wire so your cat can look over her domain with an unobstructed view.

Raised platform – An inch of elevation can make the nest warmer by keeping the cold out. It also prevents moisture from seeping in and soaking the cozy bedding.

Insulation – Blankets and towels are great, but an outside nest should have a layer of straw or wool on the floor to further insulate it from the cold. Don’t use hay; however, it quickly becomes moldy once it gets wet and can trigger allergies in some cats and people.

Weatherproofing – A plastic sheet angled to drain water away from an outside nest is a must. Make sure it is tied down or otherwise secured against the wind.

These features help you to maintain a warm, dry nest for your cat. Once in place, a weekly check on the weatherproofing and insulation ensures that your cat has a comfortable, safe, and warm place to hide out as the temperature drops and the days grow shorter.