How could you heat the run?

[Imp]

So today it was a bit atypical in Seattle. We are getting a winter storm. Snowing, pelleting and breezy all day. Winds are supposed to pick up tonight.
I decide I gotta fill up the bird feeders, squirrel feeder, suet feeders and hummingbird feeder. I head out back and as I get close to the coop I see a lump in the run. Oh no I think. I've lost a chicken. But wait I it's black and I don't have any black chickens. I get a little closer and see 2 eyes nervously watching me. The feral tom cat has dug a hole in the run and snuggled down into the bedding.
So what's an imp to do. Run for the camera of course. Unfortunately he was gone when I got back. So I return to my chores.
A few years ago I got guilted into leaving the garden shed door open for the ferals to get out of the weather.
I walk into the shed to start filling feeders and see the old cat blanket in the corner is balled up. I reach over to straighten it up and feel something alive rolled up in the blanket. I don't know who jumped higher- me or the other feral cat.

Eventually everything got fed.

Imp-gotta start carrying the camera with me.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have two outside barn coop cats. One sleeps inside the main henhouse in one of the nesting boxes. The other tom sleeps in the breeder coop section with the bantam BLRWs, the other day I opened the bantams door and one of the little pullets was sitting on top the old tomcat. Never a camera when you need one!!! I said the same thing about keeping the camera with me!!

 

[redhen]

You're a sweetheart, Impie..

 

[gritsar]

Awww poor baby. He obviously wants to go in the house with you and sleep all warm and snuggly on your bed.

 

[Imp]

Ah! Thank you. I do have a soft spot for the cats.

The little feral female (Cleo) did spend one winter inside, after I trapped her and had her spayed. It was not a pleasant experience for her, me or the other cats. (I could start one of the more disgusting threads with stories)
Her friend (Zulu khan) is friendly, but likes to spray in the house. He's mostly forbidden inside.
And the New Tom (Notches) is just starting to get over absolute terror at the sight of me.

If any of them could they would be welcomed to come in and sleep with:

Imp
Blimp
Bug
& Mini

 

[Slinkytoys]

Cameras are usually forgotten. Carry your cell phone with you instead (if it has a camera option). I've taken more impromptu photos with it than with my real camera. Oh Impy, why not put a heating pad out in the shed bed for your kitties since you won't let them in your house, if no electricity use one of those rice/hulls/pits bags after it's microwaved. Nice and cosy! See you can spoil those ferals even more

Slinky (a cat lover as well)

 

[Imp]

Hmmm, Slinky you are giving me ideas.

Actually it's not that cold here. It is Seattle afterall.

Although the old cat blanket was an electric blanket in a previous life.

Imp- and I do have a backup heater for the coop.

 

[Slinkytoys]

That's what I'm here for, always happy to oblige. If I'm gonna get in trouble, I'm always happy to have a cohort in crime.
Ummmm, you could also get a heated water bowl for the kitties. Just thinkin'

Slinky