Winnipeg man helping to keep stray cats safe from the cold

Nick Merrells has built more than 250 cat shelters using plastic tubs, straw, and Styrofoam coolers.

With temperatures in Winnipeg dropping to frigid temperatures, one man is helping to ensure our furry friends don’t get left out in the cold.

A few years ago, Nick Merrells began creating shelters to help stray cats stay warm in the city’s West End. Since that time, he’s built more than 215 cat dwellings using plastic tubs, straw, and Styrofoam coolers.

Now, local artists have joined in on the effort to beautify his creations.

“[They’re] extremely well made, extremely warm,” Merrells said in an interview on Tuesday.

“I’ve done over 215 of them so far. Never once have I heard of a cat freezing in them, so they absolutely do the trick.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause or buy a shelter for $40 can contact Merrells’ through his Nick Niche Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“I’m always just posting on Facebook about it. Just trying to spread awareness, but I’m always open to monetary donations and supply donations of coolers and bins,” Merrells said. “Any help I can get.”