Woman Builds „Cat Ladder” to Keep Strays Warm in Winter

How a Simple Ladder Can Save Lives

A local animal lover in Tekirdağ has created a simple wooden ladder to help stray cats escape the biting cold. The project began last month after she noticed several cats huddling on the street, shivering in temperatures that drop below freezing. The ladder, made from reclaimed wood, connects a low balcony to a higher roof area, giving cats a safe route to a warmer spot.

Şebnem Ilhan, 34, spent two weeks gathering materials and designing the structure. She explains that many stray cats have no shelter and are forced to sleep on the ground, where they risk hypothermia. „I wanted to give them a place to climb up and stay dry,” she says. The ladder is anchored to the building’s exterior and leads to a small ledge on the roof where cats can rest during the night.

The initiative has already attracted attention from neighbors and local animal welfare groups. Residents report that the cats are now spending less time on the pavement and more time on the roof, where they are protected from wind and rain. Ilhan hopes the ladder will inspire others to create similar shelters in their own communities.

Can This Model Work in Other Cities?

The design is straightforward: four sturdy rungs spaced evenly, with a slight incline to reduce strain on the cats’ joints. Ilhan tested the ladder by guiding a stray cat up with a treat, watching it climb confidently. The cat then settled on the roof ledge, where it remained for several hours. Local veterinarians have confirmed that the cats’ body temperatures are higher when they use the ladder compared to those that stay on the ground.

The project also raises awareness about the broader issue of stray animal welfare. Ilhan says that many people are unaware of the harsh conditions that stray cats endure during winter. By providing a visible solution, she hopes to encourage more people to adopt or support shelters.

Could a similar approach be replicated elsewhere? Experts suggest that the ladder works best in buildings with accessible roof spaces and sturdy walls. In densely populated areas where roofs are not easily reachable, alternative shelters such as insulated boxes or community cat houses might be more practical. Nonetheless, the concept demonstrates that small, low‑cost interventions can make a significant difference.

The „cat ladder” has already sparked a conversation about humane treatment of stray animals. Ilhan plans to document the cats’ health and behavior over the coming months, hoping to publish her findings to inspire further action. If more residents adopt this idea, stray cats across the region could enjoy safer, warmer winters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials were used to build the ladder? The ladder was constructed from reclaimed wooden planks, reinforced with metal brackets for stability. All components were sourced locally to keep costs low.

How does the ladder stay secure on the building’s exterior? It is anchored with heavy-duty screws and a metal plate that distributes weight across the wall, ensuring it remains stable even in strong winds.

Will the ladder attract more stray cats to the area? While it may draw cats seeking shelter, the design encourages them to use the roof instead of the pavement, reducing exposure to traffic and harsh weather.