You could say that Philip Rogich, aka the Batman of Ogden, is a hero in his community in more ways than one. In addition to spreading joy to children at charity events, he also lends a hand to homeless cats during the fall and winter. How so? With a DIY project involving coolers.
As the temperatures drop, not all creatures have a place to stay warm.
During a time of year when many of us are focused on the holidays and snuggling up to the fireplace – those without homes are struggling through the cold.
Rogich decided to do something to help the feral cats in his Ogden, Utah area – feeling they can get “overlooked.” So, he started creating shelters for them out of plastic coolers and a few other supplies.
Posted by Batman of Ogden on Wednesday, December 11, 2019
A cooler might typically keep everything inside it cold. But in this case, they help keep the cats warm.
Rogich’s project doesn’t take him long, nor does it cost a lot of money. It just requires a little effort and some heart to transform an old cooler into a shelter for homeless felines.
He told Fox 13 News:
“To me, living creatures they deserve to have their basic needs met. I’m giving them a second chance one way or the other.”
Many people have an old cooler laying around in their garage. They can also be found at thrift stores for pretty cheap. After that, the project calls for pipe insulation, straw, and tools for creating a hole.
Here are the basics of how he makes a “cat cooler.”
Rogich begins by cutting a hole in the plastic cooler using a six-inch drill bit. Then, he covers the edge of the opening with foam pipe insulation and adds straw to the cooler.
In his instructions on Facebook, he explains:
“The best bedding is straw next best is mylar material (silver emergency blankets). Do not use newspaper, hay, sawdust or cloth. They will get wet and hold the moisture. With cold temperatures they may never dry out and your structure will become useless. Fill the loose straw all the way to the top. The cats will make a nest.”
Once he’s finished, the stray cat has a warm, comfy place to sleep during the frigid temperatures. What’s great is that the shelter should last approximately 10 years, according to Rogich. However, if a Styrofoam cooler is used instead – it might only last for about a year.
The Batman of Ogden filmed a helpful video to teach others how to make their own “cat coolers” to put out in their own communities.
YouTube users have left positive comments like:
“great instructional video – thank you for sharing and for helping the kitties!”
Another person wrote:
“Thanks so much – out to get a few coolers, straw and hole saw and my feral cats will be so much happier to have a warmer place this winter!!!”
Since the word’s gotten out, people have kindly made supply donations to help support Rogich’s project, which is making a difference for cats without a home! He truly is a “superhero” in his community.
Posted by Batman of Ogden on Monday, April 22, 2019
Press play on the Fox 13 News video below to see more on this heartwarming story!
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