We're in a fairly rural area with lots of barn cats who swing by, but it's never been this cold since we've been here. I got an outdoor cat house that sits off the ground and has a heating pad, but they haven't been interested unless I put treats in there. Last night it dipped to -20C and the usuals made an appearance, ate, and left so I assumed they had some place warmer to be.

Tonight it's -26C and expected to get a bit colder. I moved everything (heated cat bowl, food, house etc) under an extra tarp and put some foam tiles down (its less cold than our older patio floor), and then set up an extra analog feral shelter (double tote, styrofoam, etc). Our main visitor is still here and in the heated house, but he won't let us shut the flap so it stays insulated.

He seems like an older bean (6 or 7 maybe). I'd bring him in but I can only pet him a little before he goes to scratch me; I don't think I can pick him up to take him to a closed space away from our own cats.

All that to say, is the heated house enough? Should I keep an eye on him as long as I can? Still fairly new to the ferals, so maybe I'm just being overly worried.

ETA: he does have tom cat cheeks. Hoping we can TNR him once things settle a bit more with our local folks who can help.