Brooklyn’s community cats face extra challenges during frigid temperatures, but a local organization is working to protect them.
Flatbush Cats, a nonprofit dedicated to improving all animals' lives, distributes insulated winter shelters across the borough. Some of the shelters are made from Styrofoam coolers lined with waterproof materials like straw.
The organization has provided more than 225 shelters this year and recently received an additional 50 coolers to meet high demand.
While temporary shelters help during cold snaps, Flatbush Cats says the long-term solution is spaying and neutering to reduce the outdoor cat population. For more information, the organization encourages residents to reach out with questions.