When the crisp winds and steady rain of winter began to sweep through San Francisco, most residents closed their doors and stayed warm inside. But for one homeowner, the cold nights sparked concern for a particular neighbor who had no walls, no roof, and no place to call his own — a small feral cat he affectionately named Domino.
Domino had lived in the neighborhood for some time, darting through gardens and peeking into yards but never allowing anyone close enough to touch him. The homeowner, who already shared his house with five cats and two dogs, knew that taking Domino inside wasn’t an option. Still, watching the little tuxedo cat try to weather the harsh nights tugged at his heart.
“This is Domino,” the man explained on Instagram. “As nights turned cold and rainy, I worried about him. I wanted him to be warm and safe.”
Building a Home With Heart
Luckily, Domino’s neighbor wasn’t just compassionate — he was also handy. An avid woodworker, he decided that if Domino couldn’t come inside, he would bring comfort outside.
He began researching outdoor cat shelter designs, studying everything from insulation methods to predator-safe floor plans. The final result was a sturdy single-story wooden home with two exits — a critical feature to make a feral cat feel safe, ensuring Domino could escape quickly if he ever felt threatened.
But he didn’t stop there. Inside, he installed a heated pet bed rated for outdoor use, complete with a thermostat that kept the space at just the right temperature. To monitor Domino without intruding on his space, he discreetly mounted a small indoor camera.
“The houses are heated by heated pet beds … rated for outdoor use,” Domino’s dad wrote on Instagram. “They have a built-in thermostat to keep them at a temperature very comfortable for cats.”
When Domino first discovered the shelter, he cautiously sniffed around, ears perked and tail flicking. Slowly, he stepped inside, curled up, and let out a contented sigh. That night, and nearly every night after, the little cat finally had a warm, safe place to sleep.
Domino Finds a Friend
It didn’t take long before Domino realized he didn’t have to enjoy his new home alone. A graceful female cat began appearing in the yard, following Domino closely and watching his every move. Cameras revealed the two often cuddled together or shared the shelter on particularly cold nights.
The homeowner later named the newcomer Tabitha, and she soon became Domino’s constant companion. Together, the pair created a quiet routine: eating from the food bowls left out for them, snuggling in the shelter, and lounging in the yard during the day.
Domino’s life, once solitary and uncertain, was suddenly filled with companionship. His safe haven had become not just a house, but a home worth sharing.
A Growing Community of Strays
Word must have spread quickly among the local stray population. Before long, other cats began appearing on the backyard cameras. A mother cat with two playful kittens — affectionately named Winnie, Bowie, and Ziggy — explored the shelter box, batting at toys and chasing each other around the porch.
Soon after, a large tomcat started visiting as well. He was quickly dubbed Big Howie, and he wasted no time making himself comfortable. Footage showed him lounging contentedly inside the shelter, sprawling across the heated bed as if it had always been his.
“He became a fixture in our yard and enjoys all the food, catnip and the cozy warm shelter,” Domino’s dad shared.
The backyard had transformed from a lonely space into a small feline community, united by the warmth and safety of a handmade refuge.
Expanding the Project: From One House to a Colony
Watching more and more cats gather, Domino’s dad knew one shelter wasn’t enough. He returned to his workshop and began designing a second structure — this time, a blue two-story condo with a larger footprint, improved insulation, and even a shingle roof.
The upgraded shelter offered room for multiple cats to rest comfortably and stay warm together. For the strays, it was a luxury they had never known. And for Domino’s dad, it was deeply rewarding to see the animals thriving.
The once-lonely Domino now lived in a safe little colony where meals were plentiful, beds were warm, and companionship was abundant. Each cat developed their own personality within the yard: Tabitha stuck close to Domino, Winnie and her kittens filled the air with playfulness, and Big Howie lounged proudly on the porch as though guarding the homestead.
“These cats deserve warmth, safety, and dignity,” Domino’s dad wrote. “And if I can give them even a small piece of that, it’s worth every bit of effort.”
