It is a felony crime in 9 states for your out-door cat not to have shelter, it is a felony in another 12 if that cat receives frost bite or gets sick due to a lack of shelter.. its like 2 years in prison and a nice fine... its much more easy just to let the cat in for a few weeks... you can even call the police and report people... but it is a mandatory child welfare check if your mistreating your animals and you also have kids, 90% of animal abuse cases also involve child abuse at the same property if children reside there.. {if you cant take care of a cat, how would you do any better with a kid}