Many things have changed in the economic and business climate, primarily triggered by the fallout from the COVID pandemic. Prices on raw materials skyrocketed in 2020. We absorbed those increased costs as long as we could, expecting the prices to eventually ease. They did a little, but still remain about 50% higher on average than 2019. The shipping industry has been tightening its collective belt as well, passing on increased costs to shippers (and customers). We have gone overboard to insulate our customers from increasing costs and it has cost us dearly. The economic strain on most consumers has also made low-cost (and often lower quality) cat shelter options more appealing. The "insulated" fabric shelters available from sellers like Amazon are much less expensive, available next day, and usually include free shipping. Just as importantly, for many people, it's all they can afford.

By far and away, the lack of profitability and decline of sales is the number one reason for ending our operations. It has meant that I've had to take on a full-time job to pay the household bills. This makes producing Feralvilla products even more challenging with so little time available to do it. When we started in 2007 I was in my early 40's and could power through working 14-15 hours per day making shelters. I've been blessed to enjoy generally very good health during the last 19 years (not withstanding the concussion I received loading materials at a Lowe's store). But now in my 60's, insurance is going to become increasingly necessary and it simply isn't viable with the declining income from the Feralvilla products.

At some point after we have ceased offering our products, and subject to the availability of time to work on it, we'll release a "how-to" document for those folks who want to building their own Feralvilla shelters (for personal or commercial purposes). Just be aware that it won't be for everyone, and will require proficiency with power and hand tools.