How you can help feral and stray cats in your neighborhood
The essential needs of outdoor living cats are:
Food:
Your feral cats need fresh food and water daily. A very inexpensive and practical feeding station can be made by cutting holes in the opposite short ends of a plastic tote. The holes on both ends ensure an entry AND an escape route should two cats who aren't friends come to eat at the same time.
Feeding Station
Provide dry food and water in tip proof bowls if possible. When temperatures outside start dipping into freezing, you can obtain a heated dog water dish at any pet store.
Shelter:
Your neighborhood cats will appreciate a comfy place to bed down and escape from the elements year round, but particularly as the cold weather sets in. Now is the perfect time to construct your feral cat shelter! They can be elaborate or simple as a straw filled dog house. Straw makes the best bedding as it keeps moisture from the cat. Fluff the straw every week or so and change when it becomes overly wet. Blankets & towels trap moisture and are not suitable for good body heat containment. Never use electric blankets or heating pads outdoors.
Easy inexpensive styrofoam shelter
An easy inexpensive shelter can be made by obtaining a heavy-duty Styrofoam cooler, cutting a mouse hole in the short end and stuffing it with straw.
Spay/Neuter:
Last but certainly not least, you need to get those free-roaming kitties fixed or next spring, you will have thee times the number you have right now!!! Carol's Ferals provides TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services. We can help and advise you!
For detailed instructions on LIVE trapping cats, click the "How To Trap A Cat" button.
Styrofoam coolers can be obtained by contacting Carol's Ferals. For TNR services or live trap loans, contact Carol's Ferals.
Of course, if the cat is friendly and you can take him/her into your home and make it a pet or find it a home with a friend/relative/co-worker, that's the best course of action. Please note: if you already have cats, it is prudent for you to restrict the new cat from coming into contact with your own cats until it has been tested for parasites, Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).
FYI: Pregnant cats can and must be fixed before another unwanted litter is created. Kittens need only be 2 lbs or two months old to be spayed/neutered.
With your help, we can greatly improve the lives of feral and stray cats. Please take an active role in getting them fed, sheltered and fixed!