Feeding and Sheltering

After you TNR your neighborhood stray and feral cats, you can continue helping them by becoming a feral cat or colony caretaker.  It’s easy!

Food

Your outdoor 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. 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 as 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 it 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. An inexpensive and easy shelter can be made by obtaining a heavy-duty Styrofoam cooler, cutting a mouse hole in the short end and stuffing it with straw.  We sometimes have extras for sale, just ask!