⚠️ ⚠️ YOU CAN HELP ABANDONED, LOST and FERAL CATS IN MANY WAYS!
Cats are vulnerable in extreme temperatures – if you truly care about them below are some ways to help:
This website is a labor of love. I developed this website as a resource for the community. I am an independent trapper and wildlife rehab volunteer. Sharing or purchasing items from my Amazon wishlist helps me maintain the site and care for the community kitties! or Venmo Sher-4-Nature
1) Bringing the cat inside is BEST – spare bathroom, basement or bedroom.
Even if it’s temporary it is the safest option for them. No spare room? Consider an easy- setup enclosure.
2) If you can’t bring them fully indoors… a garage, porch (with enclosure) or shed is still better than nothing
This could potentially save their lives, and help prevent severe frostbite.
3) Food + water are essential for survival!
Put dry food right outside the shelter – do not do this regularly or you may attract wildlife to shelters for for storm prep this is essential!
Change water often or use a heated water bowl – KH makes a reputable one.
4) Shovel a path around your shelter – OR create a path using cardboard or storage bin lids so you can lift and dump snow, and cardboard protects their paws.
Cats can get frostbite on their paws quickly. They should not stand directly on snow or ice, keep protection down for them.
IF YOU CANNOT PLACE A SHELTER UNDER AN AWNING OR TABLE – ELEVATE YOUR SHELTER!
Stack on storage totes, keep off the frozen ground! You can also place styrofoam under shelters and pack with straw (under where won’t get wet) to insulate from the underside!
DIY Cat Shelter -They are so easy and a fun project! Gather your friends and make them for the community!
One example here – How to Build an Outdoor Shelter | Alley Cat Allies
5) STRAW INSULATION ONLY — NO HAY and NO BLANKETS !!
Blankets and towels can actually make things WORSE because they hold moisture and pull heat from the cat’s body. Same with hay.
✅ Straw is the best bedding because it stays dry and traps warmth.
⚠️ Not hay
HEATING PADS – Amazon sells self-heating pads as well as pads you can plug in. Straw is still the best option for outdoor shelters, but using both is great!
Please try to help lost, dumped and feral kitties. Rescues cannot do it all.
If you see an injured, malnourished or pregnant cat please contact your local rescues or veterinarian ASAP. If you’re feeding a cat, seeing a cat, or worried about a cat outside… please don’t wait.
YOU CAN DO MORE –
As you think about cats trying desperately to survive in single digit temps, snow and ice – please take action other than feeding.
The only way we truly reduce the number of cats suffering outside is by spaying and neutering every cat we can.
Feeding alone is not enough. Shelter is not enough. Cats reproduce and carry diseases that can be incredibly painful and easily transmitted within colonies
You can HELP end the needless suffering by TNR.
TNR – If you’re feeding cats outside, you have a responsibility to get them fixed. If you don’t, while unintentionally – you are contributing to the cycle, and to the problem.. Please commit to being part of the solution: get them trapped, get them fixed. Get involved with the local community of cat rescuers. It is very rewarding.
Be prepared to help kitties before winter – or harsh storms are forecasted. It will be much easier on you all.
Amazon Wishlist Here
Thank you for your contribution and caring.
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