Ferals - Need Help

angelkitty

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Hey all,

So I've been caring for two ferals who are outside.. I feed them everyday, (which my husband gives me grief about,, but he knows me). They get two cans of wet food, and a few cups of dry food, every night, plus I get them clean warm water, since it's freezing right now.

Now I've feel in love with these kitties,, one is tabby, I have no clue if they are girls or boys. One lets us play with her, but I've never really checked. I named it Minnie,, and then there is the ever so skittish calico long haired cat,, and I named her Lily (my husband calls her Maingy). Anyways, this past week we got another one showing up, and its' super skittish,, it's a black tuxedo cat.. It will only eat if we aren't around, so I feed them and hurry back inside so they all can eat.

It's getting really cold outside, and I'm worried about them this winter.. I know I know, they are outside animals, but how can I keep them warm this winter. Our shed door opens somewhat, and I think they can get inside there.. Is that enough????

How cold is too cold for animals outside?? I have two rottis too that are in a kennel outside they have dog houses, and we've tarped the side of their kennels to help with wind,, but I'm wondering when do I bring them inside??

The two ferals will come inside,, they do everyday; they get so excited about eating they rush the door and run in my house, then we have to get em backoutside.. My cats are in their room eating, so they don't even see the other cats,, thank goodness.
 

kitytize

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Put some straw in the shed that helps animals hold their heat.
 

opilot

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Here's the scoop -

Get (2) rubbermaid containers. ONE will
be a "feed station". The other shelter for the outdoor ferals.

If you can crack shed do so... and put second rubbermaid
in the shed. The rubbermaid should have a hole cut out
size of a coffee can lid (large 3 lb variety).

Stuff the bottom of the container (if you can) with layers
of newspaper - about 1 to 2 inches high for insulation.

Then get some straw (I got mine at craft stores - mini bales from Thanksgiving) and stuff with straw. STraw retains heat when wet, and
doesn't rot...

If you are putting the rubbermaid outside, you do the same
thing, BUT get a card table - cover with a plastic tarp,
anchor down with bricks or stones and weight on top of it
(so it doesnt' blow away).

put the shelter container UNDER the tarp/table.
Arrange it so that there is one
side of the tarp lose - so cats can sneak inout of ...

If you have (3) cats, you may want 2 rubbermaid shelters
made. There are nice rubbermaids at Home Depot now
for 3.99 each.


For feeding station: Cut a hole in the rubbermaid container,
put the lid back on, insulate bottom with 2 inches of
newspaper and put dry food and water in the shelter -
or canned. The cats can go in and eat, out of rain and
winds reach.


Others will be along to help more but that's the basic
principle...
 

momofmany

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And get a heated water bowl. Even if you change out the water each day when it freezes, when it gets really cold, they only have access to it for a very short period of time as it freezes really fast. If you don't buy one, then change the water out at least 3 times a day. I love my heated water bowl!
 

katie=^..^=

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It's wonderful that you are caring for these cats.

You really need to start thinking of trapping and neutering/spaying them. Otherwise you will soon have dozens of cats. There's a lot of information on how to trap on thecatsite. There is also information for getting help finding a vet that will care for ferals and getting help with paying for it.

Trapping is probably the hardest part of caring for ferals, but it's not as hard as it seems at first. The cat's lives will be much the better for it.

Thank you for caring for the little cats.
 

ldg

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Please think about trapping these kitties and having them spayed/neutered. You can click on the picture in my signature line to help you find low-cost services.

As for winter shelters - the most important thing is that any shelter should have two exits. Most ferals will not use a shelter that has just one way to ingress and egress. Straw is a fantastic insulator, and is easily changed.

We fed our ferals boiled chicken water in the evenings.

Links to some winter shelters:

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/wintershelter.htm

Laurie
 
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angelkitty

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Thank you very much for this.. I'm gonna build this shelter tonight for my ferals outside.. I've only got two left.. I have no clue where the black cat went.. But this looks like a good idea.. The styrofoam looks a little difficult to find,, but I'll find some.
 

catsknowme

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Originally Posted by angelkitty

Thank you very much for this.. I'm gonna build this shelter tonight for my ferals outside.. I've only got two left.. I have no clue where the black cat went.. But this looks like a good idea.. The styrofoam looks a little difficult to find,, but I'll find some.
Try building supply stores and window stores - sometimes large windows and other fragile materials are shipped in them and the stores are very glad to not have to deal with disposing theml; if you explain your good-hearted project, the stores may donate even more materials.
I have gone to carpet stores and asked for left over carpet samples to give to the shelter cats for mats & have found overwhelming great responses. People love to help out
 
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