Well, I have decided to start caring for the feral/stray cats that live on/near my property.I've watched for two years as first it was just one...then two...then six...then finally right now I think that within a 2 mile radius there are 15-20 cats, about six of which live directly on my property. I've been feeding them for about two weeks( was surprised at how quickly they learned where food was. Within three days I spotted 4 cats at the food dish!), the last night I set up a Live trap, and when I came out this morning there was a black and white cat in the carrier. I'm not sure, but the cat doesn't look like it would be over a year old. I transferred it from the trap to a large dog kennel w/newspaper, litter box, food and water. Its a week before the Operation Catnip clinic in my area, but since I only have 1 trap and I want to take 2-3 cats in, I am trapping a few days early. So I am going to care for a few wild kitties for the week. I have the kennel covered with a blanket, and I am of course keeping my own animals away. I have other large kennels for any other cats I trap. Is there anything specific I should do to care for the captured Ferals for a short period of time?
Also, I have a couple truck toppers that I have put near the food dishes incase the kitties need shelter. I live in Florida so winter is pretty mild. I have a big 2 gallon pan that I fill with water once a day. I know for a fact I a probably getting in over my head here...I don't have money to care for dozens of cats, but I can't stand the thought of them living out there and breeding and breeding and running out of food or getting sick. So, is there anything else I should be doing? And what are Cost Effective ways to care for a colony?
Also, I have a couple truck toppers that I have put near the food dishes incase the kitties need shelter. I live in Florida so winter is pretty mild. I have a big 2 gallon pan that I fill with water once a day. I know for a fact I a probably getting in over my head here...I don't have money to care for dozens of cats, but I can't stand the thought of them living out there and breeding and breeding and running out of food or getting sick. So, is there anything else I should be doing? And what are Cost Effective ways to care for a colony?