Are feral cats with shelters and food OK in winter? I worry too much on cold Canadian winter nights!

samg · Sep 23, 2013

Hi there, I just returned from feeding my two ferals who I feed in an alley about five mins from my house. My husband and I have been feeding them for almost two years. We trapped, neutered and released the two adults and took in the kittens, one of which we have. Just this summer the female has started meowing when we arrive to feed her and we can stand quite close when they eat. We really love these two cats and often think about bringing them in for the winter at least. She is really sweet. Basically, as soon as it gets cold I can't stop worrying. If the temps get really cold I can't sleep. We have proper shelters for them from our local humane society and I want to know if you guys think they are OK. Obviously, it's not ideal to be out in the winter, but with the shelters and the food is it an OK existence? What do you think? Thanks so much for any thoughts.
SamG

StefanZ · Sep 24, 2013

Yes, they do manage, with food and shelter. As you say, it is not the optimal, but apparently the tough of them do manage quite well. Some do even manage without human help.

IF you are planning on trying to take her / them in, a good moment will prob be when it is becoming cold. They may be more willing to come inside then.

Tx a lot for caring and helping them!

Good luck!

ritz · Sep 24, 2013

I agree with StefanZ; of course the ideal is that all cats can be in a safe, warm environment, especially during the cold, winter months. But that is not to be, I'm afraid. And from the CAT'S perspective, he/she may not feel safe in a nice warm environment.
Feed them more in the winter; they need the calories. Make sure the shelter stays dry, and the cats will do okay.

shadowsrescue · Sep 24, 2013

I would suggest getting some microwave heat discs from Amazon to add to their shelters at night. The warmth of the discs lasts about 8-10 hours.
You can place them wrapped in a towel on top of a thermal heat pad
I always try to feed extra wet food in the winter. It's tough if they choose not to eat it all as it freezes very quickly. Yet the wet food gives them extra calories quickly that helps them keep warm. Dry food is still good and still needed, but it takes longer to digest thus using more energy that could be used to keep them warm instead.

Sounds like you are doing an absolutely wonderful thing for them. How kind and generous of you to take care of these 2.

ritz · Sep 24, 2013

Do place the microwave disks on top of a thermal heating pad; in my experiene, the microwave disks alone did not keep warm for eight hours (maybe six at the most). Follow directions carefully, too.
And you are a generous and kind person.

shadowsrescue · Sep 24, 2013

Ritz said:
Do place the microwave disks on top of a thermal heating pad; in my experiene, the microwave disks alone did not keep warm for eight hours (maybe six at the most). Follow directions carefully, too.
And you are a generous and kind person.

I heat the microwave discs for 5 minutes. Then I allow them to sit in the closed microwave for about a minute. Next I place them on top of the thermal heating pad with a thin blanket on top of that. I don't have as much luck with the microwave discs once the temperature is in the teens, but it is better than nothing if you don't have an electrical source. We have had temps here in Ohio as low as 38 already. My Shadow hates being cold and I have already used the microwave discs. I put them out around 9pm and the next morning around 7-8am, they were still nice and warm.

djoe · Sep 24, 2013

You probably will need only 1 shelter, cats rely so much on each other in the winter. Make sure it is elevated from the ground and that the entry to it is not too big so that only the cats will go in. Is it possible for you to get straws to put inside?
I am using an "isolator blanket" as well. Ofc, put the food inside.

The heating pads are an excellent idea too.

Best of luck!

ondine · Sep 24, 2013

If it is possible, make a separate covered place for their food. Don't put it inside the shelter where they will sleep. First of all, it will stink up the place. Second of all, it may attract other critters (cats, raccoons, possums and bugs). Mice, even, if they are suicidal.

A tote with the side cut out is good. The cats can access the food without feeling trapped. Take the food up at night, though. Again, so the leftover food does not attract other critters.

buckwheat · Sep 25, 2013

Caution......why do you wish to stand close to ferel cats? Wild cat carry disease which could affect your housewhole. Feeding them and trapping is what is important for ferels. Plz becareful!

ondine · Sep 25, 2013

Buckwheat: Many caretakers not only stand close to their ferals, they can sometimes pet them. If properly cared for, a colony will not spread disease, especially by simply being near someone. If one of your cats is sick, please make sure it gets proper care, including seeing a vet if needed. That's the responsible way of caring for a colony.

samg · Sep 25, 2013

Hi everyone, Thanks so much for all of your replies, I really appreciate the help. The thing is, I don't have anywhere ideal to put the cat shelters. The cats mostly live in two backyards and the owners will not allow shelters back there. BUT the garden centre on the other side of the alley does allow me to put shelters on their property from the end of Dec to the beginning of April. This is great, but once they are in there, I cannot get access to the property again as it's locked. I feed them in an alley (sort of high traffic) on the other side of the fence. So, I cannot add heated discs etc. as I can't get into the huts! I wish I could relocate them but it's virtually impossible. They are very smart cats. So I need a way to keep them warm without access. The huts I have are from the humane society and they are stuffed with straw inside and out, but still, if only I could give them heat. I don't see a way of bringing two ferals into my relatively small home either. It just feels like an impossible situation that keeps me awake all winter long!

thanks again

SamG

shadowsrescue · Sep 25, 2013

SamG said:
Hi everyone, Thanks so much for all of your replies, I really appreciate the help. The thing is, I don't have anywhere ideal to put the cat shelters. The cats mostly live in two backyards and the owners will not allow shelters back there. BUT the garden centre on the other side of the alley does allow me to put shelters on their property from the end of Dec to the beginning of April. This is great, but once they are in there, I cannot get access to the property again as it's locked. I feed them in an alley (sort of high traffic) on the other side of the fence. So, I cannot add heated discs etc. as I can't get into the huts! I wish I could relocate them but it's virtually impossible. They are very smart cats. So I need a way to keep them warm without access. The huts I have are from the humane society and they are stuffed with straw inside and out, but still, if only I could give them heat. I don't see a way of bringing two ferals into my relatively small home either. It just feels like an impossible situation that keeps me awake all winter long!

thanks again

SamG

Is there anyone from the garden center who would place the microwave discs before they close? Not sure if they have a microwave there. If you bought the discs, maybe they would offer some other help.

Straw is key and they can use their body heat to keep each other warm. Yet, I do know and understand your concern. I worry each and every day and night about my 2 ferals. I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my shelter. I have been reading about wrapping shelters in solar pool covers. When there is sun, the solar pool cover will help to retain the heat. I ordered a 4'x8' piece for $20 and am testing it out.

Thank you for caring so much about these 2.

samg · Sep 25, 2013

I did the solar blanket covers last winter! It's just hard to tell if they worked, my shelters don't get quite enough sun but perhaps this year I will make sure they are in sunny spots. The garden center is closed for the winter so there is no one there to help. I am going to ask if there is any way at all I can get access...doubtful. Yesterday I was considering how I can hack into a nearby powerline! I will keep thinking. Thanks for your input.

SamG

djoe · Sep 25, 2013

SamG
If there is enough straw in the shelter, that will be more than great. Straw keeps heat and prevents humidity. It will do the job. What you can add is some isolator on the inside walls of the shelter if available. This will help them maintain the heat. Are they good together? They will rely on eachother for heat. Eating high energy high nutrients food will help a lot as well.

samg · Sep 25, 2013

Hi again, We use the feral cat shelters from the humane society. They look like this but also have a tub in the front for an entrance: https://www.google.ca/search?q=huma...1024&bih=672&dpr=1#biv=i|16;d|k6TK74vt5Xg23M:
They have straw sides, then styrofoam covered with mylar heat reflecting paper on the top and sides, then straw inside, then I wrap a solar blanket around.
Still, the microwave discs would be great.
Thanks
Sam

ondine · Sep 25, 2013

I think they should be plenty warm enough, especially if there's plenty of straw in them. The two kitties will keep one another warm, too.

Can you build a feeding station to get the food dishes off the ground? That way, they can eat without worrying about wet/snowy feet.

Thank you so much for helping them. Glad you have support from the Humane Society.

buckwheat · Sep 25, 2013

How do you know if feeding a ferel cat colony you will not bring health issues to your home, and how safe is it really?

ondine · Sep 26, 2013

There's no guarantee, of course. But unless one of the feral cats is sick, you probably have no more of a chance of bringing in a disease than you do taking a walk. There are germs out there that anyone can bring home. That's why you clean your house and wipe your feet when you come into a house. You should wash your hands after feeding them, too.

buckwheat · Sep 26, 2013

thz for info on ferel cats/kittens. I'm a new cat/kitten owner, and want the best for him. I am reading and purchasing books, and learning about good health for Buckwheat. Buckwheat is not a ferel but he acts or his behavior is very ferel. I've had my 4mos now, and still haven't been able to touch him. He runs and hides, and meows every now , and then.. Ive never had a cat so its all new to me. Its great to have a site seeking info on my kitty, and his behavior.

tick-n-thistle · Sep 26, 2013

Patience is the key - and the colder weather makes most cats more affectionate. Let him come to you, let him sniff you - cats are very attuned to smell.

Bless your good heart!

Are feral cats with shelters and food OK in winter? I worry too much on cold Canadian winter nights!

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