Quality Of Life Provided For Feral Colony. Is Food, Water & Sheltering Enough?

I have been a feral colony caregiver for the past 4 years. Food, water and sheltering is provided, yet I continually question is this enough to deem

myself a humane caregiver. I am seeking suggestions from all to improve the daily quality of life for these innocent homeless cats. Relief from

fleas, ticks and upper respiratory symptoms would be a good point of reference. Thanks.

i'm no cat expert but providing food, water and shelter lowers the stress of the poor cats, at least they know where ans when their next meal is and where to run for safety if in danger, i have 13 outdoor cats who are 
Contrary to what people say cats are pretty loyal ans full of love, therefore i would suggest you pet them so they feel loved and appreciated, you can create games for them ( a box or a yarn ball  or both would do). 

as for fleas and ticks, i would suggest investing in home remedies, i know that sometimes you can't take them to a vet. I've read that active yeast on the fur of the cats repels ticks and fleas also diluted apple cider vinegar on their fur keeps ticks away. Also if possible to add turmeric to their food, it has massive benefits, and aids with infections. 

you are a humane caregiver for giving these cats a chance to live as close to normal as they can, cats are simple and love simplicity this is why they are awesome. 

Thank you for helping these kitties.  It is so hard to know how much is enough, especially when they are unable to tell you.  But I agree with if I fit I sit (love that name!)  They may never purr in your lap but I can guarantee they appreciate what you do for them.

If you are able to approach them, Revolution or Frontline, at the very least in the summer months, will help with pests and parasites.  You can also buy food grade diatomaceous earth and put it in their food.  That helps a lot too.

l-lysine helps with their immune system.  You can buy caplets and sprinkle it on their food.  If any of them develops an upper respiratory infection or other illness, being prepared to trap them and take them to the vet will be necessary.

Providing the most nutritious food you can, preferably wet food, will go a long way towards keeping them healthy, too.

And of course, spaying and neutering them all (and any newcomers) is essential.

I agree with Ondine. Food/water/shelter is heaven for dumped/community cats.
There is an approved FOR DOGS anti-flea medication that is 'chewable' . I do not know if a smaller dose would be appropriate for cats.
Also, you might try playing with them, see how they act, react. A feather tied at the end of a string is good. Put some fun in their life, now that maybe they aren't hunting for food 24x7.

hehe thank you  
 

Thanks for your support, advice and suggestions. I am truly appreciative. How much DE food do you give each cat on a daily basis? Do you

use it throughout the year or just in the summer? Anyone familiar with Brewers Yeast & Garlic tablets? Thanks again for being my ally for

the health concerns of the colony.

I only dose them once a month with DE. However, I spread it on their bedding and around the compound as well. (my two outside cat's are in an enclosure). They also get Revolution once a month from May through September.

If you can't dose them with a topical, it won't hurt to increase the DE to twice a month. I only use half a teaspoon on their wet food and I am lucky because they each get their own dish, so I am relatively sure each is getting a good dose.

My MIL had a cat that would climb up your back to get Brewer's Yeast - this was 40 years ago. That cat never had fleas, ever and he was outside most of the time. So I think BY could work for that.

Not sure about the garlic - I would be hesitant to give that to a cat because most bulb plants will poison them. Maybe someone with more expertise will chime in on that issue.

BTW - make sure you use Food Grade DE and be careful sprinkling it. It has the texture of very fine flour, so it is easy to breath in.