I am feeding stray and possibly some Feral Cats that are in the Field next to my Yard

Hi, My name is Rich and I have a service Dog named Buddy. Buddy and I were outside about 3 weeks ago and noticed some cats running loose in the field next to our house. I am sure they are either stray our Feral Cats. I haven't had much luck even seeing these Cats. Buddy and I have been feeding them for 3 weeks now, and they eat a lot. Does that mean I am feeding more than one cat? Yesterday they went through 6 cans of the Friskies wet cat food. 5.5 ounce cans, we also put out dry cat food. I have security cameras around my house and i watch them, but I can't get near them. if they see me they will go as fast as they can. I am hoping I can get some info on helping these cats, and i want to trap them and get them the health care that they need. How can i get them to be more friendly with me.  I don't bring Buddy out with me anymore because i dont want him to scare the cats. Buddy is a 13 year old Pomeranian Dog. I will send some pictures along to show you what I am doing.

Thanks Rich

I am new to this site. I am reading and it seems that a lot of people are having contact with the Cats. Unfortunately I haven't been able to even get near these cats. if I go outside and head toward the feeding station these cats will automatically take off running. I can't imagine being
able to pet one. This is a shed next to may second garage and I am going to try and set this up so these cats can get out of the weather, eat and have a decent life. 

Thanks Rich

Hey Rich, I just wanted to give you a little encouragement.  Keep feeding the cats at regular times and they will learn to be around at that time and you can start talking to them.  I know it sounds kind of silly but it can be the first step.  I have caught three strays this year by just starting out that way.  Someone in my neighborhood has a cat that isn't fixed and they seem to socialize the kittens and then just abandon them.  My last one "white kitty" was like a ghost.  I would see her briefly sometimes in the early morning and evening when I put food out but she wouldn't let me near her and would take off if I made a move in her direction.  Suddenly, after our last snow storm, she decided she was my best friend.  I got home from work and went to put food out and she didn't run and let me pet her.  The next morning she was sitting on my doorstep waiting and I fed her some wet food and then picked her up, put her in a carrier and brought her to the humane society.  they say she is doing very well up there and is friendly.  If your cats have been socialized at all, they will eventually start trusting you to some extent.

It would be great if you got a humane trap, had them neutered/spayed and vaccinated for rabies, and then released them back to the field near your house once they're recovered.  You can purchase a humane trap for about 20 dollars at Tractor and Supply. If there is an Animal Friends or Humane Society near you, they offer low cost spay/neuter deals, but you have to book the appointments in advance, which is tricky since you don't know exactly when you'll be able to trap them--cats don't always go into the trap the first time you put the trap out. You'll want to use something special in the trap to lure them in like tuna fish. Be sure to ask whatever vet clinics you call if they treat feral cats--not all vets do. Some feral friendly clinics will board the ferals a few days while they recover--which is important especially for the females--at low cost or no cost. You just need to call around and see what services are available in your area. When you do trap a cat, be sure and place a towel or blanket over the trap--it calms them down. Do you have any idea how many cats there are? Is there anyone who can help you with this project? There is a lot of information on this site and on youtube about trapping ferals.  

It's a good idea not to bring your dog with you to their feeding station--that would be an additional stressor for them. Talk out loud while you put the food out so they will come to recognize your voice and associate you with food. They may never become socialized to the point of being friendly or wanting to be petted, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have made a significant difference in their lives. It's wonderful that you are feeding them and offering your shed as shelter.

Thank you so much for helping these guys!  Hopefully, there will be resources near you (low or no-cost spay and neuter services, help with trapping, etc.)  You can google "feral cat" with your zip code or town name and see what pops up.

What you have done so far is amazing.  I would suggest that you don't leave food inside the shelter - raccoons and possums and skunks will make themselves right at home.

I would feed them on schedule and take any food up after the feeding.  They will learn quickly they should be on time for dinner.

Like MsAimee says, talk to them when you feed them.  It may take some time for the bolder ones to show themselves but sooner or later, they will learn you mean food and will come a running!

The shed is an excellent place for them.  You can set up straw beds and perhaps some tote shelters.  It will also be a perfect place for recuperating them after spaying and neutering.

Looks great, up on a pallet off the ground.  I agree with @Ondine, take the food out of the shelter. Ferals will not take shelter near the food because it attracts predators. I have worked with mine for three years. When I first spotted them I had to put the food out in the woods and go back in the house and watch. Slowly I was able to move the food up to my back patio. My husband built a feeding station a few months ago out of pallets and some bifold doors we had in the garage. I also talk when I take out the food so they associate me with their meal. Three of them I can pet now and have a heated shelter for. The old male if very feral and he only comes up when I leave, but he now does sit around the corner and wait at feeding times.  I feed at 6am and 6pm. I also got traps and found a TNR program that spayed and eartipped them for $20 a piece.  Some of these programs get government grants to do this type of work. Make sure your neighbors know what you are doing so they do not call the animal shelter, if caught by the shelter they will most likely be put down.  They do not have the time or resources to care for possibly un-adoptable cats.

Hi Rich and Welcome to the site AND THANK YOU for helping these feral cats. You have done an amazingly great job thus far for these cats. The shelters look awesome and the shed is really perfect too. You can help insulate the shed by placing straw bales all around the outside of the base of the shelter and even on the inside walls. Straw is perfect because it will not mold like hay and dries fairly well. I agree with the great advice above so and would also suggest finding (if one exists in your area :cross a feral cat organization to help you with getting the cats trapped and neutered. Otherwise, you will be feeding cats that are going to breed thus adding many more cats/kittens which you would not want. It is an awful life for feral kittens and extremely hard. If they become sick, it is unbearable to witness. So best to get the ball rolling asap in contacting a "TNR" Organization. As Ondine suggested, I would google "TNR Organization and your county" to see what comes up. You can also call any local humane societies and ask for a TNR group. Certainly, they will be very happy to help you get started. It is a big undertaking BUT SO WORTHWHILE and REWARDING to be able to know in your heart that you are helping these poor homeless cats. There is such a need out there.

We can help you through all of this as well. Many of us have been in your shoes and have loads of experience so ask away. In the meantime, some articles that may address some of your questions:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/16045/h...ng-and-low-cost-or-free-spay-neuter-resources

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-abc-of-tnr
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/keeping-feral-cats-safe-during-winter-months
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/saving-feral-cats
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/handling-feral-cats