Weather anxieties

feline03 · Feb 22, 2015

NEED OPINION AGAIN.

Blacky has not come round to eat for 3 days. Today, the fourth day I saw foot prints so when I went out to check her house she wasn't in there but all the food was gone. I can't tell where her foot prints go but will go out in a while to try to see where she went.

I don't know why she is not staying in her house any more. Maybe because on Monday, the snow covered the opening so she doesn't feel comfortable in there any more for fear of being trapped. We got another 3 inches of snow last night. It's 34 degrees right now but going down to 20 and windy tomorrow.

QUESTION: Do you think I should take the front board out and leave the whole front of the house exposed again? It will not be as sheltering but she may use her house again of just leave as is and hope she starts using it again. The cardboard is not on there now, just the boards on the side and front. It would basically look like the first picture without the cardboard.

Thanks,

house open.JPG

feline03
Feb 17, 2015

Blacky's enclosed house.JPG

feline03
Feb 17, 2015

shadowsrescue · Feb 22, 2015

I guess I would probably take the board off and see what happens. She gets spooked like most of our ferals and is going elsewhere to feel safe. Try taking the board off and see if she will be ok using the shelter again. At least she is coming to get some food.

lochness350 · Feb 22, 2015

I agree with Shadowrescue. I think she may feel either trapped or that her home has been changed and that makes her uncomfortable. I am new to having ferals and I have to say that watching them through this winter makes me realize what incredible animals they are. I have one that lives out in my neighbors barn but comes to me for food. I have not seen her in almost a week and sure enough she shows up today. They are amazing survivors. Blacky knows what she is doing. I would take off the cardboard and see if she prefers that. Good luck.

feline03 · Feb 22, 2015

I have not seen her today and have called her numerous times. I tried something a little different than taking the front board off because she was staying in there for several days with it on and the temps are going to drop dramatically again with gusting winds. I left food out under the open feeding station around 5pm.

If not food is gone tomorrow when I get home from work, Ill try taking the board off tomorrow. And you are right, they are amazing animals and I don't know how they do it but I thank God they are able to survive.

To all a good night and safety to all your ferals.

feline03 · Feb 22, 2015

Lochness350 said:
I agree with Shadowrescue. I think she may feel either trapped or that her home has been changed and that makes her uncomfortable. I am new to having ferals and I have to say that watching them through this winter makes me realize what incredible animals they are. I have one that lives out in my neighbors barn but comes to me for food. I have not seen her in almost a week and sure enough she shows up today. They are amazing survivors. Blacky knows what she is doing. I would take off the cardboard and see if she prefers that. Good luck.

Did you leave food out for her even when you didn't see her?

catsoul · Feb 22, 2015

This thread is a lifesaver, as I get what many are saying here. I am so stressed out and anxious that I'm almost sick.

I have a shelter with straw and a sleeping bag, but it's almost fully covered with snow. I scared the female from one under the porch hideout trying to feed him (a neighbors' house), so I then went to the shelter I made in my yard and started to clear off snow. I didn't know she ran in there from the first shelter, and I scared her from that too. I saw her then go to another neighbor's yard and under the deep deck area. I'm so scared, there's a foot and a half of snow, and she has not eaten...too much snow to make it to my door, even though I shoveled. I put the food inside the shelter, and she has not eaten yet, plus it scares her away. Worst of all, I haven't seen the male at all in several days...neither of them have eaten. This is their first very major snowstorm, and I'm sick to my stomach. 0 degrees outside for days to come. What should I do?

I keep putting out water, but they're not coming by to eat or drink. Since they have not eaten or had water for 3 days now, I think they cannot make it. How long can they go without water and food?

lochness350 · Feb 22, 2015

feline03 said:
Did you leave food out for her even when you didn't see her?

Yes, of course. I feed my 3 ferals that live on my property 3 times a day. I noticed that the other feral, Luna was trying to get some food, but the birds were getting to it before she was (even though it is covered). I went out and noticed she went into my barn so I have been putting food/water in my barn everyday. When I go out there, it is mostly eaten but not all gone. I do know that one of my ferals eats some of it because he is rotten and curious, but there is plenty for Luna. I leave a lot. When I saw her today, she was going to my barn so I guess she found it and has been eating it. =)

lochness350 · Feb 22, 2015

catsoul said:
This thread is a lifesaver, as I get what many are saying here. I am so stressed out and anxious that I'm almost sick.

I have a shelter with straw and a sleeping bag, but it's almost fully covered with snow. I scared the female from one under the porch hideout trying to feed him (a neighbors' house), so I then went to the shelter I made in my yard and started to clear off snow. I didn't know she ran in there from the first shelter, and I scared her from that too. I saw her then go to another neighbor's yard and under the deep deck area. I'm so scared, there's a foot and a half of snow, and she has not eaten...too much snow to make it to my door, even though I shoveled. I put the food inside the shelter, and she has not eaten yet, plus it scares her away. Worst of all, I haven't seen the male at all in several days...neither of them have eaten. This is their first very major snowstorm, and I'm sick to my stomach. 0 degrees outside for days to come. What should I do?

I keep putting out water, but they're not coming by to eat or drink. Since they have not eaten or had water for 3 days now, I think they cannot make it. How long can they go without water and food?

I wouldn't worry too much about clearing the snow off of the shelter. As long as it is waterproof, the snow will help insulate it just like an igloo. They may be a little scared that you keep coming around. A lot of cats will not use a shelter if there is food in it as food attracts predators. Mine will not so I keep their feeding station in a separate area. Do you have any other type of shelter you can put their food and water in that is near their sleeping shelter instead? Also--are you feeding them dry food? The wet food freezes so fast that unless my cats are outside and hungry, I don't even bother with it.

catsknowme · Feb 22, 2015

Sending mega prayers and vibes out to all the ferals and their cat-guardians!!! I am delighted to see that there are so many caring people out there who are interested in relieving the suffering of cats

I wholeheartedly agree with the member from Michigan who uses chicken heat lamps to help heat the sheltered area. Also, the suggestion to leave the snow on the shelters as additional insulation is good advice. Another good shelter is a large, thick Styrofoam cooler with doors cut out. Winter has been so brutal to the Northeast - our High Sierra winter has been so mild that I fear that our sufferings will be in the summer. Already, one of our small communities had a wildfire destroy 40 homes two weeks ago.

I am keeping an eye on your weather back East and sending out prayers, especially for Blacky, as blizzards are so confusing for all the animals. those storms also have fearful consequences for migrating birds. Spring will be so welcome for you all!

catsoul · Feb 22, 2015

Hi Lochness,

Thanks for your thoughts. BTW, I wasn't clearing the snow off it but was sweeping around the entrances to keep the piled snow from blocking it. With the amount of snow falling and how fast it's falling, I need to sweep the area so they can get in or out.

I never put food in there before but I got desperate since they have not come to eat for days now. Snow is too deep, and I'm sure this is their first winter, and don't seem to know how to navigate through it.

Yes, the shelter is waterproof with a sleeping bag over it...I am pleasantly surprised at how warm it stays in there,considering. No, I'm not using wet food at all due to the freeze...dry only. I keep some on my porch with water, but no takers for days. I'm really, really concerned about them not having water for many days, and I thought they would eat snow, till I read here differently. I would think in desperation they would lick it?

I must say, I'm finding this extremely challenging and stressful. I have a former feral I trapped 11 years ago because he was sick, and he was 5 or 6 yrs then. Within a month, he was going out with me and following me around and never took off again...it seemed so much easier. It's maddening, I thought these guys would at least come to me in this bitter cold to eat..I'll call and shake the dry food and the one seems interested, but then goes in the other direction...what's up with that? Aren't they starving?? They certainly come to my door and stare at me and look annoyed if their food is late at other times, so why in the world would they run when offered food or help in this weather....such frustration and sadness that they don't realize I'm trying to help...been feeding them since the spring and just sad because I thought they knew by now

Thanks for letting me vent, I'm so worried about them...It does make me feel better, though, that I'm not the only one it stresses out

and that so many people everywhere are trying to keep kitties warm, fed, and healthy. I'm so happy this board exists, thank you all for what you're doing for our furry friends!!

lochness350 · Feb 22, 2015

Catsoul--I know exactly how you feel. I have visited this site and vented many times. I know us feral care providers are all freaked out and we need each others support. It sounds like you are doing everything you can for them. I have noticed that my ferals are eating less. Just now I tried to bring them their nighttime wet food and they just smelled it and left. I don't get it either. My cats definitely stress me out. When the weather is nice, they have been travelling further and further and I worry for their safety--I think I am going to give myself an ulcer.

I have only had my ferals since the spring as well and when it first snowed they were almost mad at me like I did it to them and their personality changes a little bit whenever we get more. They hide, runaway from me, etc. Maybe that is what your kitties are going through? I am sure your kitties are fine. They are very smart and know where their food and shelter is. They may be catching some mice or birds also. I am sure they will be back in no time.

I also wondered about them licking snow but figured it wasn't likely. I do think that since they bathe so much, any snow they lick off themselves would obviously turn to water so maybe that keeps them a little hydrated?? Just a thought.

catsoul · Feb 22, 2015

Lochness, thanks for the laugh, I just laughed out loud because that is exactly what I thought they were thinking, that I did this to them! I can normally pet them a bit when they feed, but they are running from me and I'm like, wwwhaattt? It struck me that, since I'm kind of in charge of their world to some degree, that they may think I'm bringing the snow down on them along with subzero temps and they want nothing to do with me. I even said it out loud yesterday to myself, like, why are they blaming me, it's not my fault!!

Thanks for validating what I thought was a crazy thought of mine yesterday, but is likely how the ferals feel when their world turns upside down. Your encouragement has lightened the load a bit, thank you for taking the time to do that...much appreciated. Have a wonderful and hopefully warm night!

msaimee · Feb 23, 2015

I've read on several different web sites that cats will eat snow in the winter if their regular water supply isn't available (in my case a stream across the road is frozen over). My feral, Muffin, won't drink water left in a bowl, but will eat canned food with water in and around it in a bowl. If your ferals appear for food at a regular time, you could heat up some wet food in a bowl with water added once or twice a day for them and they will be fine. Also, if they are hunting at all, they'll get moisture from prey. It's hard to imagine how cats can hunt in the cold and snow, but I've read that some are able to find prey beneath the snow. Even dry food contains some moisture, so if you're leaving out bowls of dry food, they will still be okay.

Cats like consistency in their food and shelter regiment so it's best to not make any major changes during a weather crisis. I've debated whether or not to replace the thermal cushion and straw in my feral's pet house with a heating pad a few weeks ago (I've posted pictures on this thread of his house), but decided against it. He seems content with the house set-up and I don't want to freak him out by changing anything during a weather crisis. You know the old adage--"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The time to introduce change is in the Fall, when cats can slowly adjust to changes in their shelter and decide whether or not they're going to accept the changes or snub it.

I've noticed that in frigid weather, especially when the wind is blowing, Muffin is more skittish and fearful around me than usual. I think cats get stressed in severe weather because their focus is on remaining warm. They get a sort of tunnel vision and are more nervous around us.

Are chicken heat lamps safe for use on an outdoor porch? I've never heard of using them for feral cats, it's an interesting idea.

In my area we are having another week of sub zero temperatures at night and wind chills -20. March 1st seems to be the magic day when the extreme cold begins to leave. One more week for us to help pull our ferals through this crisis!

Norachan · Feb 23, 2015

MsAimee said:
I've read on several different web sites that cats will eat snow in the winter if their regular water supply isn't available (in my case a stream across the road is frozen over). My feral, Muffin, won't drink water left in a bowl, but will eat canned food with water in and around it in a bowl. If your ferals appear for food at a regular time, you could heat up some wet food in a bowl with water added once or twice a day for them and they will be fine. Also, if they are hunting at all, they'll get moisture from prey. It's hard to imagine how cats can hunt in the cold and snow, but I've read that some are able to find prey beneath the snow. Even dry food contains some moisture, so if you're leaving out bowls of dry food, they will still be okay.

My indoor/outdoor cats are still getting birds and mice even though there is around 20 cm of snow on the ground. They don't go out of their enclosure. I think a feral cat with a large territory to hunt in will be able to get something every day.

It's feeling much warmer here today. I hope your weather forecast is right, we're all going to breathe a huge sigh of relife when spring arrives.

kittymomma1122 · Feb 23, 2015

MsAimee said:
I've read on several different web sites that cats will eat snow in the winter if their regular water supply isn't available (in my case a stream across the road is frozen over). My feral, Muffin, won't drink water left in a bowl, but will eat canned food with water in and around it in a bowl. If your ferals appear for food at a regular time, you could heat up some wet food in a bowl with water added once or twice a day for them and they will be fine. Also, if they are hunting at all, they'll get moisture from prey. It's hard to imagine how cats can hunt in the cold and snow, but I've read that some are able to find prey beneath the snow. Even dry food contains some moisture, so if you're leaving out bowls of dry food, they will still be okay.

Cats like consistency in their food and shelter regiment so it's best to not make any major changes during a weather crisis. I've debated whether or not to replace the thermal cushion and straw in my feral's pet house with a heating pad a few weeks ago (I've posted pictures on this thread of his house), but decided against it. He seems content with the house set-up and I don't want to freak him out by changing anything during a weather crisis. You know the old adage--"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The time to introduce change is in the Fall, when cats can slowly adjust to changes in their shelter and decide whether or not they're going to accept the changes or snub it.

I've noticed that in frigid weather, especially when the wind is blowing, Muffin is more skittish and fearful around me than usual. I think cats get stressed in severe weather because their focus is on remaining warm. They get a sort of tunnel vision and are more nervous around us.

Are chicken heat lamps safe for use on an outdoor porch? I've never heard of using them for feral cats, it's an interesting idea.

In my area we are having another week of sub zero temperatures at night and wind chills -20. March 1st seems to be the magic day when the extreme cold begins to leave. One more week for us to help pull our ferals through this crisis!

I use a chicken heating lamp. It is rigged up at the top of my "cat house." I have it set on a timer for on 15 minutes and off 15 minutes. I took the timer off for these really brutal days the last few weeks. I use an outdoor pet heating mat so there is no straw in my shelter. I have been using the heating lamp for two seasons and the ferals really seem to like it. It keeps their house nice and warm.

msaimee · Feb 24, 2015

This morning around 11am I opened my front door and saw the intruder male cat walking around, next to Muffin's house. He wasn't caterwauling or eating out of the food bowl, just walking around. When I realized the cat wasn't Muffin and started walking towards him, he slowly walked away from my property and settled next to the garage on the house across the road. By this time Muffin had come out of his house, saw the other cat, and took off in the other direction. It's been an hour and a half and Muffin hasn't returned yet to eat. I approached the other cat by the garage and he doesn't seem to be afraid of me, and he doesn't look skinny, so he must have a caregiver nearby. He finally moved when I came within a few feet of him. He walks kind of funny, as though his butt is bothering him, but I don't see any injuries. I don't want this cat, who has been appearing more frequently (and who is obviously an adult offspring of Muffin's) trying to take over Muffin's territory and my porch. In a week or two when the sub zero weather ends, I'll bring out my large pet carrier and put tuna in it and try to trap him when I see him and TNR him. If that doesn't work, I'll my humane trap when he's around. Will this solve the problem? Or will he still come around my place because he likes Muffin's set-up? I've chased him away a few times but now that I want to TNR him I don't want him to run from me. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't opened my front door when I did or if he would have bothered Muffin in his house. It was -14 degrees this AM, Muffin needs to feel safe in his pet house!

feline03 · Feb 25, 2015

I have not seen Blacky in 10 days! I think she only came around twice to eat the dry food I've been leaving out but can't be sure it was her. I believe so though. I think the last time she ate was 3 days ago! I hope she is catching some birds or mice. I am getting really worried. I took the front board off her house but still no Blacky. Each day I pray to see her when I get home from work

Has anyone experienced this long of a time before?

Norachan · Feb 25, 2015

feline03 said:
I have not seen Blacky in 10 days! I think she only came around twice to eat the dry food I've been leaving out but can't be sure it was her. I believe so though. I think the last time she ate was 3 days ago! I hope she is catching some birds or mice. I am getting really worried. I took the front board off her house but still no Blacky. Each day I pray to see her when I get home from work

Has anyone experienced this long of a time before?

Lizzie was gone for ten days in the snow.

Mia was gone for three and a half weeks about a month after we moved her to our new house.

One of the feral female cats I feed has been missing for over a month and I've recently seen her at a farm about 1/2 mile from her usual hang out.

Do you have a trail camera you can put out to check that Blacky is the one coming back to eat? I got a pretty basic one for around $35 on Amazon.

feline03 · Feb 26, 2015

Wow, I guess I have to accept that they are free spirits and don't feel any obligation to us for caring for them and just go with what "they" want. Even house cats are like to too. I was looking into those cameras. Someone else mentioned that but I can't plug the card in my computer to watch the footage. I would like to get one too because my house got robbed and they went through the back door so it would be good for me too. If you still have the link of the camera you got, I can see if I can use it.

How to you deal with them not coming back? We get to attached and love them it's hard to accept. I hope that's the case for Blacky. I have no idea where she is staying. I followed foot prints from the last time the food was eaten and they ended at the end of the fence. I looked over the next yard but there were no more footprints. Can they walk on top of a picket fence. That's the only thing I can think of. She couldn't have just disappeared.

Your the best Norachan. Thanks.

Norachan · Feb 26, 2015

It's tough worrying about them all the time, isn't it? Sometimes I feel they want to remind us that they are wild and they'll do as they please, even when we think we know best.

This is the trail camera I got. http://trailcamerasandmore.com/liac52trca.html

Sorry, my Amazon page would only show the Japanese site I bought it from, but this is the same model, the cheapest one they had. You don't need to move the data to your computer, it has a screen and a replay function so you can just check what the camera recorded "in the field".

I had mine out all year round in snow and typhoons and it still works fine.

Weather anxieties

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