Stray cat...I am doing a new post here...

Did I post and tell you there is a stray cat outside?...in Nebraska, we had a blizzard, and in

the freezing cold? Breaks my heart. My youngest cat sees it out the window and goes all evil, loud

hissy and crazy. I had been putting kibble and water out and my hubby said I should stop because

the prints in the snow looked like a possum or racoon, so I quit with the food thinking he was right,

so today my cat went all hissy and crazy and I looked out and the cat was standing at the window

looking in, and right at me. So I went outside to talk to it but it went away, I put kibbles and water 

out....I did yesterday too because I saw small paw prints that looked like a cat.....and I was right.

I feel the only thing I can do is put out food and water so that is one less worry for the cat, it

needs its energy to try to warm up. I could never bring it in if I got near it because my evil cat wants

to fight. I cannot put it in the garage because that is where the dogs eat and sometimes sleep.

Breaks my heart. How do cats survive out in the elements, do they get frostbite on the paws? At

least the neighbors house has a big overhang that is dry with dirt under it. I think that is where the cat

goes, not sure because I can`t really see under there really too well.

Oh, that's a really tricky one - is there any shelter outside you could put a towel or blanket in? Like a shed or other building (away from your dogs)? Could you trap him humanely and rescue him?

The house next door is vacant, the overhang could have some kind of blanket, but I best not, it is not my house and they come and do things at the

house like snow removal etc. The dogs are in my fenced in back yard, so ok there. No shed here. Can you get humane traps from the Humane Society? 

I am thinking about a cardboard box with a front and back entry with a blanket and snuggle disc for warmth, I could ask my husband to put some

Styrofoam insulation walls around it like he did around the dog kennels in the garage. My husband is a very kind man that would if I asked him to.

Of course I can also do it, I think he has extra foam in the garage, I will have to look tomorrow, and we could set the box on some plastic because of the snow

and put the box under our overhang. I am kicking around ideas as I think out loud here.

38qt plastic tote (and lid) from Wally World.  Cut a 4" x 4" hole in the side of it.  Put a few towels, or straw in it.  Feed kitty in front of it.  Kitty should get the idea it's a safe place to curl up.

BassCat said:

 
38qt plastic tote (and lid) from Wally World.  Cut a 4" x 4" hole in the side of it.  Put a few towels, or straw in it.  Feed kitty in front of it.  Kitty should get the idea it's a safe place to curl up.

Click to expand...

That is a fantastic idea, sure will hold up better than a cardboard box. Under the towel I am going to put a heated snuggle disc. 

When it quits snowing I will go to Walmart (wish we had one close!), but worth the trip to get the tote. I want that cat to have a warm

place to curl up ASAP. 

Straw is really much better than a blanket or towel.  The blanket/towel will get wet with moisture or the the elements and the cat will not be able to get warm.  Straw (not hay) is a great insulator and it also repels moisture.  You can still use the Snuggle Safe heat disc with the straw. 

Just be sure not to put the food inside the shelter.  You do not want to have any unwanted critters getting into the shelter.  Keep the food separate and never leave it outside at night.  If you can afford it, wet food is best.  It is easier for an outside cat to digest.  This way they do not have to use energy digesting food.  Dry food is ok, but it takes more energy to break down. 

Here are some instructions on making a rubbermaid shelter.  It is best to start with an entrance and exit.  Some cats will not go into a shelter where they will feel trapped.

http://www.isfoundation.com/news/creatures/diy-give-gift-warmth-feral-cats-winter

Thanks tons, I am all over it, I called Tractor Supply and they said yes they have straw, I said not hay but straw, they said yes they

sell 1/4 bales. You provided a great step bu step instruction guide, I appreciate that.

Oh, wow, this looks like a plan! I know it's so awful feeling helpless when these furry ones need help! Let us know how you get on - you're doing a wonderful thing!

We use a colored tote for a quick, temporary house...with the hole closer to the top.  I think it makes the cat feel safer than a hole they where they can see the ground.   Always thought that may be warmer also, since wind isn't blowing straight on the cat.

   I said towels because small and easy to wash and everybody has old ones.  Sometimes "straw" isn't quite so handy for a right now fix.
Our cat has a more permanent wooden box with towels covering a "heating cushion".   One of those cushions with what looks like tiny foam balls as filling. Hunters use them, Gets warm when you sit on it.
It can be below zero out and I can stick my hand in there and it's nice and toasty.

Box is 16" x 16" x 16" square.  1/2" plywood.  4x4 inch square cut out of the top corner.

Bobcat has the same, but, it's filled with straw and leaves.  He seems to love it in there.  I have to assume it's warm in there also. (I'm not about to stick my hand in there to see though)  

These are great ideas to give the stray some warmth and comfort - and then you could talk to your local wonderful Rescue People about getting a humane trap so he can get to a shelter. You guys are awesome.