Feral or stray colonies - Help building winter shelters

Here's the whole (long) story :

My sister became aware of two colonies found on rest stops on both sides of the highway connecting our cities. At first people thought there were just one, but when they went to trap them, they were on the "wrong" side of the road, and found a second colony.

For now, 7 cats have been trapped, there's still about 15 to catch, but surely there's more.

There is a rescue on it, but their cattery is full (about 20 cats), and they are looking for foster families.

I was contacted by one of my sister's friend that lives very near me, and I got the rescue's information. I did call the rescue I'm usually fostering for, and explained. I don't have any foster for now, and they didn't have any kittens in need of immediate fosters. I explained to her what was going on, and made sure that they were OK with me fostering for another rescue when I'm not fostering for them. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes, or something, there are some weird things going on, inside politics and stuff I'm aware about, although I don't have any specifics. Anyway, they were OK with it, so I called the other rescue, and explained. The lady was delighted with my offer to foster, and she too made sure that my usual rescue was OK with it.

So, I'm now going to get two new fosters at the end of last week. It's interesting to see how different rescues work. This one has a cattery, and the two 6 months old males I'm fostering will already be neutered and primo-vaccined. They also went trough a quarantine period of about two weeks. I have to say I like how they work better than my "usual", but they have the cattery, so it's easier I guess.

Anyway, the point of this post is that there's still lots of kitties outside, and there's no place inside anywhere for them for now. My sister's friend and I stayed in close contact, and we decided to build the remaining cats winter shelters. We're going to make an event of it, inviting people we know to help built them, and spread awareness at the same time. Problem is the same as always : money. We just don't have any. I did see a lot of type of shelters that we could build, but I'm just lost. I was thinking big styrofoam boxes, I can maybe get them at markets and stuff, from the fish vendors. But then what? We need to make it sturdy and weather proof. I already have wood pallets to elevate the shelters of the ground. I saw that straw works better than hay for insulation, but that's about the extent of my knowledge on the subject. There's also the problem of feeding them, and feeding stations. It's getting cold really fast, what about the water freezing?

I really need your help getting this project of the ground, any advice is greatly appreciated!

And here are some pics of the two males I'm going to be fostering at the end of next week :

First of all- fantastic for you - and everyone who's helping- to take this on! Anyone who's ever worked with feral/stray colonies -large & small-knows it's a lot of work, emotionally, physically & monetarily. So a big thanks to you for helping spearhead this! The cats would likely not make it through the winter without your help.

It sounds like you're familiar with TNR (the "N" part being VERY critical or your two relatively small colonies will be quite large come spring

I'll put several links at end ---links for a variety of help. The main source you should check out is Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org). And they will also usually answer phone calls with questions. They're an unbelievable source for all things stray & feral---particularly TNR, shelters, feeding stations....even socializing, etc. obviously THIS forum is also a great source of info and support!!!!!!!!!

As far as shelters, my husband and I've done lots of shelters. We've done various kinds-and the kind we prefer is the "double Rubbermaid" type (I'll put links for this type, and others, below. We do modify them - but I recognize you may not have the extra money or time or help to do the little add-ons we do to the plans as shown in the link. We add a small plexi sheet (can be bought at Lowes, Home Depot, etc) already cut in size needed (app 12 x 18 in is about perfect). Or they will usually cut for free to size. Right in front of entry hole, we drill small holes into the outside Rubbermaid bin above the entry hole, and also into corresponding spots at top of plexi, place plastic zip ties through them so that plexi is at an angle like an "a" so that it's tight at top & angles out at bottom - voila! (Fairly) instant doorway that cats can see through that also provides wind/snow/rain break.

Rubbermaid does (or did) have a program where they'll supply bins at a lower price for this type of use. Not sure that still exists - but I'm sure a little digging online will bring that info up.

You can definitely also use the styrofoam bins-I've never users them, but many people do.

Definitely us straw - NOT hay-as insulation between Rubbermaid bins if doing the double Rubbermaid bins----and use it inside shelters for cats to burrow into. I know it's tempting to use blankets inside the shelters, but resist the urge. Blankets get wet, then freeze, and end up actually causing the cat to loose more body heat. Straw they can burrow into, holding onto more heat. Slot of the Rubbermaid shelters can actually be made large enough for two cats to snuggle into -GREATLY increasing the warmth factor in the shelter!!!

So The only supplies we use for each shelter are: the two Rubbermaid bins (one larger, one slightly smaller, straw for insulation between the bins and for inside the bins (we also place any other insulation we have/can acquire cheaply at the time to add insulation between the two bins --such as styrofoam, and even brown paper sided home insulation), plus bricks for raising shelters up & adding for stability (palettes also work for raising shelters off ground, tubing for entry, and we also add duct tape to provide even more of a seal around top -although not critical. We also add the plexi/zip tie "windbreak" but it's not critical. We have access to electrical outlets, so we also place "kitty outdoor heating pads" during winter in each shelter. Note that these definitely help, as they warm when the cats apply pressure to them by lying on them - but they DON'T warm the ambient air. So they definitely help warm the kitties -- but they don't exactly make the insides toasty warm But every bit helps. And trust me ---providing any shelter like I'm speaking about (along with food and water)---will make the difference in winter between life and death. And in the summer - they'll stay cooler because of these shelters ----and let them sleep more safely --- more able to sleep without the panicky "one eye open" ferals without shelter sleep doing. It's heartbreaking to watch ---but heartwarming when you realize your shelters not only provide shelter....they provide peace for these guys!!!!! Do ANYTHING you do makes you - and everyone who helps - Angels for these guys!!!!

Do make sure shelters are in an area where they're the least noticeable to the "average Joe" and attract the least amount of attention (you'll be surprised the number of people who don't understand TNR, colonies, etc yet will want to dismantle the shelters). Also as protected from elements as possible. We put ours on top of bricks, and add a brick or two on top to provide added weight in case of heavy winds. Getting the shelters off the ground is important ---it will help less heat being sucked into the ground - AND provide added protection when heavy rains or snow occur.

Feeding stations are also critical. We use clear Rubbermaid type shelters. We like the clear type for 2 reasons - We can see who's eating.....and the cats can watch to see who might be coming. A lot of people recommend feeding stations with 2 openings--but we haven't found that necessary. (Some people recommend building shelters themselves with two openings ---our ferals could be different -but they've shyer away from 2-opening shelters. Partially bc I think the single opening ones are warmer, and for some reason, they seem to feel safer. But know many people swear by two openings! We cut an opening with a jigsaw in one of the smaller ends if the Rubbermaid container---and place their food bowl at the other end of the station. We also place our station on bricks to elevate it in case of a lot of snow or rain. We have the luxury of being able to place the station under the eaves of our detached garage - limiting how wet/snowy the kitties get entering & leaving.

Food and water is also a critical element. Again - we're lucky to have access to electrical outlets, so we utilize a heated outdoor water bowl (link below). Water is crucial. Many people think they can simply eat snow in the winter -which is untrue. It brings down their body temp too much. But freezing water is a problem without heated bowls. I'll try to put a link below on that too. There are options --heated disks placed under the bowls, like "SnuggleSafe discs" on Amazon. They are microwaveable-can also be placed in shelters for added warmth. Only issues I've found are that, in the shelters, they need to be removed and reheated or replaced with other heated discs periodically - and if the cats are truly feral and skittish, this frequent disruption often terrifies them to the point they'll stop using the shelters I've also found that - even when using them under water dishes to keep water from freezing--in very cold weather, they don't stay warm NEARLY as long as stated. But there are other options - so hopefully I can pull a link below that will address this a bit.

Again ---one of the biggest issues is the "neutering (or spaying") part of "Trap/Neuter/Return." Hopefully you can find a clinic that will do spays/neuter cheaply (we have a source in northern ohio that does ferals for approx $20-25, and in some cases free if within certain zip codes.) Check around for the cheapest sources---costs do vary wildly! Ours will also add inexpensive rabies shots, etc at the time of spaying/neuteringz

Do you have any that are strays ---or kittens? Kittens - particularly younger -can (with work) very often be socialized and become very adoptable! Strays often find their way (or are dumped) into feral colonies ---and they can also VERY often be "re-socialized" into very adoptable cats!!!

I know this was ALOT of info --I hope I didn't overwhelm! I'm just so excited to hear of people like you who are SO willing to help these poor babies!!!!! So check out the links below, don't hesitate to contact Alley Cat Allies! Also - really use this forum. They've been an amazing source of info, support, laughter when I desperately needed it, & encouragement when I thought I couldn't go on.

And keep us posted! We're also a good source for socialization help for any you choose to try to socialize and rehome!

http://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shelter/

http://4fi8v2446i0sw2rpq2a3fg51.wpe...oads/2015/04/FactSheet_BuildAShelter_2016.pdf

http://www.alleycat.org/our-work/feral-friends-network/feral-friends-network-connect/

http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/what-if-there-are-no-resources-in-my-area/

http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/providing-shelter/

http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/winter-weather-tips/

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/colony-care/stop-freezing-water

http://www.spayandstay.org/winter-shelter/

****What we do as far as entry is the black tube shown above in "spay and stay" in the "clear Rubbermaid" one they detail in this website---the black tubing helps both provide a little bit of a way to keep snow/rain entering --PLUS it keeps rain/snow from dripping/pouring into the space between the two rubbermaids if you simply cut the holes in each, and place straw insulation between the two bins. In our experience - this black tubing is critical!

Thanks @kittychick!

The two I'm going to foster are from one of the colonies. 7 were trapped, they're all in the rescue's cattery. My two are the shyest (sp?) of the bunch, but they are social already. One of the other 5 is already getting on his back asking for belly rubs. We think that they were probably dumped, and then reproduced. So, out of 20+, that's 7 neutered/spayed, and fostered, waiting for adoption.

Both rescues I'm volunteering for are doing TNR, so that's not going to be a problem. But if they don't have fosters or spots in their cattery, we will have to release them, hence the shelters.

I also forgot to add that I'm in France, although Alley Cat Allies did find a rescue. Plastic storage bins are expensive here, I don't know why! If I understood correctly, If I use a 30 gallons bin, that's a little more than 100 Liters. These are about 45€ a pop, that's 50 bucks I think. It's crazy. I'm going to try and get measurements instead of volume. Inches in centimeters, that's way easier.

I think we are going to go with either the 2 rubbermaid bins, or the one bin and styrofoam inside insulation (both with straw). I didn't see the site were the cats are at, that would help to choose what kind of shelter to make. Maybe I can get someone to go there and take pictures.

About the feeding, I have no idea how that's going to work. I can't go there on my own, I don't own a car and don't have a license. But the stations, I have that pretty much sorted out. I really like the tires full of rocks idea, to keep the water from freezing. I think we're going to go with that.

I will update and keep asking stuff, because it's my first time doing this, and I'm quite nervous. The planning of it all is overwhelming.

I've used styrofoam coolers alone and they don't last outside in the elements long.  Covering them with tarps helps but you have to make sure the wind doesn't blow the tarps or the cats won't go near them.

I've also used them inside plastic totes, which helps a lot.  But with the totes being so expensive (the big ones are only around $16 here), maybe you or someone else can build a wooden doghouse to cover the cooler.

You could buy a regular doghouse but the opening might be too big, so building a custom one would be the ticket.

It is wonderful you have taken on this project.  Blessings on you and your colleagues.

Thanks @Ondine. Building doghouses is a great idea! I can find sturdy wood pallets, and a lot of them, for free. My mom confirmed she can get styrofoam for free. I already have nails, screws, everything we would need. All we would need to buy would be paint, and some kind of protective layer to put on before we paint them. And plastic flower pots or black tubing, and straw. And tires and buckets for the water stations. We can probably use our network of friends and family to get people to donate these things, or even an old doghouse! I bet if we really needed to, even if we don't have a lot of money, we could convince people involved to donate like 5 bucks each, and we could buy what we need!

Now I'm more excited than nervous!

Great!  This is how we all get hooked.    Someone has an idea, someone else helps with supplies and everyone pitches in to help.

One of the best ways I have found to get ideas is to do a google image search. https://www.google.com/search?q=fer...ved=0ahUKEwilh8m6r9vQAhWhh1QKHa-LD7AQ_AUIBygC

The pictures really help when you need ideas.

You can do the same for feeding stations.

I have some pictures on my blog ( link below) under Shelters that show some of the shelters I have used throughout the years.

Thank you for all that you are doing!