Big ideas, small funds

My small community currently has a kennel service called BARK, but the service is currently overworked and inadequate to the amount of loose/stray animals in the area, especially cats. As the owner of three siamese cats that generally live outside, I have noted that there is an excess of stray cats in the area that have no collars of any kind and are drawn to any source of food. My interest was snagged and I wondered if I could begin an enclosed kennel specifically for stray cats. If anyone has any suggestions for food, supplies, etc. that could be used on a modest budget I would appreciate it very much.

Originally Posted by Kitty_Kat_Smith

My small community currently has a kennel service called BARK, but the service is currently overworked and inadequate to the amount of loose/stray animals in the area, especially cats. As the owner of three siamese cats that generally live outside, I have noted that there is an excess of stray cats in the area that have no collars of any kind and are drawn to any source of food. My interest was snagged and I wondered if I could begin an enclosed kennel specifically for stray cats. If anyone has any suggestions for food, supplies, etc. that could be used on a modest budget I would appreciate it very much.

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I love your idea. Actually a friend of mine does this. They built an outside kennel (home) for strays. They have anywhere between 20-40 cats at a time. It pretty much takes up their entire back yard. Her husband is very handy and installed some sort of heating element in there for cold nights.
My idea for my little place that I live was to build something along the lines of a large doghouse but then put either perches inside or separate spaces. It would be much easier to build your own and would cost you less.
Here is another idea for you.... since you would be doing a favor to the neighborhood, ask your local businesses to help you get started with either materials or food or donations. Speak with your neighbors and ask if they would be willing to donate some things as well. Hold a community meeting and propose your offer as a non-profit situation and ask for help getting started.
I hope this helps!
Good luck. Kudos for trying to help those stray kitties out.

I think you should also talk to area vets and see if anyone knows of an inexpensive spay/neuter program. Just feeding and housing the strays doesn't help the underlying problem of unfettered reproduction.
Also, if none of them have any vaccinations, they could all be killed by one cat bringing in an illness.
The group I foster for gets food donations from Petsmart, they give them damaged bags. Worth checking into if you are planning to feed a crowd. And will your neighbors complain?
Good luck with this enterprise!