I've started working more and more w/ the local TNR group and one thing that has come up a lot (obviously) is the fact that there are way too many cats and not enough homes.
Here's my question. If I build an outdoor enclosure- can cats stay in here, even during the winter? Is it okay that I'm holding them here?
I am just confused. I'm completely overwhelmed w/ everything already. Today was the first day I started answering the NH Spay HotLine, so between that, the benefit yard sale I'm trying to organize, and the million other things, I think everything is starting to blur and I'm losing track.
Maybe I should start w/ my main objective. I want to be able to take in these cats that people are calling in about and keep them safe until we can find new homes for. I am talking the cats that can't stay where they are for one reason or another. Is it okay that I take them in and keep them in an outdoor enclosure, which in the meantime they'd be fixed and kept safe until we can find a home for them? I know some of them may not be 'adoptable' and those ones we can find a barn home for.
Is it even safe for them to be out like that during the winter months (which are very cold in NH)? Am I not doing them any good by thinking of doing this? My husband is a contractor so I was going to have him build me a really nice one. I'm still thinking of ideas, if everyone thinks what I want to do is a good idea. I was also thinking of making the enclosure more like a big garage/small shelter (instead of using wire mesh all around). If it's more of a shelter/garage type of thing- 1) they'll be much warmer and 2) it would give the 'indoor' feel more and I have this thing that I may be able to work with them better?
I work from home so I have the time to work with them. I wanted to have 2 separate areas w/ 30 or so 'cubby's' in each. I know this sounds big, but so is my heart- and money isn't too, too much of an issue (as long as it doesn't cost thousands upon thousands). So speaking of cost, what kind of costs should I expect? Any rough ideas?
I don't know.. can anyone clue me in and let me know if I have a good idea and/or whether they think it will work or not?
I really want to shelter and get these cats out of harm's way asap.
Thanks everyone!
Here's my question. If I build an outdoor enclosure- can cats stay in here, even during the winter? Is it okay that I'm holding them here?
I am just confused. I'm completely overwhelmed w/ everything already. Today was the first day I started answering the NH Spay HotLine, so between that, the benefit yard sale I'm trying to organize, and the million other things, I think everything is starting to blur and I'm losing track.
Maybe I should start w/ my main objective. I want to be able to take in these cats that people are calling in about and keep them safe until we can find new homes for. I am talking the cats that can't stay where they are for one reason or another. Is it okay that I take them in and keep them in an outdoor enclosure, which in the meantime they'd be fixed and kept safe until we can find a home for them? I know some of them may not be 'adoptable' and those ones we can find a barn home for.
Is it even safe for them to be out like that during the winter months (which are very cold in NH)? Am I not doing them any good by thinking of doing this? My husband is a contractor so I was going to have him build me a really nice one. I'm still thinking of ideas, if everyone thinks what I want to do is a good idea. I was also thinking of making the enclosure more like a big garage/small shelter (instead of using wire mesh all around). If it's more of a shelter/garage type of thing- 1) they'll be much warmer and 2) it would give the 'indoor' feel more and I have this thing that I may be able to work with them better?
I work from home so I have the time to work with them. I wanted to have 2 separate areas w/ 30 or so 'cubby's' in each. I know this sounds big, but so is my heart- and money isn't too, too much of an issue (as long as it doesn't cost thousands upon thousands). So speaking of cost, what kind of costs should I expect? Any rough ideas?
I don't know.. can anyone clue me in and let me know if I have a good idea and/or whether they think it will work or not?
I really want to shelter and get these cats out of harm's way asap.
Thanks everyone!
