How to Help Stray Cats in the Winter

Street cats, alley cats, wild cats, feral cats, homeless cats … there are a lot of different names we give to these free ranging felines. Most of the time, they take care of themselves, scavenging and hunting for their meals while also depending on the kindnesses of cat lovers, but things can get a lot chancier when the weather turns frigid.

Before we go on, let’s consider why you might want to help your neighborhood’s feral cats. In any neighborhood that supports a healthy (i.e, neutered and released) feral cat population, rodent populations are kept in check, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and poisons, and protecting the residents of these neighborhoods from the diseases and damage rodents can cause to life and property. Cats are a practical and “green” solution to this universal problem. In addition, a family and neighborhood commitment to caring for a controlled feral cat population teaches our children that we respect life and appreciate the work these cats do for us.

This is why many animal supporters encourage community participation in maintaining their local feral cat population. If you count yourself amongst these supporters, there are ways you can help your local cats to get through the winter with a minimum of hardship. If you can get your neighbors involved, so much the better.

Next: Providing Shelter

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Read more: Cats, Pet Health, Pets, feral cats, homeless cats, stray cats, winter

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

paul m.

1:55AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

thanks..

send a green star

Debbie C.

5:47AM PST on Feb 21, 2012

We don't have a garage door opener, so we leave our door open about 8 - 10 inches. We have had a couple of cats move in the garage over the winters for shelter. I put out several blankets and food & water bowls. We brought one cat in the house, but the other 2 ran off. They came back that night, and I try to stay out of the garage as much as possible.
It might not be super warm in the garage, but at least it is out of the rain, snow or really cold air.

Valerie A.

4:06PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Thanks

Elizabeth O.

3:03PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Useful information.

Alison A.

11:15AM PST on Feb 13, 2012

Thanks for posting.

Patricia G.

4:54AM PST on Feb 13, 2012

Thank you for the article :)

TQ M.

1:06PM PST on Feb 12, 2012

Thanks!

Elisa and Susan P.

9:42AM PST on Feb 12, 2012

@tammy: I totally agree with you about the dangers to wildlife from cat predation especially in areas such as Hawaii and Australia for instance that sometimes do not have natural predators such as cats so the native wildlife never evolved the ability to fight them off or escape them as rats and mice have. As for the second part of your comment: my best friend is a member of Alley Cat Allies which apparently spay, neuter, and release feral cats. I thought you comments were so good, I gave you a green star – hope you don’t mind! ;)

tammy B.

4:14AM PST on Feb 12, 2012

I can understand caring for a outdoor cat community on a heart level, but it does seem to me that many of the cat communities do not have people who take care of the neutering part. I wish more vets or shelters are willing to invest in such a program or expense for the people that choose to take care of outdoor cat communities. Even thought I love my cats, and have adopted "throw aways", I am really concerned about bird populations when cat communities are encouraged, especially in places like Hawaii where there are many endemic birds that are on the verge of extinction..... so, like everything in life moderation and good judgement is key

Margie B.

9:42PM PST on Feb 8, 2012