Staff
Monday, March 3, 2014 5:24 am

Winter shows no sign of going away, and that means many concerned citizens are bringing in stray cats to the shelter, worried that they’re not going to survive outdoors. Many of these cats, however, are not strays, they are feral. The difference between the two comes down to socialization. A stray cat is one that previously lived in a home, had human contact, and depended on people. A feral cat, on the other hand, has had little to no human contact and survives outdoors on its own.

Although stray cats can become feral over time, the average feral cat we see at the shelter is one that was born outdoors and has never known life as a pet. Even if you are able to trap a feral cat, it is unlikely to ever transform into a house cat. Because of this, feral cats are considered unadoptable and trapping them to bring them to a shelter is often discouraged. Feral cats can lead long, healthy lives in the outdoors, and there are a couple of things you can do to help them.

Food and Water

While it’s important to have clean water available year round, food should not sit outside for feral cats 24/7. Remember that a food dish left outside at all times can also attract other animals, so offer food to the feral cats for a short period of time and then remove whatever food they don’t eat. Lifting food bowls off the ground will also help prevent insects from getting into the dishes. Keeping food and water dishes in a covered area is also preferable as it protects them from the elements. In New England, we have to consider the extreme cold during the winter months. A heated water bowl is a must in order to prevent it from freezing solid. If you’re looking for food for your feral cats, many shelters offer a food bank program. Supply stores may also donate torn bags of food that they are unable to sell.

Spay / Neuter Programs

The only way to stop a couple of feral cats from multiplying into one hundred feral cats is to have them fixed. Organizations that offer trap and release programs will humanely trap the feral cats, have them neutered, vaccinate them, and release them back into their colonies. Not only will cats that are fixed stop breeding and creating more feral cats, they will also lead healthier lives. If you are caring for feral cats, contact your local animal shelter to learn more about trap and release programs in your area.

Shelter

Providing a warm shelter for feral cats can be as simple as altering a large, plastic bin or as elaborate as building a wooden structure. No matter what route you decide to take, remember that, first and foremost, the shelter should offer protection from the elements. Make sure to cut a hole large enough in the structure for cats to get in and out. Straw on the floor of the shelter will give the feral cats warm bedding. Avoid using hay, blankets, or anything that might retain moisture.

If you are caring for feral cats, Ally Cat Allies offers a great deal of resources, including extensive information about building and buying shelters, on their website at www.alleycat.org. Additionally, your local animal shelter can direct you to organizations in your area that specialize in feral cats. Remember - while many stray cats might be thrilled to return to home environment, feral cats are already happy where they are!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with three parrots, two cats, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org