|
|
|
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF FERAL CATS
FERAL CATS ARE USUALLY NOT socialized to people. They
range from cats who have never had human contact to semi-tame cats who
were once pets. Often living in loose associations known as
"colonies," they become well adapted to their territory and can
live safely and contentedly in alleyways, parking lots, vacant lots,
backyards, and a host of other locations-urban, suburban, and rural.
Determine if the cats are being cared for
 | Veterinarians usually notch or tip one ear to show the cats have
been spayed or neutered. Unless all the cats have clearly clipped
ears, you should assume they are not yet altered. |
| If you notice kittens, there are cats who need to be altered |
| Do you see evidence that the colony is being cared for such as food
dishes, water bowls, or shelters? If someone is already feeding the
cats, perhaps you can help to have the cats neutered. |
Start feeding
• Feed the cats once a day. Dry food is preferable, and should be
left as inconspicuously as possible. Place food under shrubs, behind
bushes, or near walls. Don't forget fresh water!
| Stick to a regular schedule if you can. Consistent feeding will make
trapping easier. |
Spay/neuter
| For trapping instructions, see "Humane Trapping" section.
Spay/neuter is the single most important thing you can do to help feral
cats, and is the most humane and effective way to control their
populations. Not only does spay/neuter prevent more kittens from being
born, it also decreases behavior like spraying, fighting, howling, and
roaming. In addition, it greatly improves the cats' health. |
| Spay/neuter should take precedence over socializing and adopting.
Even if you do not wish to continue feeding and caring for them, you
should still have the cats altered and return them to their habitat. |
| Decide where you will have the cats altered. To find low-cost or
free spay/neuter in other areas, call your local humane society or
(800) 248-SPAY . |
Managing the colony
| Minimize the number of feeding locations-fewer feeding stations
means less work for you and less chance of someone noticing. It also
makes it easier to keep an eye on the cats and to monitor the colony
for newcomers. |
| Feed the cats in areas as secluded as possible, away from people and
centers of activity. |
| If possible, do not feed at night. Conflicts with wildlife are one
of the primary reasons neighbors complain about feral cat colonies,
and daytime feeding reduces the chance of wild animals helping
themselves to the cats' food. |
| Keep feeding areas clean. Pick up trash even if it isn't yours.
Don't leave empty cans or large piles of food. Dry food is less messy
than canned, and if you only feed dry food, canned food will be a more
enticing treat, making trapping much easier. |
| Watch for newcomers, and have them spayed or neutered right away. |
| "Out of sight, out of mind" is the motto of many feral cat
caregivers. Try to be inconspicuous in your feeding and trapping
activities. If someone notices and asks what you are doing, explain
that altering and feeding the cats will decrease their numbers quickly
and humanely. Most people are supportive of what you are doing. |
| Share responsibilities. Do you have friends, coworkers, family
members, or other caregivers who will feed the cats one day a week or
colony sit while you're on vacation? Perhaps they can socialize a
kitten or keep a cat for post-surgery recovery while you continue
trapping. The more people who participate in caring for a colony, the
better off the cats-and you-will be. |
|
|
