People may be concerned about performing trap-neuter-return during winter because they worry about releasing females who have had their stomachs shaved for surgery. Heated Water Bowls on To TNR or not to TNR community cats in winter?ĭon't attempt TNR activities in the winter unless you can return the cats to a warm shelter. Do your best to keep water from freezing. Water is easily spilled, and a wet shelter will feel more like a refrigerator than a warm haven. Even if the moist food freezes, the cats' body heat will defrost it when they hunker down in their shelter.ĭon't put water bowls inside the shelter. If shelters are well-insulated, you can put bowls of dry or moist food inside them, far from the doorway. A solar-heated water bowl can prevent or delay water and canned food from freezing. A thick plastic water container that's deep and wide is better-insulated than a thin plastic or ceramic container. What you put food and water in can make a difference. How to keep outdoor cats' food and water from freezing Then put the food and water under the canopy. Then create a canopy between them by securing a wide board from one roof to the other. One way to protect food and water is to place two shelters-doorways facing each other-two feet apart. If you can do so without compromising the privacy and security of the shelter, place food and water near the shelter so the cats won't have to travel far. Protect outdoor cats from hunger and thirst this winter by keeping their food and water from freezing. Give outdoor cats food and water Where to place food and water Forego hay too, which may irritate noses and cause allergic reactions. What NOT to put in your outdoor cat shelterĭon't use blankets, towels or folded newspaper they absorb body heat and chill cats who are lying on them. It reflects back body heat, and it's okay for cats to lie on it. Instead, "wallpaper" the shelter's inner walls and floor with Mylar. However, if it's really cold where you live and you can't check on the shelters regularly, don’t use the above insulation. Keep things clean: Replace straw and newspaper if moist or dirty, and wash and re-stuff pillowcases as needed. Pillowcases loosely stuffed with packing peanuts and shredded newspaper also work. If the shelter is too large, it will be difficult for the cats' body heat to keep the space warm. Why size matters with cat sheltersĪ shelter must trap the cats' body heat to warm its interior. You can even use a storage bin from the local hardware store. Creating a lifesaving shelter for outdoor cats can be easy and inexpensive. Ask friends, neighbors and coworkers for used dog houses, which can be modified to make good shelters. You may find inexpensive or free materials by asking building-supply stores or contractors if they have scrap lumber. Heated Cat Shelters on Amazon Where to find materials Try contacting local youth groups to find out if they will help build shelters as a service project. How to get help building your outdoor-cat shelterĪ shelter-building party can be a fun weekend project! Ask your friends, neighbors and coworkers to join in. Yes, their thickened winter coats help feral and stray cats weather winter's chill, but they still need warm, dry, well-insulated and appropriate-sized shelters. It's cheapest to build your own, and there are many plans and instructions that can help you get started. If you've got time to help, the kitties will thank you! Follow these tips to help your local outdoor cats during the cold months. No matter how resourceful these outdoor cats are, they need help surviving winter. They may be pets whose owners let them outside, or they could be community cats, a group that includes ferals (who are afraid of people) and strays (who've been lost or abandoned). As the weather gets colder, you may worry about the cats you see around your neighborhood.
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