Just put out some kibble for the ferals

[Siwsan]

I placed the bowls by the shelter on the deck so that I can watch to see if they show up. I don't think they used the shelter but I'll keep working on it to make it more sturdy and appealing. No doubt that when the weather clears they will start exploring it. Maybe I'll bait it will some sardines. WHEN the weather warms, a bit.

Poor babies.

[SheltieLover]

1. My feral showed up a couple of more times to eat yestetday.

He seemed unconcerned with the severe cold & wind chill, each time sitting down in the driveway after eating, just to look around the neighborhood.

I doubt he is using the shelter we borrowed frm the rescue as it appears he comes from across the street to eat. Wherever he is sheltering is working for him though.

[2naSalit]

2. Hopefully...

They have an underground hidey hole where they can huddle and stay warm.

I'm glad i found that large dog travel kennel for Mikey. It was big enough to do some heavy insulating. He uses it out at the ranch house where his other human lives. She said he's not interested in going outside right now, it's a lot colder at her place.

Good luck to the outdoor kitties, hope they all make through this.

[Siwsan]

3. They have a den beneath the neighbor's deck

And I think some sort of sheltered area in the front of their house. MUCH to my neighbor's dismay.

I keep trying to lure them on to my property because she really doesn't like animals. She doesn't realize that if I stop feeding them, they won't go away. There are other people who put out food for them.

[catbyte]

4. I bought an insulated house for Outside Kitty a few weeks ago and

bought a heat-reflecting blanket for the inside of it. My downstairs neighbors agreed to put it on their deck so it's off the ground. I went out to feed him yesterday but he wouldn't leave the house so he's had nothing to eat. I'm going out in a little while to bring him some warm water and canned food. I hope I can entice him out for some nourishment. Poor guy, but he absolutely refuses to come inside. I'd fix him up in the basement if I thought he'd come in. I'm so worried about him.

[Siwsan]

5. I thought about leaving the screened in porch door ajar but I'm worried about racoons getting in

The wood step swells so the clearance when the door is open is VERY limited. I don't know - if we get another wave of weather like this, I might try it. I could keep an eye on things through the dining room window.

My nephew wants to help me build a catio/shelter for the ferals.

[catbyte]

7. YAY! I just went out and Outside Kitty popped out of his house and ate a good breakfast.

I'm so relieved! I don't know how these ferals do it. That catio/shelter sounds great. Stay safe!

[Ocelot II]

11. Good for Outside Kitty!

[Ocelot II]

8. I bought an insulated, heated house for my outside kitty, Mr. Cat,

and he won't go in it, except to stick his head in for the bits of kibble I put in it to lure him into it. He prefers the chair with a heating pad, even though that doesn't protect him from the wind. He just curls up in a ball and that seems to be enough for him. It's been ridiculously windy for the last few days, with wind chill around -30. Maybe his fur is enough to keep him from feeling the wind. I've put up patio curtains to keep the snow off the porch as much as possible, and he has heated water and food bowls. So my porch is his "home," where he has been living since about March of 2021. He always goes out in the evening to do whatever cats do, no matter how bad the weather is, and I worry about him until he turns up the following morning, sitting on his throne and waiting for breakfast.

[niyad]

6. Thank you for taking such good care of your outside kits. You are a treasure.

[chouchou]

9. Feral cats are an invasive species

In many localities is it against the law to feed feral cats. You feed them, they are yours, you have to take them to the vet for shots, keep them indoors, etc. You must be a bird hater. If cats were raccoons we would find a way to control them. Cats are an invasive species and should be controlled or killed to save our environment. https://www.audubon.org/news/feral-cat-predation-birds-costs-billions-dollars-year
https://www.audubon.org/news/cats-pose-even-bigger-threat-birds-previously-thought
From Florida Fish and Wildlife:
Domestic cats can have impacts on native wildlife:
Domestic cats are not a part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. A single individual free-ranging cat may kill 100 or more birds and mammals per year. Scientists in Wisconsin estimate that cats kill at least 7.8 million birds per year in that state alone. Even cats with bells on their collars kill or injure birds and small mammals.
Cats compete with native wildlife and can spread disease. Outdoor cats have been identified as the primary host in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to wildlife, a disease which has caused death in manatees and other mammals.
Domestic cats can create a nuisance and cause damage, such as killing poultry.
Free-ranging cats can kill birds at bird feeders reducing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Cats can be a nuisance in gardens when they defecate and cover their feces by digging.

[Ocelot II]

10. Go away.

[GP6971]

12. Welcome to DU

I guess

[revmclaren]

13. Don't tell me...PETA?

Popping in with your 7th post in 17 years to down talk a bit of human kindness to animals.

Wow.

[catbyte]

14. So are human beings. What's your point?

[Stinky The Clown]

15. I am going to ban you.

You are free to ask to be reinstated.

This is a safe space for pet lovers. Your post is offensive to the average member of this forum.

[SlimJimmy]

16. Not welcome in this group.

We take care of our ferals, and that INCLUDES vet care, spaying and neutering. So, please just go away.