Most of this information is from IndyFeral and they do a great job of caring for ferals in all seasons.In cold weather, shelter is actually more important for stray & feral cats than food. Even though feral cats build thicker coats for Winter, they can quickly succumb to hypothermia, particularly in rain & snow when their fur gets wet and doesnt insulate as well. In emergency situations in Winter, if you do not have quick access to a shelter.....a strong cardboard box or container preferably weather proofed with plastic, trash can turned on its side, large plastic tub turned upside down with a door added etc, can provide a temporary solution until a more permanent shelter can be obtained. Its more important to do something to protect the cats from the cold and elements than to wait for the right shelter. Unless you operate a managed colony, dont underestimate the number of cats in your area...you may only see one or two, but there are probably more. Try to provide more shelter space than you imagine needing. Bedding, location, and other considerations Thick straw bedding allows the cats to nest and curl up into heat-conserving positions with the bedding providing a wind-break and insulator. In some cases, tacking strips of cloth over the shelter openings can provide additional protection from drafts, but may require additional training to get the cats to enter the shelter. In very harsh conditions, caretakers may wish to provide weatherproof dog-house heating pads. These are constructed of sealed, heavy plastic with damage-resistant cords. Only use these if you can safely run power to the unit using a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI will disconnect the power in the event of a short circuit or damage to the cord. When plugging a heater cord into an extension cord, make sure the connection does not lay on the ground where it might be prone to water. Special waterproof extension cords are available at hardware stores. Locating the shelter is also an important topic. IndyFeral recommends using neutral and earth tones to blend with the environment. We recommend that shelters be located away from areas of vehicle & foot traffic. Locating it in a wooded area, or in the margin of a wooded area is ideal, as this provides cover from the elements and makes the shelter less obvious. In more developed areas, locate the shelter behind buildings or someplace where it will not be disturbed. Cats will shun shelter if they are disturbed there regularly. Orient the shelter to block the entrances from receiving direct wind and rain/snow. In central Indiana, the prevailing winds are usually from the south to the west. It may also be helpful to place sturdy building materials adjacent to the entrance to provide additional wind protection -- about 12 from the entrance would be fine. Make sure that if you place anything over or around the shelter that it is anchored firmly and will not blow or fall over in front of the entrance.. Walmart is a great and affordable source for totes, the medium size Sterlite black ones are now just $5 , you may want to upgraded to the rubbermaid ones which will last several years and are much sturdier and thicker for just $8 Amazon is a great resource and has thermal mylar blankets for cheap, heated Kitty Pads and Heated Water Bowls Non-Electric Heating If you don’t have access to an electrical outlet for the cats consider a SnuggleSafe thermal disc. It is a plastic disc with a special thermal compound inside that stays warm for hours when heated in a microwave for 5-7 minutes. Wrapped in a cloth the cats can’t open, the disk is a great way to provide warmth. They are also often available through Amazon: There is also a generic one on Amazon at almost 1/2 the price. As you can see, you are only limited by your imagination and your budget. These also make great group give back projects! Remember as you are creating, protect against rain, cold, and wind and keep them off the ground if you can.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:00:00 +0000
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