If you see a stray cat in your neighborhood, you can catch it humanely using a Havahart or box trap. You can purchase one yourself, but these can often be borrowed from local vets and shelters.S
Become a colony caretaker.. If you think you can provide ongoing shelter, food, or health care to a group of feral cats, contact your local Humane Society, veterinary hospital, or other animal welfare group to find out how to get started.
Make time to spend with each kitten individually. By separating them you can see who needs more socialization. Make sure you include a small litter box and food and water. Place something in the carrier or room that will help keep the kittens warm, like a blanket or stuffed animals.
Feral cats already are naturally untrusting of just about everyone and everything, and oftentimes, a feral cat will abandon their kittens if they're off in search of food. This is similar to how other animal mothers in the wild leave their vulnerable young behind while they hunt.
Change food and water dishes used to provide feral cats with fresh food and water. Check dishes twice a day. Throw out old food, replace it with new food and change the water. Use a plant-safe flea and tick killer on all areas of the lawns, yards and gardens where feral cats tend to roam.
Contact your local animal shelter. Many local shelters will not trap the cat and won't take feral cats into the shelter. However, many shelters provide training, traps, and access to free or low-cost spaying/neutering.
Owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship to your life. Having a feline friend can also help to relieve stress and improve your heart health. Owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding relationship.
Insulate the shelter with straw, not hay. Mylar blankets cut to size can also help cats retain warmth. Avoid using conventional fabric blankets or towels, which absorb moisture and can make the interior cold. Placing the shelter on a pallet or other surface to raise it off the ground can also help to insulate it.
Use a different bait - For many cats, regular canned cat food will work just fine. But for the big guns, we recommend extra-special, fragrant bait. Canned mackerel, canned sardines, or canned tuna are great options! Fresh and warmed fried chicken can also be very enticing.
The Fastest Way to a Stray Cat's Heart Is Through Her Stomach. Stray cats are often hungry cats, so the best first move is to feed the kitty and provide lots of water. Once the cat learns you're a source for food, she will visit every day. For some very friendly cats, this is enough to gain their trust.
Many experts agree that feral adult cats simply can't be tamed. They are wild animals, like raccoons. They tend to stay away from humans, hide during the day, and when adopted, are very difficult to socialize. Just like you would never try to handle a raccoon, you should never try to pick up a feral cat.
If you're not able to safely restrain the animal, call the local animal control agency (in rural areas, call the police). Do so whether or not the animal is injured, and whether or not they are wearing an identification tag.
Cat Out All Night in the Rain. As long as it isn't cold, you don't have to worry. Your cat will find a temporary shelter and hunker down. That's true especially if you aren't available to open the door when it comes home. Your porch, garage, shed, or backyard hedges will do fine.
Cats Have the Healing Power of the Purr. A cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hz which is known to be medically therapeutic for illnesses in humans. A cat's purr can not only lower stress it can also help labored breathing, lower blood pressure, help heal infections, and even heal bones.
Feral cats will use most of their energy trying to stay warm in the frigid winter months. A regular, ample supply of food will help them conserve the energy they need to stay warm. It will also help their bodies sustain their natural insulation: thick coats and an extra layer of fat.
Feral cats are not socialized to people-and can't be adopted. With some time and attention, however, you can work with young feral kittens to help them become affectionate and loving companions.
Feral cats will eat whatever they can to survive, but if they have a choice, they prefer small rodents like mice and rats. They will also go after hares, rabbits, squirrels, bats, shrews, and moles.