Even though feral cats develop a thick coat in the fall to keep them warm they can die from exposure if at least some protection from the elements is not available.
Feral cats in winter.
Most of the time they take care of themselves scavenging and hunting for their meals while also depending on the kindnesses of cat lovers but things can get a lot chancier when the weather turns frigid.
All cats will grow a thicker coat in the winter.
Warm and dry because it resists moisture straw is the top choice for insulation and bedding in your feral cat shelters says alley cat allies.
Further down this page you 39 ll also find tips on.
P feral cats can survive in even extremely frigid climates if they are provided with adequate winter shelter.
Street cats alley cats wild cats feral cats homeless cats there are a lot of different names we give to these free ranging felines.
For more populated colonies go with multiple shelters of a larger size.
A good feral cat winter shelter will have three essential qualities it will be well insulated have minimal air space and be waterproof.
They are resilient and able to live and thrive in all varieties of locations weather conditions and climates.
The best thing you can do is put out water for them and check it twice daily to make sure it hasn t frozen over.
Hypothermia occurs when a cat s body temperature drops below 100 degrees.
Winter weather hazards for feral cats pixabay at pexels.
If you are feeding outdoor cats and would like food please call us at 503 797 2606.
Community cats also called outdoor stray or feral cats are well suited to living outdoors usually in close proximity to humans and can survive winter on their own.
However the extra fur alone isn t enough to keep them warm enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Cats rely on body heat to stay warm so keep your shelters small for colonies with just a few cats.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know including detailed information on building your own feeding station and cat shelter.
So whether you have an outdoor cat that likes to stay that way or just want to provide some food and shelter for feral or stray cats read on to find out how you can keep your favorite felines warm all through the cold winter months.
Avoid blankets which absorb.
Our annual holiday cat food drive collected a record 5 049 pounds of food to help provide nutritious meals for feral and stray cats during the challenging winter months.
Caring for feral cats during the winter months with a few odds and ends and a trip to the hardware store you can help feral cats survive the worst that winter can offer.
Many cats tend to be chronically dehydrated and winter s chill can make it even more difficult for feral or outdoor cats to get access to water.