Winterizing Feral Colonies

In one survey, shelter for feral cats was found to be more important than food. Cold, and especially wet, weather can have adverse, and even serious, effects on animals. They can become hypothermic and could even freeze to death. Actually the biggest problem is if the animals get wet and cannot find a warm place to dry their fur. Most feral cats can usually cope with cold weather, as is well documented on Marion Island, where as we mentioned before, it either rains and snows for over 300 days each year. And yet the feral cat population grew from just 5 cats to over 6,000!

Domestic cats and dogs, if left outside, probably suffer more from cold weather conditions than feral cats, who develop a winter coat in the fall. Ferals need a warm, dry shelter to protect them from wet weather, as well as extra nutrition and fresh water, which can be a problem during freezing weather. A feeding station will help to keep food and water from freezing. Bedding should be made of hay or a synthetic material such as that used to make horse saddle covers. Blankets and towels retain moisture and should not be used during the wintertime.

Providing shelter is a crucial aspect of colony management You can build a simple shelter or you can provide other types of protection against the elements. Shelters provide a safe haven to keep cats dry and warm and will prevent them from roaming. With this provision managed colonies can be very hardy in the wintertime. Helpful tips for creating or building feral cat shelters:

You can use any type of strong box or crate, or buy a dog “igloo” from your pet supply company.

Tips for Winterizing Your Colony:

You should insulate the shelter with thick plastic or other material to keep out wind and cold.
Leave a small opening for the cats to enter. Put this opening on the side of the shelter that is protected from the wind.
Use hay for bedding. Do not use blankets or towels as these retain moisture.
Raise the shelter off the ground by placing it securely on bricks or on a wooden pallet. If left on the ground it will retain moisture and will rot.
Clean shelters each spring and autumn by replacing the bedding with fresh hay.
A feeding station – a simple structure with a roof and floor will help keep food dry and provide a dry place for cats to eat. Fresh water can be a problem during freezing weather. Hot water can be poured into their water bowls, which may give them an opportunity to drink once it cools. For porch cats a heated water dish can be used.
Feral cats will huddle next to each other to keep themselves warm. This is one reason they become such social animals: it is a survival ploy for them.