Feral cats need our compassion just as much as domestic cats. Most shelters will euthanize them because they are not adoptable, and rescues will not take them for the same reason unless they are in danger and need relocation. It is exceedingly rare for an adult feral cat to be able to be rehabilitated to the point of being adoptable, and to most shelters, especially municipal ones, it is a waste of time and resources to try. I highly recommend against trying to surrender feral cats anywhere unless they are in imminent danger of being injured or killed at their current location. Leaving food out 24/7 may attract other animals which is why I always instruct colony caretakers to feed their cats on a schedule (example: put food out at 6pm, let cats eat, pick up food at 7pm.) This eliminates the issue easily. Cats are creatures of habit, even ferals, and they will pick up on a routine quickly, especially if it means that if they aren’t at their feeding station at a certain time every day, they won’t eat.
if your concern is that they are hunting birds and other small animals, by withholding food you will only force them to have to hunt even more— something they are going to do no matter what because it is their survival instinct. Providing fixed feral cats with sustenance and shelter is not contributing to the feral cat population growth. Feeding and sheltering feral cats without making an effort to get them fixed, is. All you’re doing by providing food and heat is keeping them from suffering unduly. In fact, by removing feral cats from their location, you are only creating space for a new colony to move in, and a new colony WILL move in. It is called the Vacuum Effect. The Alley Cat Allies have a great article on it.
as long as you are providing shelter to feral cats, make sure:
A) if the shelter is not heated, never use blankets or fabric scraps in it. Only use straw (NOT hay). If the shelter is heated and you use fabric bedding, change the bedding no less than 3-4 times a week to prevent mold, and wool is recommended for warmth.
B) make sure the shelter is insulated and weather proofed if it is outside
C) if you are using a traditional cooler/rubbermaid shelter, have the entrance facing a wall with about 8-10 inches of space between. This keeps wind from entering the shelter.
germansingergirl
blakekathryn
snowghoul
jacobvanloon
theartofmadeline
gummygunk
dailybridgerton
vaporwave
