Last updated: July 3, 2023 crystal with
An estimated 70 million feral and feral cats have been found in the United States alone, and vast numbers of kittens face the cold season without a home to keep them warm. If you find a homeless cat like this in your area, you may be wondering how best to take care of a feral cat during the winter.
Keep reading for eight tips for caring for stray cats when the weather is bad outside. Personally, I think you’ll find caring for these homeless animals a lot of fun.
How to take care of a feral cat during the winter
1. Provide shelter
By providing a shelter for feral cats, you keep them warm and protect them from the elements such as snow, rain and wind. The ideal shelter is large enough to trap your cat’s body heat and increase available warmth. One easy option is to use a Rubbermaid storage bin with a truncated door.
You can buy ready-made cat shelters or make your own. Straw repels moisture, making it a simple and effective material for insulating feral cat shelters. During the winter, the insulation can be replaced as needed.
2. Keep the water from freezing
When the weather is warm, it can be very difficult to get enough food and water for feral cats. During winter, available water sources are subject to freezing. If you are caring for a feral cat, use a heated bowl if possible so that the feral cat has access to water at all times. In areas with mild winters, changing the water each morning when temperatures rise above freezing may be sufficient. However, do not place a water bowl inside the cat shelter as the water may spill out and make the inside wet and cold.
3. Give wet food
If possible, feed wet food during the winter. Wet food requires less energy to digest, giving your cat more energy to keep warm. However, like water, wet food can freeze in extreme conditions. Replace daily or serve in a warm bowl. If your shelter is warm and well insulated, you can even put food inside. Your cat’s body heat will keep them from freezing, allowing them to enjoy their meals in a protected area.
4. Protect food and water from the elements
If possible, place food and water as close to the shelter as possible. Ideally, you’ll want to protect your cat’s food and drink from the elements. This will keep your cat from freezing and keep them comfortable while eating. You can buy or build a feeding station, or even set up his second cat shelter near the first as a sheltered eating space.
5. Watch the weather
If you care for a feral cat in winter, pay attention to the weather forecast. If a major blizzard is imminent, have extra bedding, food, and water ready before the blizzard hits. Cats no longer have to worry about going outside to find food, and owners can feel safe and warm in their homes without feeling guilty about their homeless kittens.
6. Shoveling snow
When it stops snowing, shovel the snow from the driveway and sidewalks, and shovel the entrance to the cat shelter. Just like you, your cat can make snow inside and outside your “house”. Snow melting products and salt are often toxic if ingested and should not be used near shelters. Cats can also hurt their paws when walking on treated sidewalks and driveways.
7. Clean up antifreeze spills
Antifreeze may be necessary for your car in the winter, but it can be deadly for feral cats. Check your car regularly for antifreeze leaks. The liquid tastes sweet to feral cats, but ingesting even a small amount can be fatal. Wipe up any spills in your driveway immediately, and keep antifreeze out of reach of stray cats, pets, and children.
8. Check under the hood
Feral cats often climb onto parked car engines to keep warm during winter. Unfortunately, if you’re still napping when the car starts up again, you could seriously injure yourself. If you park your car outdoors in winter, tap the hood of your car a few times before starting it. You can also look into the engine to make sure there are no cats.
Conclusion
These tips for caring for feral cats in the winter will help you whether you’re roaming around with one homeless kitten or caring for an entire colony. Many feral cat colonies are successfully managed and population controlled using trap-neuter-release (TNR) methods. If TNR is performed in the winter, great care should be taken to ensure that the cat is protected after returning from surgery. You may not be able to find a home for every feral cat, but providing shelter, food, water, and quick snow shoveling can help them survive the winter months.
Featured image credit: Peter Gudella, Shutterstock
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything from cat biology, behavior and unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of