Cats
Stray and feral cats can often find it difficult to find warm and safe places to sleep, especially during the winter months. If you've encountered a cat on the street and you're unsure of whether it has an owner, keep in mind that it might be a feral cat. Feral cats are less likely to appeal to human contact and might even display aggression if they feel anxious - try not to approach unless you need to.
If the cat appears friendly, you should first try to find out whether it has a microchip. If the cat is uninjured and you can take it to a vet, they will be able to find out if it has a microchip and get in touch with the owners. (If the cat is injured, you'll need to contact the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, depending on the location).
If the cat appears well but you're unable to take it to the vet for scanning, get in contact with your local CP - you'll find contact details at www.cats.org.uk/find-us. While we will always help as soon as we are able, branches are run by volunteers in their spare time so we are unable to offer an emergency service. As they may not be able to come to collect the cat straight away, there are a few things you can do to help. Aside from providing the cat with fresh and clean drinking water, building a cat shelter will give them a space away from the elements.
Check out the video below for a handy how-to on making your own shelter.
It is essential to note that while the Styrofoam and straw in the shelter will offer a warm space for the cat, it is important that these be changed regularly to keep it hygienic. Food should also not be left in the shelter as the smell is likely to attract other animals.
If you like this, why not check out our blog post on How to make a cat tent?
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Cats
How to make a stray cat shelter
Stray and feral cats can often find it difficult to find warm and safe places to sleep, especially during the winter months. If you've encountered a cat on the street and you're unsure of whether it has an owner, keep in mind that it might be a feral cat. Feral cats are less likely to appeal to human contact and might even display aggression if they feel anxious - try not to approach unless you need to.
If the cat appears friendly, you should first try to find out whether it has a microchip. If the cat is uninjured and you can take it to a vet, they will be able to find out if it has a microchip and get in touch with the owners. (If the cat is injured, you'll need to contact the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, depending on the location).
If the cat appears well but you're unable to take it to the vet for scanning, get in contact with your local CP - you'll find contact details at www.cats.org.uk/find-us. While we will always help as soon as we are able, branches are run by volunteers in their spare time so we are unable to offer an emergency service. As they may not be able to come to collect the cat straight away, there are a few things you can do to help. Aside from providing the cat with fresh and clean drinking water, building a cat shelter will give them a space away from the elements.
Check out the video below for a handy how-to on making your own shelter.
How to Make a Feral Cat Shelter
Help feral cats stay warm this winter! … The shelter I built is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to help (You can also add a plastic/vinyl flap over the opening once a cat as begun to use the shelter to protect them even more from the elements:)If you're looking to make more substantial shelters, there are many different options to be found here: http://www.alleycat.org/ShelterGallery
Posted by Cole & Marmalade on Saturday, 2 January 2016
If you like this, why not check out our blog post on How to make a cat tent?
- Support Your Local Shelter!
Hi All, Our friend Brian asked his friends if we would do a reminder post today about the importance of supporting your local shelter. All of my kitties have been adopted from one kind of shelter or another, except...
- Tuxedo Tuesday
The nice folks over at the New Tuxedo Gang Hideout posted Ben’s picture today on their blog and welcomed him into their club. In light of this, Ben thought I should write a little about how he came to live with us… We adopted Ben from Toronto Animal...
- Tommy Is Reunited With His Owner Thanks To Facebook
Tabby Tommy, who had been missing for two weeks, has been reunited with his owner thanks to Cats Protection’s national Facebook page. Tommy was handed in as a stray to our Warrington Adoption Centre by a member of the public. Upon scanning the cat for...
- ‘will Neutering Calm My Kitten Down?’ And Other Neutering Faqs
Want to know more about neutering your cat? Have a read of this blog post which contains some of the answers provided by Cats Protection’s Neutering Manager Jane Clements in our recent neutering Q&A. Question: I have three cats – the oldest two...
- Behaviour Focus: Drinking Water
In the first of our new weekly behaviour focus posts, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains what to do if your cat isn't drinking from their water bowl. Why do my cats drink out of the toilet/pond/other inappropriate place rather...