When summer arrives, there are many groups, organizations and just regular citizens that jump in to help the animals in the extreme heat. They watch out for dogs left in hot cars or, check on dogs in the neighbourhoods that are tied outside for long periods of time to make sure that they have water and shelter from the sun. Same goes for the feral and stray cats that live in the alleys or backyards of people. It's much easier for them to find shelter on their own. People take it upon themselves to throw some food out to them and set out bowls of water when it's hot and water is scarce.
There are several groups that reach out to these colonies of cats and take care of them. They have what they call TNR programs. This stands for trap, neuter and release cats to prevent over-population. Vaccinations can also be included in this program. These groups also place cats and kittens into foster homes hoping that eventually, they will find a forever home. If you take a cat in to foster, food and supplies are provided to you and medical bills are covered by the group you are fostering for. A few such groups that are found in Windsor are, Earn Your Wings, For The Love Of Grace and Kittenade, as well as others, are formed by volunteers and concerned citizens. They rarely receive regular funding and they raise most of their money through yard sales, bake sales, craft sales and other fundraisers. They rely on donations also. Besides monetary donations, food is a major item that is needed. Blankets and food bowls, toys and other things can be used.
Summer is coming to an end and winter is on the way. A lot of people stop helping the feral and stray cats because they don't see them around. This is because they are off somewhere trying to keep warm in the cold temperatures. If you still provide food and water in the same area you did all summer, they will know where to go. Food and water is essential to help them survive in the cold. Something that has become quite popular is people building inexpensive shelters and food stations for cats in their backyards and in the alleys. They can be made from plastic bins, wooden boxes, cardboard boxes and lined with Styrofoam sheets, straw or wood shavings. Anything that will hold moisture such as blankets or towels are not a good option. Many designs and plans can be found online to make easy shelters if you are willing to buy a few things and take a little time to make them. You can also contact people from these groups that would be glad to help you along.
In addition to all the above mentioned donations, you could also donate materials to the groups to build shelters. There are volunteers that would be happy to receive them and donate the time to build them. There can never be too many shelters. It's true that cats grow thick coats to help keep them warm but, with the winters that have been hitting us with extreme cold, extra protection is needed for them to survive. Some, are able to seek out shelter on their own, in barns, sheds, woodpiles and other places. A lot are not so lucky and have no where to go and do not have a regular food source. Unfortunately, many will not make it through the winter just as some, during the summer, do not make it during extreme heat. Sadly, it is the cold temperatures that claim the most lives.
With all the efforts of trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccinating and having the wounded taken care of, will be useless if people don't jump in to help shelter these cats if they can. All the hard work of raising money and collecting donations is wasted if cats are left to perish during the winter months.
Others cats are lucky enough that someone takes them in and makes them their pet.
The efforts of these groups and organizations seems to have decreased the population of feral and stray cats. There are so many more colonies out there that just keep growing. You can contact any of these groups to see if they can help with trapping colonies in your neighbourhood. This will definitely keep the colonies from growing. Colonies can grow at a fairly rapid rate. Another good reason to have these cats spayed and neutered is they become a bit less scared. Getting care and food helps them live together better. Less fighting and growing used to one another creates less problems in the areas that they live. A happy cat is a more friendly cat.
So, if you are one that has been feeling bad for stray cats in your area but, weren't sure what you could do, I hope this article gives you an idea or two. Every animal, no matter what kind it is, deserves to live the best life possible. Consider donating items or time if you can or, take in a foster!
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| Cardboard Shelter |
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| Shelter maid from a Tote Bin |
Written By: Mike Crawford
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