Pawsitive solutions for dealing with community cats
Lately, Felius has received an unbelievable amount of trap-neuter-return (TNR) help requests. So many requests that we really could use a full-time staff of 50 whisker warriors. While Felius strives to respond to as many requests as possible, the truth is that most TNR programs are managed by a very small group of volunteers (ours included). So, what can you do if you find yourself in a situation where rescues don’t have the capacity to help?
Fear not! We’ll walk you through what to do if you find yourself face-to-face with a free-roaming feline. We’ll even throw in some tips on how to humanely discourage them from turning your property into their personal playground.
Tips for helping community kitties
The recon mission: Before you dive into action, take a moment to assess the situation. Are we dealing with a cool, confident cat or a scruffy, streetwise survivor? Watch from a safe distance and see if the cat seems healthy, injured, or in need of immediate help. If it's an emergency, call in the cavalry (AKA local veterinarians or animal control). Felius can recommend some awesome vets if you’re in a pinch.
Check for a tip or chip: Before deciding how to proceed, you need to confirm if the kitty really a stray OR is the kitty could be someone’s lost pet. But how can you do that?
Firstly, you can look for an ear tip (like the one in this photo). Ear tips appear as if someone just cut straight across the top of one of cat’s ears (don’t worry, it’s a painless procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian). If you see an ear tip, it means that your kitty has already been TNR’d! You can be sure that this cat is already spay/neutered and vaccinated. Yay!
However, if an ear tip is NOT present and you suspect that the kitty might be an escaped or lost pet, fear not. If you can lure the kitty into a cat carrier, most vets will scan for a microchip at no cost to you. Always use bite-proof gloves when handling stray animals, even if they seem super friendly. You don’t want to end up with a nasty bite that will require antibiotics and a rabies shot (trust us, it’s no fun). You can also post photos to local lost pet groups on social media. Just make sure you ask for proof of ownership if someone comes forward to claim your kitty (i.e. photos and/or vetting records). You can never be too careful.
Sweet eats: Cats, feral or not, have a soft spot for good eats. Show some love by providing food and water. Set up a kitty buffet in a safe and sheltered area, away from the hustle and bustle of the mean streets. Fresh water and high-quality cat food are the keys to their hearts. Just make sure you don't end up with a line of cats (or other creatures) stretching down the block.
Stellar shelters: Mother Nature can be a real buzzkill, and feral cats know it. Help them out by providing shelter from the storm. You can make a cheap shelter using an 18-gallon plastic tote with a cat-sized hole cut in one side. Insulate it with styrofoam and line it with straw (NOT HAY OR BLANKETS). Hay and blankets hold in moisture, while straw will keep those kitties nice and dry. Place this kitty crib in a quiet spot, high above the ground to keep those pesky predators at bay. Your finished shelter should look like the ones below:
Practice patience: Building trust with feral cats isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Spend time near the feeding area, and for the love of catnip, don't stare them down like you're auditioning for a staring contest championship. Be cool, relax, and read a book or practice your meditation skills. They'll come around eventually.
Time for the snip-snip: We all know the saying, "It takes two to tango," but let's put a stop to this feline fiesta, shall we? Reach out to local veterinarians. They might know a thing or two about low-cost or even free spay/neuter options. Get those cats fixed/vaccinated and take control of the population problem. If you can’t get the cat into a standard carrier with bite-proof gloves, you can purchase a live trap. Below are some live trapping tips:
Always set your trap the day before (or day of) your vetting appointment. It can be hard to time this perfectly, but do the best you can. You may have to reschedule your vetting appointment IF you catch the wrong cat OR if you are unsuccessful. Have patience and be persistant.
Line the bottom of the trap with some old newspaper.
Bait the trap with some smelly soft cat food, chicken, or tuna.
Place it in one of their regular hangout spots and cover it with a towel to make it more appealing to felines.
Monitor the trap closely (especially if the weather is really cold or hot). NEVER set a trap if you can’t check it regularly over the course of a 24 hour period.
Once you have the kitty in the trap, they are OK to stay in the trap overnight if your vetting appointment is the next day. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE TRAP OR REMOVE/ADD FOOD OR WATER. Just be sure to place the covered trap in a quiet, temperate, and dry location (i.e. covered porch on a comfortable day, cool garage with ventilation, etc). If it’s too hot/cold outside, you should wait to trap when the temperature is more moderate.
When transporting your kitty to their vet appointment, we recommend lining your vehicle with a plastic tarp. Accidents happen and you’ll want to protect your car seat. :)
After returning from the vet, it is safe to re-release the cat exactly where you trapped them. Then give yourself a big pat on the back!
Education is power: Spread the word like a catnip-infused wildfire! Use social media, neighborhood gossip sessions, or even smoke signals to educate your community. Teach everyone about responsible cat ownership, the importance of spaying/neutering, and the wonders of TNR. Let's create a feline-friendly world, one cat-loving heart at a time.
Quick tips for humane feral cat deterrence
We often get asked to help relocate feral cats. But cats are creatures of habit and will generally find their way back home. So we highly discourage attempting to relocate community cats. However, there are several HUMANE ways to actively discourage kitties from taking over your property.
Cat-proofing: Time to put those feline parkour skills to the test. Erect some serious barriers like tall fences, sturdy netting—whatever it takes to make their entry impossible.
Close the buffet: Cats are suckers for a good meal, so let's cut off their midnight feasting. Lock up your garbage cans like they're hiding national secrets. No late-night snacks for these furry invaders. And if you're a bird lover, keep the feeders high and secure. We're here to deter, not provide a 24/7 buffet service.
Make it smelly: Cats have noses sharper than a samurai sword, so let's use that against them. Citrus peels, coffee grounds, or lavender oil are all offensive to felines. Sprinkle these scents around like fairy dust, and watch those cats turn their noses up in disdain.
Shelter shuffle: Cats need their own VIP shelters. Set up cozy cribs in secluded spots away from your immediate domain. Give them a reason to redirect their nocturnal adventures. They'll be too busy enjoying their fancy new digs to wreak havoc on your property.
Guard your garden: Gardens are like cat playgrounds, but we're about to change the game. Lay down rough mulch or gravel. Cats won't be excited to get their paws poked on unfriendly textures. And for some extra protection, install a sneaky layer of chicken wire or mesh just below the soil.
Communication is key: Talk to your neighbors about the feral cat population and work together to find humane solutions. Encourage them to follow similar practices to discourage cats from roaming on their properties. Collaborating with your community can have a greater impact in managing the feral cat population.
Well there you have it folks, our tips for helping you navigate the tricky world of community kitties and TNR. As always, Felius is here help, even if our TNR intake is full. We can still provide guidance so you (and your community kitties) aren’t left out in the cold. Happy trapping!