Animalkind, Inc.
P. O. Box 902, Hudson, New York 12534

Feral Cat Information

How YOU can shelter a feral cat this winter
(To enlarge the photos, click on the photos or links)

Northern winters are particularly harsh on feral cats and kittens who have not experienced this often bitterly cold season.  The feral and homeless cats that do not find suitable shelter face many dangers -- chief among them frostbitten ears and feet.  We have seen ears that were so frozen, they actually "broke" and became seriously infected. (Shelter-01)

A nearly cost-free shelter consisting of a Styrofoam packing case, some contact paper and duct tape, some glue or silicone sealant and hay or straw might help save the life of an otherwise homeless cat.

When completed, the "shelter" should be placed in a spot that is sheltered from wind, snow and rain and in a place where the cat will feel safe.  A rock, board or other weighty object should be placed on top.  If the area is sheltered sufficiently, an old blanket covering the shelter top and sides is even better.

The homeless cats need food also to survive the winter.  Help and feed where you can.

Making the shelter:

1.  Get free Styrofoam packing cases from your favorite restaurant (the cases come with fish and meats delivered to the restaurant) (Shelter-02)

2.  Line the entire inside and inside cover with contact paper (the cats are likely to scratch the bare Styrofoam "walls")

3.  Saw an entrance hole at one end

4.  Cover the edges of the hole with duct tape

5.  Seal the cover back on, using silicone sealant (and a caulking gun)

6.  Flip "upside down" so that the bottom of the case becomes the "roof"

7.  If desired, paint the outside of the shelter

8.  Pack hay or straw inside so that the cat can "burrow" in the insulating hay

PS:  This would be a commendable project for a Scout Troop or other civic organization.

Thanks to Neighborhood Cats of New York City for their inspiration.
Also see: http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/info/wintershelter.htm

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Animalkind Inc.is a not-for-profit welfare, protection, rescue, rights organization dedicated to the  compassionate care and humane population control of abandoned, feral and stray cats in Hudson, New York (Columbia County) and the surrounding area.  We promote non-lethal  prevention of an unwanted litter or litters of kittens through trap, spay, neuter, release (return), (tnr, TNR).  An altered cat or kitten is released into a managed colony. Felines living in such colonies are assured kind daily care.  Adoption to  homes providing love and care for cats and kittens is encouraged.   We also provide low or no cost spaying and neutering assistance to low income pet owners and help increase public awareness and education through the media, special events, and publications to promote compassion, respect, and kindness towards all animals.  (d-10)

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