Sunday, November 9, 2008

Keeping Feral Cats Safe and Warm for the Winter


It's time to make sure that your local feral, barn, stray (whatever you want to call them) cats have a warm, dry shelter for these cold winter months. As you can see, one of our little feral boys, Magee, is curled up on our back porch in his winter bed. We ordered insulated cat houses online at www.feralvilla.com. The best, most inexpensive material for keeping cats cozy and dry is definitely hay. Hay won't mold or mildew, and it reflects their body heat back onto them. You can make a thrifty shelter with plastic storage boxes and nests of hay. We have also ordered an outdoor heated cat pad from this site http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-3093.html. We'll let you know how that works!
And remember, keep spaying and neutering your feral cats so that come spring, there won't be an explosion of homeless kittens!!!

2 comments:

Yvette said...

That warming mat sounds like a good idea - I'd like to know how that works out for you. I use Microwavable Pet Bed Warmers, I heat them every night and just place them in the feral villa.

Thanks for that Cozy Winter website - I use the heated water bowl, but mine haven't lasted for more than one winter.

Thansk for linking to my blog.
Please check out my more active blog at www.dundeeboy.org it's on the Best Friends Network.

LuLu Mypinkturtle said...

Bravo Carrie! Your art is so beautiful and the cause you hold close to your heart should be taken seriously! I have adopted many, many feral or abandoned cats over the years. I live in the country side and people know we take good care of our legged friends. The first thing we get done is have the newly arrived cat get neutered. The winters are rough here in Quebec but at least there are barns and old farming buildings around where some animals find shelter during the toughest months! Thanks for your great comments about my blog and my art! Please come again soon! LuLu