Neighbors,
It's that time of year, when stray/homeless kitties are looking for
warm places to escape the cold. If you feed a stray or are aware of
any near your home, consider setting up a winter shelter for them
(instructions below). Also, if such cats are believed not to be
fixed, please consider TNR (trap-neuter-release). Ferals can be
humanely trapped, vetted at either of the local clinics (PAWS or The
Spayed Club - about $30 for spay/neuter & vaccines), recovered, then
released back in their territory. Email me for more info. To
understand the importance of sterilizing strays/ferals (as well as
pets), refer to the links at the end of this email.
THE SHELTER What you need:
- large capacity plastic storage tub, with fitted lid (18 gal or larger)
- box cutter
- insulation: 1) recycled or purchased styrofoam sheets, 2) clean
straw* (both available from most home centers)
- large piece of wood or lattice, wrapped in sturdy plastic, to
provide extra protection on top of lidded shelter
- piece of oil cloth or heavy plastic, slit, to protect the entryway
- a few bricks to 1) elevate the shelter off the ground, and 2) secure
it from heavy winds (placed on top)
*Note: Do not use blankets or towels inside a winter shelter, as they
don't dry sufficiently when damp (which can cause hypothermia). Straw
is the best insulator and dries quickly. Shredded paper (lots!) is an
alternative. In spring dispose of the straw and thoroughly clean the
box. If anyone has straw left over from Halloween please consider
donating it for shelters. I have a small supply at the moment.
Construction of various types of shelters:
http://www.urbancatleague.org/Shelters.html
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_FERAL_CAT_WINTER_SHELTER
http://www.indyferal.org/index.php?page=shelters#
If there is enough interest, Project Meow can arrange a workshop for
building basic shelters. Email me.
MORE ON HELPING STRAY CATS:
http://www.phillycats.org/
http://www.alleycat.org/
http://projectmeow.org/
cheers,
LL
