In this article on our site we are going to deal with a very important topic, that of homeless animals. In this case, we will explain how to help stray cats Around us it is very likely that we detect the presence of cats that may have been born in the street or are in it as a result of abandonment. Some live alone, while others form colonies in which, above all, female cats and younger kittens live together.
If you care about this as much as we do, here's what we can do to help them, what to feed stray catsand how to protect them from inclement weather.
How do stray cats survive?
At this point we should basically differentiate between two realities. First of all, in the more rural areas it is possible to find cats that live on their own. They may or may not have a caretaker, but, in general, they lead their lives in a similar way to that of their wild relatives. They mark their territory, interact or not with their congeners and other animals, climb, jump and capture small prey such as birds and rodents.
But not all feral cats enjoy a favorable environment. Most are forced to survive in urban environments, competing with vehicles, asph alt and few opportunities to eat. These cats have a shorter life expectancy. They are exposed to inclement weather, parasites, all kinds of diseases and, above all, to the action of human beings. All cats with access to the outdoors, unfortunately, are at risk of being run over, shot at, or abused. Hence the importance of knowing how to help stray cats.
What do stray cats eat?
Stray cats in a rural setting will hunt any prey they have access to, such as small birds, mice and even lizards and lizards. In addition, they will include in their diet any food for human consumption to which they have access, such as leftovers found in containers or that some people leave at their disposal.
In the city, ruminage through the garbage is the main form of food for these cats, since access to potential prey is often be more limited. Of course, they also consume what some people offer them. There are not a few people who do not know how to help stray cats in any other way than putting food on the street.
What to feed stray cats?
If we discover the presence of stray cats around us, feeding them is usually the first option that comes up when we ask ourselves how we can help stray cats. As soon as we look at the areas where these cats are present, we can find different types of food. Some people choose to cook and give them meat, fish, rice, etc. Others simply leave their own leftovers. There are also those that distribute cans of wet food or feed. Among all the available options, the best is feed, since, as long as it doesn't get wet, it is the only food that remains intact on the street. The rest, unless we carry small quantities that are consumed at the moment, leaves remains that spoil, get dirty and attract insects and other animals that are little loved by the population.
Houses for stray cats
In addition to putting food on them, it is very important that it is protected to prevent it from getting wet and spoiling. Hence the convenience of having a sheltered place, where the cat can also shelter. To do this, we can make homemade sheds with wooden or plastic boxes, but we must always make sure to leave them in a discreet place, that does not bother the neighbors or call the attention of vandals. We can also ask our town hall if they develop any shelter and care campaign for stray cats that we can join.
In this other article we explain step by step How to make a house for stray cats. And if you keep wondering what to do to improve the situation of these animals, you should know that there are more options than food and a kennel.
What else can we do to help stray cats?
Ideally, all cats have a caretaker who takes care of all their needs. As much as there is talk about the independence of this species, the truth is that, at present, they are domestic animals that, therefore, depend on the attention of human beings. The problem of feline overpopulation means that there are many more cats than people willing to adopt them. Thus, it is not possible to relocate all the cats that we find on the street, but it is important that we know how to help stray cats.
The first thing we can do is spread the cat or cats in question in case they find a home that allows them to be removed from the street. Meanwhile, in addition to providing them with food and shelter, we can initiate veterinary interventions such as deworming, always following the advice of this professional. Another basic measure is spaying or neutering. In this way, we not only avoid the incessant birth of litters, but also prevent diseases that are transmitted during copulation or territorial fights, as serious as feline immunodeficiency. Some town halls carry out sterilization and control campaigns for cat colonies that are worth learning about. With these measures we get stray cats to be in better conditions. Observing them daily and trusting us also allows us to treat minor he alth conditions, of course, always following the recommendations of the veterinarian.
In the case of cats with serious he alth problems, even if they belong to a controlled colony, they must be picked up. Getting them off the street is probably their only chance of survival. If you can't handle it, contact an animal protection association
If you want to adopt a stray cat, in this article you will find all our tips: "Tips for adopting a stray cat".
How to deworm stray cats?
Especially in those areas where there are controlled colonies of cats, the city council will provide the necessary products to deworm cats, in the same way that it will initiate the corresponding sterilization campaign. If there is no controlled colony, you can deworm stray cats using antiparasitic collars or tablets that you can mix with the food you leave. Of course, in this last case you must make sure that each cat takes its tablet.
Animal associations can also help you deworm street cats.
How to catch stray cats?
To attract stray cats in order to sterilize, deworm or adopt them, it is necessary to know that most of them distrust people and are aggressive in the face of any attempt to capture them. Therefore, it is best to use a cage specifically designed to capture cats without harming them. Once you have the cage, you must place it in a strategic place, with the door open and food inside, and wait.
Once you have captured the cat, you must act quickly to prevent the animal from becoming more stressed than necessary. Also, keep in mind that it shouldn't be in there for hours.
How to legalize a colony of stray cats?
As specified in the animal protection law of each of the autonomous communities, municipalities are obliged to manage colonies of stray cats in an ethical manner and in accordance with animal welfare, as long as the environmental conditions allow it. In this way, they must sterilize each one of the members of the colony and identify them to have them controlled.
Now then, how to legalize a colony of cats that is not yet being controlled? It is necessary to submit a document to the town hall with the request and, if possible, a register of the cats belonging to the colony. Right there, they will tell you how to proceed and what documentation is necessary to legalize the colony. Likewise, if you want to take charge of the colony, it is likely that they will ask you for the feline colony feeder card.
In the following video we talk in more detail about feline colonies.
