At this time of year shelters are inundated by callers wanting to get admission for the stray cats they’ve been feeding all summer. Suddenly, it dawns on the good Samaritans that cold, rainy weather is here or soon to arrive and they worry for the kitty. Shelters, especially no-kill shelters, rarely have spots for these cats and also some of them require indoor only homes. Maybe the stray cat wouldn’t do well inside all the time, so that option is out. So, now what?
I advise continuing to care for the cat and create a cozy place for him to get out of the wind and rain. I made one for my outside stray out of a Rubbermaid storage container. They’re inexpensive and will be impervious to the wind and rain. I cut an 8″ X 8″ hole in the middle of one end, lined the inside walls and lid in foam packing material I glued on and put towels and blankets inside. If you put the hole towards the bottom of the container, rain might seep in. Then I put the container on my deck with the opening pointing towards the house so the wind wouldn’t enter there easily. My kitty loved it and stayed dry and relatively warm.
For additional warmth in the very cold months, you can put a Snuggle Safe disc in the little “house.” You warm it in the microwave, wrap in a towel and put it in the house for the kitty to sleep on. It will hold its heat for several hours. A less expensive option is to create a cloth envelope filled with uncooked rice. Sew one end closed and heat it in the microwave and wrap in a towel. It doesn’t hold the heat as long, but costs practically nothing to make one.
If you’re one of the many good-hearted people caring for a stray, there is a special halo for you. Thank you for what you’re doing for the cat. He/she is indeed lucky to have found you.
Laura Speirs, Feline Behavior Consultant