Content
- How do stray cats survive?
- what stray cats eat
- How to feed stray cats
- Homes for stray cats
- What else can we do to help stray cats?
- How to deworm stray cats
- How to collect stray cats
- stray cat colonies
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we are going to discuss an extremely important subject, which is the issue of homeless animals. In this case, we will explain how to help stray cats. It is very likely that you will notice the presence of cats that may have been born on the street that have been abandoned near your home. Some live alone, while others form colonies in which they live together, especially female cats and young kittens.
If you care about this issue as much as we do, then we'll show you what we can do to help them, how to feed stray cats and how to protect them from the weather.
How do stray cats survive?
At this point, it is convenient to differentiate between basically two realities. Firstly, in more rural areas it is possible to find cats that live freely. They may or may not have a caregiver, but in general, they live their lives similarly to their wild relatives. They mark their territory, interact or not with other cats and animals, climb, jump and capture small prey such as birds and rodents.
But not all stray cats enjoy a favorable environment. Most are forced to survive in urban environments, competing with vehicles, asphalt and few opportunities to feed. These cats have a shorter life expectancy. They are exposed to the climate, parasites, all kinds of diseases and, above all, to the action of human beings. All cats with access to the outdoors, unfortunately, run the risk of being run over, hit or mistreated. Hence the importance of knowing how to help stray cats.
what stray cats eat
Stray cats in a rural environment hunt any prey they have access to, like small birds, mice and even lizards and geckos. In addition, they will include in their diet any food for human consumption that they have access to, such as leftovers they find in garbage cans or that some people leave at their disposal.
In the city, dig through the trash it is the main form of food for these cats, as access to potential prey is often more limited. Of course, they also consume what some people offer them. There are many people who do not know how to help stray cats other than putting food on the street.
How to feed stray cats
Upon discovering the presence of uncared for cats around us, feeding them is often the first option that comes up when we ask ourselves how we can help stray cats. As we look at the areas where these cats are present, we can find different types of food. Some people choose to cook and feed them meat, fish, rice, etc. Others simply leave their own food scraps. There are also those that distribute rations or wet food.
the feed is the best among all the options because it is the only food that is preserved intact on the street, as long as it does not get wet. The others, unless we carry small amounts that will be consumed at the time, leave residues that rot, soil and attract insects and other animals unloved by the population.
Homes for stray cats
In addition to providing food for them, it is very important to protect it to prevent it from getting wet and spoiling. Hence the convenience of having a sheltered place where the cat can also take refuge. For this, we can make homemade houses with wooden or plastic boxes, but you should always make sure to leave them in an inconspicuous place that doesn't disturb the neighbors or attract the attention of vandals. You can also ask the city if they develop a stray cat refuge and care campaign for you to join.
If you're still wondering what to do to improve the situation for these animals, be aware that there are more options than just food and shelter.
What else can we do to help stray cats?
Ideally, all cats should have a tutor who takes care of all their needs. As much as people talk about the independence of this species, the truth is that they are currently domestic animals, and therefore, they depend on human attention. The feline overpopulation problem means that there are far more cats than people willing to adopt them. Thus, it is not possible to relocate all the cats we find on the street, but it is important that we know how to help stray cats.
The first thing you can do is disclose the cat or cats in question, in case a home appears that allows them to be removed from the street. Meanwhile, in addition to providing food and shelter, you can initiate veterinary interventions such as deworming, always following the guidance of this professional. Another basic measure is spaying or neutering cats. In this way, we avoid not only the incessant birth of new litters, but also prevent diseases that are transmitted during copulation and territorial fights, as serious as feline immunodeficiency. Some city halls carry out campaigns for the sterilization and control of feline colonies that are worth getting to know. With these measures, you ensure that stray cats are in better condition. Observing them daily and making them trust you also allows you to treat minor health problems, always following the veterinarian's recommendations.
In the case of cats with serious health problems, even if they belong to a controlled colony, they must be collected. Getting them off the street is probably their only chance of survival. If you can't take that responsibility, contact an animal protection association.
How to deworm stray cats
Especially in areas where there are controlled colonies of cats, the city will usually provide the products needed to deworm the cats, as well as start the corresponding sterilization campaign. If there is no controlled colony, you can deworm stray cats using antiparasitic collars or pills that can be mixed with the food you leave for them. Of course, in the latter case, you must make sure that each cat takes its pill.
Animal associations can also help you deworm stray cats.
How to collect stray cats
To attract stray cats to sterilize, deworm or adopt them, it is necessary to know that most of them distrust people and are aggressive in any capture attempt. So it's better use a cage specifically designed to capture cats without causing any harm to them. Once you get the cage, you must place it in a strategic place, with the door open and food inside, and wait.
Once the cat is captured, you must act quickly to prevent the animal from becoming more stressed than necessary. Also, remember that you shouldn't be inside for too many hours.
stray cat colonies
The Capture-Sterilize-Return (CED) program is the best method to control stray cat colonies as it involves the kittens being collected from the stray, sterilized (with a small cut in the ear so they can be identified as sterilized ), dewormed and placed back in the colony after being fed. Kittens and more docile cats can be sent for adoption.
Several NGOs in Brazil such as Associação Animals de Rua or Bicho Brother[1] follow this program and can tell you more about it if you find a colony.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to help stray cats?, we recommend that you enter our What You Need to Know section.