If you’re feeding community cats, thank you.
It is not only an act of kindness, it means you’re already part of the solution.
Once cats have developed a routine with their feeder, TNR becomes that much easier. If a colony is already all sterilized, these routines also help colony managers notice any changes they may need to take action on. Community cats that have caretakers are known to live longer, healthier, and safer lives.
Part of being a colony manager means keeping the cat’s colony sites clean and safe.
There are a few things you should know to make sure your good intentions lead to long-term impact:
- Spay and neuter is essential. Feeding without fixing just creates more kittens. The goal is to TNR all cats in the colony
- Feeding on a schedule helps reduce mess and nuisance complaints.
- Keeping a clean area (no scattered food or trash) builds goodwill with neighbors.
Here is a breakdown on general colony care:
Feeding Location
- We recommend a feeding station to keep bowls in one place for easy cleanup and a tidy appearance.
- If you feed on disposable plates or bowls, take them after feeding to throw away or recycle.
- Feeding stations should have a low profile and blend in with the immediate surroundings.
- Do not place the station in a high traffic area, as the cats won’t feel safe eating there.
- Place the station out of sight of the general public. It draws less attention to where the cats are being fed, affording them greater protection
Nutrition
Food
- Canned food is ideal. Carnivores get moisture from their meals, along with a separate water source.
- If canned food isn’t an option and you feed dry food only, be sure to provide plenty of water.
- The amount of food put out should not exceed an adequate amount for the number of cats in the colony.
Water
- Large and deep dishes will prevent evaporation throughout the day.
- It will also lessen whisker fatigue, which could deter cats from drinking from a certain bowl.
- Metal or ceramic bowls are more sanitary than plastic bowls.
- The less likely the bowl is to harbor bacteria, the more likely it will appeal to cats to drink from.
- Place water bowls away from food bowls. Cats don’t need their water source to be right next to their food bowl.
- Keep water in the shade
- If its hot out...add ice to the water
- Avoid using metal bowls during this time, as they get very hot!
Schedule
Cats like routine. It is best to feed once a day, and at the same time each day.
- Daybreak or dusk are the best times to feed, as cats are up and active then.
- Keep in mind: if you have predators in the area, such as coyotes, they too are active at daybreak and dusk. In that case, consider feeding the cats during the day to minimize conflict.
- Keep food available for 30 minutes to an hour.
- That amount of time allows you to monitor who is eating (the cats will learn to come at that time to eat) and keeps wildlife away.
- After 30 minutes, pick up the remaining food. Leaving food out overnight may attract insects or wildlife, therefore, is not recommended.
Maintenance
- Keep the feeding location neat and clean.
- Thoroughly clean bowls with soap and water every couple of days before refilling them.
- Water bowls will become moldy if not cleaned
- Dry food bowls should be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt.
- Disposable plates or bowls need to be thrown away or recycled.
- Dirty feeding stations are a health risk for cats, an eyesore for the neighbors, and are more likely to attract insects and wildlife.
- Remove trash and debris, even trash you did not create, to make the feeding station sanitary and unobtrusive. This helps avoid possible health code violations and maintain positive relations with local residents.
Pest Control
Bugs might want to snack on what you've go to offer to the cats. Here are some tips to ward off pests
- Dry food attracts less bugs. Whether you feed dry or wet, keep food out for no more than 30 minutes.
- FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth is safe to sprinkle around food bowls and shelters to prevent pests like ants & fleas
- Ant proof bowls are products prevent ants from getting into their food
- “Moat method” is a DIY ant proof bowl. Fill a large 9 x 13 baking pan with an inch of water and place the food bowl inside
- Clean water bowls daily to avoid still water for too long. This will prevent bacteria growth and mosquitos!
- Mosquito dunks or mosquito bits are products that can be placed around the yard to help deter mosquitos.
- Good nutrition = good immune system to prevent fleas. Keeps cats well nourished if you can!
- Unprocessed brewers yeast can be added in their food to deter fleas. 1 tsp can do the trick.
Community Relations
Staying on good terms with your neighbors may be a concern when you’re working hard to care for a community cat or two … or 10. If cats are causing problems in your neighbors’ yards, gardens, or at their bird feeders, this may create tension between you and your neighbors. We find that it is helpful to respect their opinions and offer to work with them to keep the cats out.
Fortunately, there are a number of safe and effective solutions to these problems.
- First and most important, talk to your neighbor.
- Find out if the cat is a pet or a stray, and if it has been spayed/neutered.
- If it hasn’t been sterilized, you can take care of that with the help of El Paso TNR.
- If the cat is part of a colony, contact the colony manager to resolve any situations. It is the colony managers responsibility to look out for their cats. To keep the neighborhood at peace, they should be willing to offer, install, or apply any humane deterrents if need be.
A friendly reminder...
Never argue with the community. Educate nicely! Some people will be difficult. Remember to stay calm, as you are there to help the community and the cats that surround them.