Outdoor cats are independent, but they often need human help along the way, particularly during the winter. Our team at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stratford, CT, has some helpful advice you can follow. Our mission is to make the lives of all dogs and cats better and longer by providing spay and neuter, but we also encourage making these critters a little more comfortable during the coldest points of the year. The guide we’ve put together has some helpful tips for helping outdoor cats in your area.

Set Up a Shelter

The simplest way to care for a feral or stray cat is to provide them with an adequate shelter for escaping the elements. We recommend using a large polystyrene box or insulated plastic bin; click on the link for instructions of how to build one. Add a good amount of straw (NOT hay, which is considered food, not insulation) to create extra warmth, but remember to change it often to ensure the area is dry and free of mold Place the shelter in a sheltered area such as against a house or garage to minimize contact with rain, wind, or snow, and create a clear path.

Provide Food & Water

Place bowls for food and water near but not next to the shelter and elevated to keep other animals away .To keep water from freezing, you can use a heated disc such as SnuggleSafe, which can be ordered online or found at your local pet store. 

Check the bowls daily to refill and ensure they are clean, and try to put out food and water at the same time during the day: putting food out at night will attract other wild animals. 

Contact us at the Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic to discuss how neutering or spaying can be beneficial for the strays you care for. If you have a feral colony that needs management, call us at (203) 690-1550 and ask about our feral cat program. For more information, visit our website.