You Feed It, It's Yours! Taking Care of a Stray in the Winter

You know when you walk into a store full of valuables how you are often reminded of the saying, "you break it, you buy it?" Well, on some level, this concept can be extended to cats. In the winter, Kitten Krazy is questioned often about caring for stray cats. People want to know what they should do about the furry critter that has aimlessly wandered onto their property. Naturally, they begin to feed the stray all the while maintaining, “It’s not my cat.” Unfortunately, they forgot to convince Fluffy that she was not their responsibility. The cat continues coming back to the food source without questioning the intent of those feeding her. Since Fluffy is now settled into her new home, we feel she is now your full responsibility.

So, here are some tips for caring for your outdoor cats – especially in the winter:

• Be sure your cat has access to an insulated, dry shelter. This can be a more formal pet house or a makeshift shelter as long as the area remains dry and protected from the wind. It would be best if elevated off the ground. If you are not able to provided a pet-safe electronic heating element in the shelter, then hay or a thick layer of newspaper make good insulation alternatives.
• Be sure your cat has access to food. You will want to provide a fresh bowl of dry food daily as it will freeze in the cold.
• Be sure your cat has access to water. Through the winter months, it is important to make sure your cat has access to water that is not frozen. You can either place the water in a location where it will not freeze or invest in a heated water dish.
• Finally, take your cat to the vet. As you now know, the stray that has adopted you considers you her owner and vet care is one aspect of responsible pet ownership. At a minimum, please have your cat spayed/neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

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