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How To Introduce Two Cats

How to introduce two cats Getting a new cat can be very exciting but also stressful. Cats often don’t take well to change, and introductions between pets can be difficult and time-consuming. Introducing a new cat to a home with existing cats presents unique challenges due to their territorial nature, making a carefully planned introduction process essential. However, there are ways to make it successful. The key to cat introductions is to take things slowly and phase them into their interactions over time. Begin by introducing them to each other’s scent. Feed them on opposite ends of a closed door. Then, let them see one another without interacting. Finally, allow them to interact while supervised. Provide them with something to occupy them during the introduction, like a meal or play. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about cat introductions, from how to introduce two cats to what to do if they won’t get along. How Long Does It Take To Introduce Two Cats? Introducing two cats properly can take weeks to months. It depends on the cats, their personalities, and their histories. It also depends on how you introduce them. For instance, two well-socialized kittens may get along during their first meeting and become best friends very quickly. They may even become bonded relatively easily. Two older cats who’ve had bad experiences, such as a house cat who’s been bullied by other cats and a former feral who got in a lot of fights, may take months to years to warm up to one another. They might never be friends, but they will learn to tolerate one another and live in harmony. Introducing an adult cat to a resident cat can be particularly challenging. It is crucial to recognize if the cats will happily accept one another to ensure their physical health and mental well-being. Cats who have had bad experiences with one another often take much longer to regain that trust—which is why it’s so important to take introductions slowly so that you avoid this result! When it comes to gender, two male cats may take longer to introduce than a male and a female or two females. However, it shouldn’t make a huge difference when done right. One thing we do advise is not to introduce two unneutered male cats in a home with a female cat. Even if she is spayed, the boys are likely to fight over her, which can ruin their relationship. Neutering your male cats will reduce behavioral problems, including fighting, and also give them a longer, healthier life (source). If you’re struggling to afford the surgery, look into low-cost spay and neuter programs in your area. These are often much cheaper than going to a traditional veterinarian. Steps To Introduce Two Cats Introducing cats should be done in parts for the best results. These are: It is also crucial to provide each cat with their own space and resources to ensure a harmonious living situation. Quarantine In The New Cat’s Room Whenever you bring a new pet into your home, you want to keep them separate from your other pets. Ideally, this is done in a designated space known as the new cat’s room, which is easy to clean and sanitize if necessary, such as a bathroom. Have one room for the new cat, which can also become the cat’s territory. Make an appointment with your veterinarian and watch your new kitty for signs of illness. Your veterinarian can advise you during your check-up, depending on your area and the cat’s history. Generally, you’ll want them to check for the following: Blood tests for any contagious ailments are especially important, as these can be deadly to your old cat if caught. If you adopted your new cat from a rescue or shelter, you can ask for any veterinary records they have. It’s up to you whether you want to recheck with your own vet or trust theirs. Once your new cat receives a clean bill of health, you can begin introducing them to other rooms in the house if you can. This isn’t always possible in small spaces, but it is ideal. However, it’s not yet time to put your cats together or let the new cat free roam! You can, however, confidently start scent swapping without passing on parasites or illness to your existing cat. (If your new kitty is ill or especially if they had fleas, be sure to wash all of their belongings thoroughly before you begin!) Scent Swapping Scent swapping begins by giving your cats each a space in your home, such as a spare bedroom. Your existing cat should be able to free roam while your new cat lives in a bedroom, extra room, or other enclosed space with the door shut. To create feelings of familiarity and security, use synthetic feline facial pheromone Feliway Classic in both the new cat’s room and in the area where the resident cat spends the most time. Next, give them items that hold scent. Cat beds, blankets, towels, plush toys, or scratching posts. Anything that your cat can interact with or lay on and add their scent to. Provide these items for both cats. After they’ve had a few days to a week to lie on the items, rub their face and tail against them, and get them nice and smelly, swap them! These items likely won’t smell much at all to you, but if you give your new cat something that belongs to your old cat, they’re sure to spend time sniffing it. During this time, you’ll also want to swap spaces. Move your new cat to another closed room before putting your old cat in the new cat’s space. Then, free the new cat so they can explore your home without interruption. Cats communicate heavily through scent. When they sniff where the other has been, your cats are already getting to know each other before they even meet! A great tip is to get a screen

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What Is Ear Tipping?

What Is Ear Tipping In Cats? You might have noticed cats with the point of their ear removed and wondered, did they get into a fight? Who would cut the top of a cat’s ear off? Luckily, there’s actually a good reason for this. It’s called ear tipping, and it’s used to identify feral cats who have been spayed or neutered. If you see ear-tipped cats in your community, it means someone is taking care of the feral cat population and ensuring it doesn’t get out of hand! One female cat can have up to three litters in one year, starting at four months old. By the time she’s on that third litter, her oldest litter will already be reproducing themselves! This can result in hundreds of kittens very quickly. Let’s discuss ear tipping, its benefits, and whether it’s good or bad for community cats. Why Do We Ear Tip Cats? Ear tipping is when the tip of a cat’s ear is surgically removed. In adult cats, one centimeter at the top of the ear is cut. In kittens, even less is taken due to their ears being smaller. Some groups will tip the cat’s right ear, and other groups will tip the cat’s left ear. Ear tipping is done on feral cats, stray cats, or community cats during spay or neuter surgery. This tells the community which feral or community cats are intact and which aren’t. A cat with a tipped ear can be seen from a distance. Cat rescue and TNR groups can know not to trap an ear-tipped cat or to release them if they end up in a live trap. Identifying an altered stray prevents the cat from being brought to the veterinarian multiple times for the same surgery. It saves rescuers time and puts the cat through less stress. Ear tipping cats is said to be a universal way of communicating that a cat has been spayed or neutered (source). It’s been done in the United States and in several other countries for over forty years. What Does An Ear Tipped Cat Look Like? Here are some community cat cuties with ear tips! Many rescues and humane societies will say that an ear tip doesn’t reduce a cat’s ability to be adopted. Most people don’t care about an ear tip and will still adopt the cat or kitten. Alternatives To Ear Tipping Over the years, alternatives to ear tipping have been tried—and failed for several reasons. Let’s look into each. The safest, most humane, and universally acknowledged way to identify a spayed or neutered cat is with an ear tip on the ear. Other methods can lead to injury or added stress when the cat is recaptured needlessly. It also leads to wasted resources as someone may spend days or weeks trying to capture a cat only to find that it was unnecessary, and they could’ve spent their time and money helping cats in need. Does Ear Tipping Hurt The Cat? The ear tipping procedure is conducted while the cat is under anesthesia during the spay or neuter operation. As a result, the cat doesn’t feel any pain, and there is little or no bleeding because the ear is compressed and bandaged immediately. A cat’s ear heals within a few days with light scabbing. Tipped ears or an ear notch are conducted under sterile conditions, so there should be little risk of infection. Is Ear Tipping Cruel? Ear tipping isn’t very controversial, but some people do find it cruel. They see it as an unnecessary cosmetic procedure, even though it is done on outdoor cats. While this is technically true, the alternative is trapping the same cats multiple times, bringing them to the veterinarian, putting them under anesthesia, and possibly even operating on them before the vet realizes they’ve already been through the procedure. (This is most likely to happen to female cats, as veterinarians can typically see that a male cat is neutered without making the cut.) This is, of course, all very stressful for a feral cat who gets stressed just by having people nearby. It isn’t fair to them, and it uses a lot of resources that we need elsewhere. The people doing the work to keep kittens off the street and control local cat populations don’t deserve to have their time, money, or other resources wasted. It would be incredibly inefficient to do things this way, and everyone involved would be worse off for it. Are Ear-Tipped Cats Vaccinated? Most tipped cats are vaccinated during the spay and neuter phase of Trap and Return (TNR). Community cats are typically given vaccines for rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)(source). Rabies vaccines protect feral cats for up to three years. Animal control programs like this help prevent rabies from spreading amongst cats and wildlife in the area. It also keeps community cat colonies healthier. The more cats in a colony that are vaccinated, the lower the colony’s risk will be as a whole for contagious diseases. Are TNR Cats Usually Cared For? Many people practice what’s called TNRM. This means trap, spay/neuter, return, and monitor. In these situations, a caretaker looks out for the cats in the area and provides them with food, water, and shelter. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s possible someone came into the area to TNR the cats but was unable to provide further care. If you see an outdoor cat with an ear tip, then it’s likely a feral or neighborhood cat associated with a TNR program. Feral cats do not have owners—so it is generally okay to adopt them if you follow the proper steps.

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What Is Kitten Season?

What Is Kitten Season? Kitten season is the time of year when most female cats go into heat and start giving birth. Outdoor cats, feral cats, and stray cats can produce an overwhelming number of kittens in the spring and summer, which overwhelms shelters and humane societies. Even though cat lovers may really enjoy seeing all the new pictures of kittens, animal rescues, fosters, and animal care facilities are usually less excited about the influx of newborn kittens. When Is Kitten Season? Kitten season occurs in the early spring and summer, but cats can also get pregnant at any time of the year. March through October are when most kittens are born due to warmer weather, which can cause many unaltered female cats to go into heat. That means that community cats give birth to unwanted litters, which creates homeless kittens born into difficult situations. Why Is Kitten Season A Problem? There are not enough homes for all of the kittens that are born during the kitten season. As a result, many kittens end up in shelters or are euthanized. Kitten season is also a burden on the nonprofits and animal shelters that provide support. The sudden surge can quickly deplete resources and overwhelm the staff. Newborn kittens and nursing cats are also more difficult to manage. You have frequent feedings and sometimes bottle feedings, managing their body weight, body temperature, and litter box training. Kitten Season FAQS How Long Are Cats In Heat? Female cats are usually in heat for around 3-4 weeks. However, they can stay in heat for up to 6 weeks. How Long Are Cats Pregnant? Cats can be pregnant for about two months, usually between 58 to 70 days. How Many Kittens Can A Cat Have In A Year? Feral cats can have anywhere from one to 24 kittens in a year. The average litter size is four kittens, but it can be anywhere from one kitten, two kittens, up to 12 kittens at a time, and two litters a year. A female cat can become pregnant from multiple male cats in a year, producing multiple litters. How Often Can A Cat Have Kittens? Cats can have up to six litters of kittens in their lifetime. It takes about two months for a cat to get pregnant and give birth, so technically, a cat could give birth up to five times a year. That’s one reason why it’s important to have all cats spayed or neutered. What Percentage Of Outdoor Kittens Survive? Only 8% of feral cats born into the wild survive to adulthood (source). Outdoor cats have to fend for themselves and compete with other cats and animals for food and shelter. They also don’t have the benefit of vaccinations and other medical care that domestic kittens receive. As a result, many of them don’t survive to adulthood. If you find kittens, they will live healthier lives if you can also find them foster parents or a temporary home. How Long Do Female Cats Stay With Their Kittens? Mother cats typically stay with their kittens until they are around eight weeks old. After that, the kitten usually becomes independent, and the mother cat will move on to have another young litter. Will A Feral Cat Abandon Her Newborn Kittens If You Touch Them? No, feral cats will not abandon their kittens if you touch them. While that might be true for other species, it is a myth for cats. If you find a stray or feral kitten, be sure to look around for the mother and other littermates. It’s best to take all outdoor newborns to a veterinarian or animal shelter. Animal shelters and Humane Societies are nonprofits and can help ensure the cats get the proper care. What You Should Do If You Find A Kitten If you find a kitten, the best thing to do is to take them to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. They will be able to provide the kittens with the care they need and find them a loving home. How Long Should Kittens Remain With Their Mother? Kittens should remain with their mother until they are eight weeks old. It’s best to wait until the cat is two months old before adopting them. Keeping a kitten with its mother longer ensures that the kitten is healthy and socialized. Kittens can start eating solid food when they are around four weeks old. They will wean themselves off their mother’s milk as they start to eat more solid food. Here Are 8 Great Ways You Can Support Your Local Animal Shelter! Kitten season is a hectic and taxing time for shelters and humane societies, but there are ways that you can help ease the burden. Adopting, volunteering, and spreading the word are all great ways to make a difference in the lives of animals during this time.

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Thinking Of Adopting A Cat?

Thinking Of Adopting A Cat? You’ll know you’re ready to adopt a cat if you have at least 30-45 minutes to spend playing with them every day, the finances to care for them (including vet care), and the ability to keep them safely indoors. Cats are social creatures, and it’s often best to adopt two cats rather than one. Let’s dive into cat adoption more fully so you can decide if it’s right for you! Things to know before adopting a cat Some things to think about before adoption include: We love shelter cats, rescue cats, and stray cats who are brought inside… Rescue cats are the best! There are so many cats out there, and there’s no good reason to breed them. Even if you want a kitten, they’re plentiful at the shelters. Unfortunately, even kittens get euthanized every single day because there aren’t enough resources to care for all the cats in the world. When it comes to age, think about your preferences for a cat. Do you want a wild pair of kittens and don’t mind if they spend their first year or two (or three or four) bouncing off the walls? Or do you live a slower lifestyle and would prefer a senior cat who’s past those hyperactive kitten years? Do you not mind having less time with a cat so long as you can give them a good life they might not have had otherwise? Or maybe you fall somewhere in the middle and would like to adopt a young adult cat who already knows its basic manners but still craves plenty of playtime! Lastly, consider if you can keep your cat indoors. We recommend never allowing your cat outside unsupervised. Indoor cats live longer and aren’t killing wildlife. However, they do need a bit of extra stimulation and attention from you to stay happy. Like all pets, cats require time and effort if you want them to live their best lives. Am I ready to adopt a cat? If you’re unsure if you’re ready to adopt, ask yourself these questions: how to prepare to adopt a cat The cat adoption process Bringing your new cat home Introducing new cats New cats should always be introduced to one another slowly. Once you’re sure they’re healthy and parasite-free, begin scent swapping. Take an item that holds scents, like a cat bed or blanket where your cat sleeps, and put it with the other cat. Do this for both your household cats and your new cats so they can get to know one another in a safe way. Next, try feeding meals at the closed door that separates them. This allows them to smell the other cats and even see them beneath the door, but they can’t interact enough to hurt one another. They’ll also begin to associate each other with food! Then, you can introduce them by sight. This might mean putting a baby gate on the door and carefully guarding so that neither jump over it or allowing your new cat out while the old cat has snuggle time in your lap. Lastly, allow them to interact with one another. Don’t micromanage—hissing, growling, and even batting at one another are normal so long as no one is hurt. They need to work things out in this way, and your intervention can damage their relationship. Separate them if they aggressively chase, one backs another into a corner, or if things escalate physically. Keep interactions short at first, and always supervise them together until you’re confident they can get along.

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How To Care For An Outdoor Cat

How to care for an outdoor cat Indoor life is the best thing for most cats. However, sometimes the best option is to keep a cat outdoors—such as with an older feral cat. Outdoor cats should be brought inside when at all possible. When this can’t happen, you can still make an outdoor cat’s life better by providing them with food, shelter, and medical care. Daily attention can go a long way toward lengthening a cat’s life and keeping them safe. Taking care of an outdoor cat is an entirely different experience compared to caring for an indoor one. As an outdoor cat owner, you are tasked with providing for its needs while also allowing it the freedom to explore the great outdoors. This balance can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be achieved. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or a beginner, the tips from experienced outdoor cat owners will provide useful insights to help you navigate the journey of caring for an outdoor cat. How long do outdoor cats live? The average lifespan of cats can vary greatly depending on whether they live indoors or outdoors. Indoor cats typically live significantly longer, with an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years. This longevity can be attributed to the controlled environment, regular feeding, and minimal exposure to dangers like traffic, predators, diseases, and harsh weather conditions. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, face a different reality. Given the numerous risks and challenges they face daily, outdoor cat’s average lifespan tends to be much shorter, estimated at 2 to 5 years. However, this doesn’t mean an outdoor cat cannot live a long, fulfilling life. With proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, and suitable safety measures, an outdoor cat’s lifespan can be significantly increased. What do outdoor cats do all day? Outdoor cats live different lives than indoor cats. They tend to wander, sometimes up to 1,300 acres away from home, they hunt, and they have to avoid predators (source). You might notice your outdoor cat leaving for days at a time, then coming back for dinner one night as though nothing happened! It’s a common myth that cats are nocturnal. They’re actually crepuscular. They sleep 15 hours a day on average and are most active at dawn and dusk (source). During the day, they can be found chasing insects, exploring new areas of their territory, hunting for prey, or lounging in the sun. They also may spend time playing with other cats in their area or simply taking naps in shaded locations. The best bedding for outdoor cats You want bedding that fits the weather conditions and may need to change the bedding often. Straw is always a good option, no matter the climate. In warm climates, opt for a cool and comfortable bedding material like straw, blankets, or cat pads You’ll still need to keep them clean, but this type of bedding is excellent at keeping the cat cool in the summer months. If you live in cooler climates, then stray bedding works best as it provides insulation against cold weather throughout the year. Also, keep in mind that cats prefer soft and fluffy bedding, so be sure to invest in quality materials for your cat shelter! Natural cat litter for outdoor cats Natural cat litter is made from natural ingredients like wood, wheat, or corn, so they are biodegradable and don’t contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to cats. Aside from being better for the environment, using natural cat litter for outdoor cats can be beneficial in a few ways. They won’t turn into a muddy mess when it rains, and they’ll be easier to clean on a frequent basis. What do outdoor cats eat A common misconception is that cats are good at feeding themselves outdoors. Even feral cats rely heavily on humans and will dig through trash to find food. Cats are natural hunters, so you can also supplement their diet with raw small game like mice or bunnies. They also hunt lizards, rats, and birds, but this likely won’t be enough to sustain your cat. Sometimes, wildlife animals can contain parasites, diseases, and poisons that are dangerous to your cat, so you shouldn’t encourage them to eat them. Wet food is better for cats than kibble because it’s less processed. It also contains more moisture, which is vital for cats’ kidneys. Their bodies are built to obtain most of their water from their prey, not by drinking. I prefer grain-free food for all our cats. I also like to add water to my cat’s food. It’s especially important to hydrate kibble before feeding it to your cat so that they get that added water in their system. A balanced diet is essential for any cat, regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor. Not only will feeding them high-quality food help keep your cat healthy, but it will also encourage them to stay closer to home. How to care for outdoor cats in the winter Winter can be a difficult time for all cats, especially outdoor cats. While their fur helps keep them warm in the cold weather, they are still vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia. As an outdoor cat owner, it’s important to take extra measures to protect your pet during the winter months. First and foremost, make sure your cat has access to cat shelters and plenty of bedding. It’s also important to provide your cat with a heat source like a heating blanket or heated water bowl and nutrient-rich food to help keep their caloric intake higher. Finally, make sure you check on your feline friend regularly during winter months to ensure that they are healthy and safe. Make sure their mood and alertness are normal, which can be signs of health concerns. How cold can cats survive outside? Cats can survive in cold temperatures, but they are still at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. In general, cats should not be exposed to temperatures below

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21 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Cat

21 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Cat If you are considering getting a new pet, here are some great reasons to adopt a cat over buying one from a breeder, or worse yet, buying a dog instead. Not only do cats make great pets, but adopting from a shelter means saving lives and joining a community that will thank you. Here are 21 reasons you should adopt a cat! 1. Saves A cat’s life Shelter cats and street cats are at immediate risk, and taking one of them in saves their life! You can stop a cat from remaining in the shelter for months and prevent them or other cats from being euthanized due to overcrowding. Animal shelter euthanasia rates doubled from 6% in 2021 to 15% in 2022. By adopting a shelter cat, you also free a spot for another cat to be placed in the shelter so that they, too, can find a home. 2. Helps with overpopulation Cats get killed in shelters, and adopting helps support these shelters. Having adoption support from the community allows rescue groups to invest more in TNR programs (community cat programs) and saving lives. The biggest reason not to purchase a kitten from a breeder is that so many cats are already out there! Over 500,000 cats are euthanized in shelters every single year (source). An unspayed female cat can birth over 15 offspring in just one year—and those kittens will begin to reproduce at just four months of age. Until we get this under control, it’s just not ethical to continue breeding cats. 3. They have a story Each cat in a shelter has their own unique story. Whether they were born outside or were abandoned by their previous owners—each one of them deserves a chance at a happy indoor life. Adopting is the best way to make sure cats get that second chance. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with unconditional love and companionship. 4. Wide variety of cats to choose Are you looking for a kitten or a purebred cat? That’s no reason to shop with a breeder! While we don’t think cat breed matters one bit, plenty of purebred cats are in the shelters waiting for homes. If you follow rescue groups in your area, you may be shocked to learn how many purebred cats even face the risk of euthanasia. 5. You’ll get to teach them human ways Some rescue cats have lived outside their whole life. You’ll get to teach them everything they know about indoor life. Learning about each other is a fun and rewarding experience that will strengthen your bond. 6. Good financial sense If you adopt from a breeder or pet store, you’ll likely have to pay more. You’ll also get less for your money in most cases. Shelters often put more into animals than they get back through adoption fees. They provide medical treatment, including vaccinations and a spay or neuter surgery. Many shelter cats are also microchipped, and the shelter will transfer your contact information to the chip upon adoption. Because there are so many cats in the shelter, they often have events like Clear The Shelters, Shelter Cat Month, or ASPCA’s National Adopt A Cat Month, where you can adopt for cheap or even free. While this isn’t necessarily a good thing, it does benefit you financially if you’re looking to adopt. 7. Fewer health problems than purebreds Shelter cats can have fewer health problems than purebred cats from breeders because they are not bred for specific traits. Purebred cats typically cost more, and their genes are often altered to create certain physical characteristics desired by breeders. This can lead to more health problems in purebred cats, such as heart defects or respiratory issues. In contrast, shelter cats are usually rescued from more natural backgrounds, meaning they are less likely to have these types of genetic-based health issues. Additionally, many shelters take proactive measures to ensure the health of their cats by providing screenings and treatments before adoption. This means that the majority of shelter cats will be healthier than a purebred cat from a breeder. 8. Adult Cats Have Known personalities Kittens are amazing and adorable, and we love them to death! But they’re also incredibly unpredictable. Will they like to cuddle or prefer to spend most of their time alone? Will they be super energetic well into old age or be more laid-back as adults? When you adopt an adult cat, you can better predict their personality, and they’re less likely to have drastic changes as they age than kittens, who are still growing into themselves. 9. Good for mental health Studies have shown that people who adopt cats have improved mental health (source). Many people say that caring for their cats encourages them to get up in the mornings and start their day. Cats also thrive on routine, which also helps people with mental illness—so you may develop a schedule for your kitty only to find that it also helps you! Plus, petting your cat is a great way to reduce anxiety! 10. Good for your physical health Cats can improve your physical health, too. For example, just 10 minutes of playing with your cat can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Petting and brushing cats also reduces stress levels and helps you stay calm. Plus, owning a cat might even reduce the risk of stroke! It’s also been reported that having a can also reduce the risk of childhood asthma and makes children less likely to develop cat allergies. (source) 11. Breeders Are unethical There are reputable breeders out there—but they’re few and far between. The majority are either kitten mills or backyard breeders, in it for the money and not the cats’ well-being. Backyard breeders can also have good intentions. Maybe they think their cat is adorable and want to breed kittens that look just like her, they’re trying to show their kids the miracle of life, or they truly think they’re doing

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How To Make An Outdoor Cat Shelter

DIY Outdoor Cat Shelters Making a DIY outdoor cat shelter or outdoor cat house can be cheap and easy. It can also be a lifesaver for feral and stray cats, especially during the winter months. A DIY cat house gives your furry friend protection from the elements and a safe space they can call home. The simplest shelter consists of two bins stacked inside one another. Insulate the interior walls using straw or styrofoam, and avoid using cloth materials inside, as these can get wet and freeze. Set up your food and water stations outside the shelter to avoid spills. You can also put a litter box outside in another storage bin. If you are a cat lover looking to help neighborhood cats, making shelters is a great way to help. Keep reading for a more in-depth guide to making a DIY outdoor cat house for your community cats. How To Make A DIY Outdoor Cat Shelter In 6 Easy Steps Step One: Gather Your Materials You’ll need the following: Step Two: Cut entrance holes in both bins The entrance holes should be small to prevent predators from getting inside and raised from the ground for the same reason. Typically, holes 5.5-6 inches in diameter work well. My outdoor cat gets chunky in the winter, so I did a 7-inch hole. A smaller hole will also prevent wind and rain from getting in, helping to keep a winter shelter insulated and the cat warm. Using a 6-inch planter that’s straight down the sides will help, as you can then use it as a connecting tunnel between the bins. Simply trace the diameter of the pot onto each bin before cutting. This will also make it easier to create a perfect circle! Step Three: Drill Holes In The Bottom Of The Bins Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to escape if it does accumulate inside the bin. However, the shelters will ideally be covered enough to prevent flooding or accumulation inside. Step Four: Place Styrofoam In The Large Bin If you use two storage bins, you can easily put insulating material between and all around the bins. This will help you align the entrance holes to align up precisely. Once your insulation is set, you can place the smaller bin into the larger one. Step Five: Heated Winter Shelters Straw—not hay—should be stuffed between the durable storage bins to insulate the shelter. It may be tempting to add blankets or old towels to the bin at this point, but these can freeze if they’re rained on. Please stick to the straw! There are several outdoor heating pads available for your winter cat shelter. Outdoor heating pads usually run for 24 hours, and you can use an extension cord if your outdoor shelter is further from your house. If you don’t have a heating source, then you want to make a small, cozy space inside with minimal air space to conserve the cat’s body heat. A cat-sized styrofoam cooler would also be a safe and warm place for community cats. It’s always a good idea to add insulating materials to allow the cat to burrow for warmth. Avoid using a cardboard box in the winter due to the moisture which will cause them to mold. Step Six: Add The Planter And Lids Place the planter into the hole of each bin to create your kitty tube entryway. The small entrance hole offers extra protection from predators. Then, put the lid on the small interior plastic storage bin. Double-check that the straw is well-packed, and place more straw or styrofoam over the top of the smaller bin, then close up your finished cat house by placing the larger bin’s lid on top. Where To Place A Cat Shelter Cat shelters should be placed out of sight and be inaccessible to predators. For instance, you may want to place them inside a fence to prevent stray dogs or coyotes from getting to the cats. Use wood or another object to lift the shelters from the ground to help with insulation, weather-proofing, and predator-proofing. Place straw beneath the shelter for added insulation and protection from snow. You can place the shelter under an awning to protect the roof from the weather. You can also place the door entrance facing a structure so that other animals are less likely to enter. Outdoor cat shelters for multiple cats Rather than making one large shelter for the cats in your area, we recommend you create several smaller ones. The larger a shelter is, the more cats will be needed to keep the area warm. Your neighborhood’s colony is likely larger than you think. Try creating two shelters more than you think are needed, and you’ll be surprised by the new visitors you see! Outdoor Cat Shelters For Hot Climates The design above, with less cozy insulating material, can also be used in the summer. Here are a few ways to keep your feral cats safe and cool in hot climates include: Conclusion Providing your outdoor cats with shelters or houses is a great way to make a difference in the lives of outdoor cats, offering them extra warmth and comfort, protection from predators and bad weather, and a sense of love and security. Making a DIY cat shelter is easier than you think! A durable storage bin or a building with strong wall pieces, four interior walls, a sturdy floor, raised above ground level, and a six inches or more opening will be perfect for cats inside to rest comfortably and safely. You can find all these materials online or at your local hardware stores. Thank you for your dedication to helping cats! We hope you enjoyed these cat house ideas for your feline friends. If all else fails, the outdoor cat houses on Amazon.com are pretty good.

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How To Bring An Outdoor Cat Inside

How To Bring An Outdoor Cat Inside Sometimes an outdoor cat will capture our hearts, so we want to bring them indoors so they can live a long, healthy, and happy life. Three of my cats were outdoor cats that I transitioned to indoor-only, and it was well worth the effort! I also have a feral-to-friendly cat living on my catio as we socialize. Bringing an outdoor cat inside and keeping them inside may seem daunting, but it’s actually a very rewarding bonding experience. You’ll get to know each other quite well as you go through the transition stages. The average indoor cat’s lifespan is 10-15 years, while an average outdoor cat’s lifespan is just 2-5 years. Outdoor cats are exposed to parasites, illness, predators, vehicles, and more. Luckily, with a bit of dedication and love, almost every cat can find a forever home indoors. Here are a few things to consider that will make bringing an outdoor or feral cat inside much easier. The Difference Between Feral Cats And Stray Cats All feral cats are stray cats, but not all stray cats are feral. Feral cats are outdoor cats that are unsocialized to humans, while stray cats are usually more domesticated and friendly. Feral cats tend to take longer to bring inside, but the approach is generally the same as for a stray. Stray cats may have been born outdoors, dumped by a previous owner, or abandoned when a neighbor moved away. If your outdoor cat seems more approachable and reliant on humans for care, then it’s more likely to be a stray. Bringing A Stray Cat Inside If your outdoor cat is friendly, it’s usually a good idea to ask around to see if it belongs to anyone. We think all domestic cats should be indoor-only, but there are a lot of indoor-outdoor cats that might have owners. A stray cat can become an indoor cat with a few simple transition steps. Bringing A Feral Cat inside Yes, a feral cat can become an indoor cat. Ideally, you’d go slowly and gradually to allow for the feral to get friendly to you before coming inside. My outdoor feral has been living on my catio for over a year. It took us a few weeks before she was comfortable enough to come near for food. Now, I can pick her up and hold her. She purrs like a little chipmunk, and it’s adorable! If you don’t have time to socialize your feral, you might need to trap them to get them in the house. If you’re interested in learning how to trap a feral cat to bring inside, check out our TNR Beginners Guide to get started. If you’re planning to bring a feral cat inside, you might want to prepare a safe outdoor space while you socialize and tame them. If your cat likes to stray, you could consider creating an outdoor catio to keep them close. Otherwise, here are a few outdoor cat shelter ideas. Taming A Feral Cat Before you bring a feral cat inside, it’s ideal to begin taming them first. One way to get an outdoor cat to trust you is with food! The first step to taming a feral cat is by feeding them. Try setting down a dish of food, then backing up until the cat is comfortable eating while you are still there. Each time you feed them, sit a little closer. Stay quiet and don’t make sudden movements, as this can scare the cat and might even set back the progress you’ve made. Once you can sit close by, try hand-feeding the cat with treats or kibble. You can even put a bit of wet food on a spoon for them to eat. If the cat doesn’t quite trust you enough yet, you can try gently tossing treats a little ways from you to see how close they’ll come. Over time, this distance will lessen. Here are some of our favorite cat treats which might do the trick. Once the cat is very comfortable eating around you and takes food from your hand, slowly reach out to pet them. Cats love to be pet on their cheeks, and this can be less scary than letting you scratch the top of their heads. This is also a good time to introduce toys and begin playing with them. The amount of time this process takes will vary depending on the cat. They’re all individuals with different experiences and personalities. Some will warm up quickly, while others will take months or even years to adapt. Do Feral Cats Make Good Pets? Feral cats will become friendly and grow to prefer life indoors if treated right. They make wonderful house pets. Depending on the age of the feral cat, its personality, and its past experiences with humans, it may never be a lap cat or frequently interact with you. Once they get used to indoor life, they might still prefer to keep their distance. Cats raised their whole lives indoors sometimes turn out the same way, though, so don’t let this discourage you. On the other hand, some formal ferals become so lovey and snuggly that you wouldn’t believe they went so long without human contact. Will An Outdoor Cat Use A Litterbox? Most cats will use the litterbox naturally because they have the instinct to bury and dig. However, you should avoid leaving other places to bury it in, such as clothes piles or potted plants. Keeping the cat in a small area at first will help them learn to use a litter box. Outdoor cats tend to prefer unscented wood pellet litter as opposed to other types and scents. Another issue you may encounter while bringing a cat indoors is spraying urine. Unaltered male cats spray the most, but any cat can spray. Feral cats are more prone to this behavior because they have a natural tendency to mark territory on trees and other upright items. Spaying or neutering the cat

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What To Do If You Find A Stray Kitten

What To Do If You Find A Stray Kitten If you find a stray kitten, you should first scan the area for others and its mother. Kittens under five weeks of age should be reunited with their family. Catching the mother and all her kittens is the best course of action so they can receive care and she can raise them safely indoors. In this article, we’ll talk you through the process of raising a stray kitten, from bottle feeding to how to litter train! Here are some tips to help you if you find an older stray cat. when can you take a kitten from its mom? The earliest a kitten should be taken from its mother is at five weeks of age. However, they should stay with their siblings until they’re at least eight weeks old. Most cat families remain together until this age, but when the mother cat is feral, she is often returned outdoors once the kittens are weaned. The kittens then continue to be raised together until they’re old enough to be adopted. If you find a kitten that’s too young to be away from its mother, the very best thing is to find her and reunite them. Also, check the surrounding area for other kittens nearby—where you find one, there are almost bound to be others. Even if the mother is feral, it’s best for her and her kittens to be brought indoors until they’re weaned. This provides her with a safe place to raise her babies—even if she doesn’t seem to appreciate it due to her own fear. Keep them in a room separate from your other pets, especially household cats, until they’ve been vetted and you’re sure they’re free of parasites and contagious illnesses. Mother cats enjoy a quiet, secluded place to feed and care for their offspring. A large dog crate or a covered table is excellent. You can also use playpens and baby gates to keep the kittens from wandering as they age. how to catch a stray kitten Stray kittens are unlikely to be socialized with humans. Many of them are feral. The age you find the kitten will change how fast they warm up to you. Younger kittens may warm up in days, while adolescents have a more ingrained fear that takes longer to overcome. If you’ve found a kitten under five weeks old, handle them 1-2 times a day. During this time, you can weigh them to ensure they’re gaining weight and give them attention briefly before returning them to their mother. Of course, orphaned kittens will be handled much more frequently out of necessity. You’ll have to take over mama cat’s responsibilities of bottle feeding and helping the kittens go potty. If the kitten is over five weeks old, bond with them by: How can you tell if a kitten is male or female? You can determine the sex of a kitten as early as five weeks of age. Simply take the kitten into your hands and gently lift their tail to look at their genitals. Directly beneath the tail, you’ll see the kitten’s anus. Below the anus are the kitten’s genitals. At this age, you might see a vertical slit if the kitten is female or a round opening if the kitten is male. Over time, males will develop testicles, making it much easier to tell the difference. Kittens can breed as early as four months of age. Siblings will mate with each other, and male kittens may even mate with their mother. It’s important to have them spayed and neutered before this happens. If you can’t spay or neuter the kitten before four months or about 2lbs body weight (source), separate males and females from one another so you don’t end up with even more kittens. How to tell the age of a stray kitten A kitten younger than four weeks old won’t be able to survive on its own and will need to be bottle-fed around the clock. Kittens of age 0-2 weeks still have their eyes and ears closed. They are helpless at this age and will need to be bottle-fed. Kittens of age 2-4 weeks old are more responsive and may begin to eat solid food. Once kittens are a few weeks old, they may also begin to play with toys. For more information, please check out our full article about How To Tell How Old A Cat or Kitten Is. how to raise a stray kitten Congratulations on your new kittens! Taming and raising stray kittens and feral cats is noble and definitely worth the effort. If you need help with kitten care, you can usually contact your local animal shelter for advice or support. How to bottle feed a kitten If you’ve found feral kittens that need to be bottle-fed, first take into account their temperature and health. Kittens shouldn’t be fed if they’re too hot or cold but instead brought to the right body temperature first (source). When ready, put one drop of formula in the kitten’s mouth to ensure they can swallow. Always feed kitten formula, not any kind of milk or dairy product. Once you know the kitten can eat, hold them in your lap feet-down and lift their head gently with your hand. Never feed a young kitten on their back. Bring the bottle to the kitten’s mouth and allow them to control the flow. Don’t squeeze the bottle to force more formula out, as this can injure the kitten. Alongside bottle feeding, you’ll also need to stimulate the kitten’s backside so that they pee and poop. Kittens don’t always potty on their own at this age. Mother cats lick their kittens to stimulate them to potty, which we can replicate by rubbing the area with a paper towel. When can kittens eat adult cat food? Different people have different opinions about this. We recommend speaking to your veterinarian to see what’s right for the kitten or kittens you’re raising. Most cat food companies recommend switching to adult food at around one

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Is TNR Ethical

Is TNR Ethical? Cats have multiple kittens in one litter and can get pregnant up to three times per year, which means stray cats can overpopulate quickly and significantly impact themselves and their surroundings. Many shelters are at capacity and unable to effectively intake stray or feral cats, which puts them at high risk of euthanasia. TNR is the ethical choice to reduce and manage populations of outdoor cats without euthanizing innocent cats and kittens. How TNR Helps Cats and The Community TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) is the process of trapping a feral cat, having it spayed or neutered, and releasing it back to its original environment. The cats also have a veterinarian check-up and receive vaccinations during this procedure. While the cat is under anesthesia during the spay, the cat’s right ear is tipped to indicate that they have been fixed and vaccinated. The cats are then returned quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, to their original cat colony. TNR cats are known as Community Cats! Trap, neuter, return (TNR) is used to manage the population of free-roaming cats because it is currently very difficult to shelter, foster, or adopt out all the stray cats due to their staggering numbers. It is estimated that there are between 30 – 40 million stray cats in the United States. Female cats can reproduce as soon as they hit five months old, and they can carry multiple litters per year. Even with a widescale trap and euthanize movement, which would be highly unethical, it would hardly dent overall feral cat populations. It is estimated that 50% of unowned stray cats would have to be removed annually to decrease the overall feral cat population (source). Feral domestic cats, on average, live approximately seven years outdoors. A cat occupying a territory will prevent other cats from moving in. Sterilizing the local cat community will prevent new litters of kittens for at least 5 – 7 years until the sterilized cats pass away and new cats move in to assume the territory. With widescale TNR efforts for stray cat management, animal control and cat advocates have been effectively managing feral cat populations, wild cats, and urban stray cats have declined over time. Why TNR Is Controversial Opponents of TNR state that it is unethical to release cats back to the environment they were found because they may not have adequate access to food and shelter and are at greater risk of infectious diseases. People are also opposed to TNR due to outdoor cats’ destruction of birds. It is estimated that cats kill approximately 1 – 4 billion birds annually in the United States (source). Of these bird deaths, two-thirds are caused by stray cats, and domestic cats cause one-third. Bird deaths attributed to stray cats accounted for more than any other unnatural source, such as collisions with vehicles, buildings, windmills, etc. However, TNR is the most humane option for stray cats when the alternative is euthanasia at an animal shelter. Approximately 3.2 million cats are abandoned at animal shelters annually in the United States (source). Of these, 520,000 are euthanized due to a lack of available homes. Some people also say TNR and ear-tipping cats are cruel. However, the intention is not cruel, and the Community Cat programs also care for the cats once released. The ear-tip procedure is conducted while the cat is under anesthesia during the spay or neuter, and it’s a quick and easy recovery. While no one likes ear-tipping a cat, the alternatives simply aren’t there. When the alternative to feral cat management is to kill feral cats, then TNR is the ethical choice. The Impact Of Feral Cat Overpopulation The most dreaded time of the year for animal shelters and humane societies is kitten season. Kitten season is usually from April to October and can be the hardest time of the year for rescue personnel. Animal shelters become overrun by kittens and are forced to make very difficult decisions. With insufficient fosters and forever homes available, the only thing left to do is start euthanizing kittens as fast as they are coming in. Unfortunately, this is a grim reality every season for animal shelters. A cat’s gestation period is two months, and she will have an average of four kittens per pregnancy. Each female cat could produce as many as 20 kittens per kitten season. It breaks the heart of every humane society and shelter employee to euthanize litters of kittens simply because there are too many feral or stray cats and not enough resources. Cats coming from a feral cat colony are not always friendly and well-socialized pet cats. It takes time to tame feral cats and train them to be domestic animals. The easiest way to prevent this tragedy is with responsible pet ownership and to spay and neuter outdoor cats through TNR programs. Alternatives To TNR When it comes to feral and stray cats that don’t appear friendly, sending them to a shelter is near certain death. So what are the alternatives to the TNR method for feral cat control? Here are a few alternatives to TNR that we do not recommend. Controlling Feral Cat Populations Here are the most effective ways to control stray cat populations. These solutions account for other animals, animal shelter challenges, and community cat populations and still effectively reduce feral cat populations. Conclusion TNR has a significant positive impact on outdoor cat populations, and it is the most humane way of dealing with the overpopulation of outdoor or feral cats. Nobody wants to be the one euthanizing countless litters of kittens or entire feral cat colonies. Modern cats belong indoors, but there aren’t enough cat sanctuaries for feral cats. If enough communities support TNR programs, the free-roaming cat population will decline over time to manageable numbers.

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