Winter Community Cat Colony Care

Transcription

1 June, 2012 Winter Community Cat Colony Care Jenny Schlueter Tree House Humane Society

2 About the Presenter Jenny Schlueter Tree House Humane Society Chicago, IL Director of Development Community Cats Program Manager Founded Program in 2004 Started TNR in Madrid, Spain in 1998 Self-taught ever since with help of Alley Cat Allies, Neighborhood Cats, Best Friends, and many others 2

3 About You Please use the chat box to write whether you are novice, intermediate or experienced colony manager? Also, where are you from? I assume most of you live in areas where the weather is relatively chilly at least a few months out of the year. But even if you live in sunny San Diego or another place with year-round mild weather, I think this presentation will still be helpful because weather is unpredictable everywhere and shelters, feeding stations and the other colony management tools are needed wherever you are Sita is an FIV+ kitty from a colony behind the royal palace in Madrid, Spain (Note: in area enclosed by cat fence of course!) 3

4 How Do Cats Survive In Cold Weather? Cats are resilient and resourceful animals The cold winters in Chicago and other parts of the country with cold weather do not seem to significantly impact the number of cats born outdoors or shorten their life-span More than 20,000 cats still impounded in City of Chicago every year However, we do regularly see injured strays with damage to their ears and paw pads and other health issues as a result of the cold winter weather Keeping them dry and out of the wind is key to helping them not only survive but thrive 4

5 Making Weather-Proof Shelters Your yard does not have to look crazy or junky Many attractive and economical solutions (which I will emphasize) Creativity and reuse can make it more economical Can be simple or elaborate If you don t manage cats on private property, contact local officials Many communities have lots of unused public space that can be utilized 4 5

6 Making Shelters continued My favorite economical and effective solution: Rubbermaid storage bins! Sturdy, waterproof, economical, easy to clean, and they look neat Recommend 18 gallon/$6 (1-2 cats) or 36 gallon/$11 (2-3 cats) In my experience every cat prefers to have his own home Other brands are fine, but look for thicker plastic and make sure lids fit tightly Can use one or two box model Insulation (foam board or styrofoam and straw) Hole to enter and exit (experiment with placement and # - this is not my preferred hole placement) 5 6

7 Step-by-Step Construction Get Your Bins Can order online at: Or purchase at Home Depot, Target, local hardware stores. etc. Rummage sales, thrift stores, recycling centers, freecycle, Craig s List are also good options for free and cheap stuff and you ll keep things out of landfills! Note in this photo from our winterization fest, we are placing the entrance on one side of the long side 6 7

8 Shelter Construction - Entrance/Exits Cut opening I prefer circular opening (more efficient) 6 diameter I also prefer placement on long side of bin (makes it easier to get out of the wind - maybe provide a variety or experiment to see what your cats like) Add plastic flap later (after cats are accustomed to it) o bubble wrap and any thick, clear plastic work well If necessary cut another back entrance so nervous cats have an escape route 7 8

9 Shelter Construction - Insulation Insert wall insulation I think pink foam insulation board is best and most economical (other styrofoam also works) ¾ - 1 is sufficient and easier to cut Styrofoam coolers are easier to use (easy to get from fish-sellers, hospitals or veterinary clinics - vaccines are shipped in them). If using foam, buy large sheets and use razor blade or box cutter to cut to size - again more economical You need 6 pieces per shelter - cut one template for each side Use duct tape or hot glue gun to affix to sides or slide them in and the straw should keep them upright put foam on floor and on lid for extra insulating effect 8 9

10 Shelter Construction - Insulation See the pink insulation lining this large feral cat house 8 10

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12 Shelter Construction - securing the shelter Make sure top stays on! Really important if these won t be under another kind of shelter Duct tape, bungee cords, velcro straps work well If you re really concerned, you may want to get bins with side fasteners In windy areas, you may also need to weigh the shelters down (I use bricks inside to make it heavier) 12 10

13 Insulation and bedding Towels and blankets are not appropriate - they absorb water and freeze! Use natural materials that won t absorb water Straw is best, but other options include: wood chips, cedar shavings Even in the city straw can be purchased at hardware stores in October but if you can find a feed supply store or buy directly from a farmer, that works the best. Hit up businesses who use bails of straw for displays and ask if they ll donate it when they are finished etc. There is some flexibility depending on placement of shelter and how often caretaker is able to check on the bedding and change it 13 11

14 Shelter Construction Continued Get fancy if you want to! Amazon.com - Kittytube, Kat Kabin, Feral Villas - feralvilla.com - $69.95 Cat illac Ranch from Alley Cat Allies Dog houses/igloos Hire a Carpenter or DIY! A search for feral cat shelters online will find you many plans When I had to tear down my old back porch, I put a large luxury feral cat house in its place. The space would be wasted anyway, and guests don t even notice unless I tell then that they are standing on top of a cat house! 14 12

15 My Secret Deluxe Cat House! Two distinct areas: Insulated area equipped with six separate cubbies and a large circular tube stuffed with straw Outdoor heating pads added in the winter (K & H Manufacturing) Currently use battery-powered push light but plan to install an electric light with a bulb to provide extra warmth in winter Slanted shingled roof, allows rain and snow to slide off A door from the insulated area leads to a non-insulated area which has a feeding station and more cubbies and is framed by clear fiberglass and lattice so cats can look out and sit in sun on sunny winter days they spend a lot of time soaking up soon behind fiberglass - in summer we take fiberglass off so they get a breeze 15 14

16 My Secret Deluxe Cat House 16

17 My Secret Deluxe Cat House 17

18 My Secret Deluxe Cat House 18

19 Placement is Important Observe where the cats naturally like to hang out and try to accommodate them in that area - they may not use shelters close to busy traffic Don t worry if they don t use right away - use treats, catnip, etc. to lure them at first. If they don t use, they may have better shelter elsewhere or you may need to consider placement, openings, etc. Typical Spots: Under porches/decks/crawl spaces/pine trees Garages/Sheds/Gangways Try to place where snow doesn t usually drift (pay attention to where the opening is) 19 13

20 Your Turn Again! Please use the chat box if you have made shelters before and found that the cats didn t use them or another animal did? What did you do? Juice was a stray kitten who walked into s someone s house one day, and they brought him to Tree House 20

21 Shelter Extras If you are able to check regularly and the shelter is protected from the elements, you may want to use these bonus items: o Snuggle safe microwaveable heating disks o KT Purr pads absorb and holds body heat - Carealotpets.com has cheap ones! Two 20x20 pads for $9.99 (great for indoor cats too!) o K & H Lectro Soft outdoor heating pads $50 - $100 depending on size o Wool sweaters/blankets o Down comforters/coats/vests - can get cheap at thrift stores o Pool covers/bubble wrap - look out on garbage day in the suburbs o Emergency Mylar blankets also work well to reflect body heat back onto the cat 21 15

22 Water In Winter If you have access to electricity a heated water bowl is ideal Carealotpets.com - K&H Heated Thermal-Bowl $ holds 3 quarts No electricity? If your climate isn t as cold, you can do solar! Solar Sippers - for milder winters (doesn t get below 20 degrees F) o Idea: Take a tall container (like one from deli), put it in six pack styrofoam cooler, insulate well by stuffing with fiberglass insulation or straw, and if possible place by source of heat (dryer vent, heated water pipes, etc.) or in a sunny location. o Great way to use scraps from shelter building or coolers that are too small for shelter use 22 16

23 Water in Winter - Novel Idea:» Make a mini green house food/water station by placing it in a cold frame (old windows work well)» Many ideas can be borrowed from gardening: Row covers/hoop houses Greenhouses 23 17

24 Other Colony Needs Litter Box - storage bins can also be used - be sure to cut entrance and exit Feeding Station - same idea - just cut out one complete side (like diorama) Never feed in the shelter - a separate structure is better Shoveling Paths - Yes, you have more shoveling to do! Giving them a dry place for their feet - Yes, you can spoil colony cats! Plans for deluxe structures to like this can be found online 24 18

25 Community Outreach Open communication with your neighbors is the key to your long-term success (and sanity!) In this case it is NOT better to beg forgiveness instead of asking for permission Addressing concerns at the beginning will save you time and headaches in the long-run If this cat is eliminating in this garden now, she will likely do the same in the snow here in the winter - and it will be easier to see! Also, many neighbors are also concerned for the cats but don t know what to do, if you communicate with them, you can work together 25 19

26 Dealing With Nuisance Issues If someone does complain... Don t run away like the cat below! (Even if that is your first instinct) Listen first, explain later Try to really hear the concerns. Start your rebuttal with something like this: I really want to address your concerns, let me repeat them back to you to make sure I understand. Then do the best you can. If their expectations are unrealistic, suggest a compromise. Always maintain a calm and composed tone! ; ) 26 20

27 Common Complaints C: Cats are eliminating in my yard A: I will install an outdoor litter box as close to that area as possible C: It s cruel to make the cats stay outside. A: I d be happy to invite you over for a cup of hot chocolate and show you the winter shelters I made for them. C: The cats are climbing under the hood of my car for warmth. A: Please bang on the hood of your car before starting it. C: The cat food is attracting rats/possums/raccoons A: I will feed the cats a measured amount on a schedule and won t leave any food out overnight when other animals come out

28 No Cats in Your Hood? There are plenty in every community, so bring them to you! We carefully relocate cats to properties where people want them for both companionship and rodent control The presence of cats alone deter rodents no actual hunting necessary Many Happy Clients report reduction or complete disappearance of rodents - improved morale at work/in their neighborhood If you don t have a working cats relocation program in your area, contact your local animal control or open admissions shelter and ask them what their policy is on feral cats and if they d consider transferring them to people who will acclimate them to their properties and manage them properly

29 Relocating Cats Acclimation to garages/sheds is ideal, but a large dog crate with a small insulated shelter inside also works Minimum of 3 weeks Not recommended during the coldest months of winter unless they acclimate in a building Relocation is a dirty word in TNR, but our success rate is more than 85% This is often the only option for feral cats who would otherwise be euthanized or left to fend for themselves 29 23

30 Winter Care Summary A few basics can mean the difference between surviving and thriving during the winter months Keeping dry and out of the wind is key Many materials can be reused or repurposed for shelters If you have the resources and desire there are many products that make outdoor living really quite comfortable There are many low-tech and hightech options for keeping water from freezing Take advantage of the sun and other heat-producing features such as dryer vents, heated water pipes, etc. Keep the area clean - even in winter Use covered outdoor litter boxes, clean up after yourself and the cats 30 25

31 Winter Care Summary - Cont d Communication with your neighbors is important for long-term success Also let local officials know what you re doing (alderman, streets and sanitation, animal control, police department, etc.) 31 26

32 Time to start planning! The Summer months are a great time for planning for winter colony care Watch for sales on supplies Observe your cats Talk with neighbors Building shelters, etc. is more fun when it s warm! Other resources: Alleycat.org, Neighborhoodcats.org, TreeHouseAnimals.org/TNR. wn.com (great videos) and YouTube! Good luck! Paloma is my most recent foster failure. Her mom had 3 litters before her caretaker managed to trap her. I fostered and socialized her litter of six. Paloma and my dog became best friends

33 Questions? Contact me: Jenny Schlueter Tree House Humane Society TNR Program Manager ext

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