Cats that live apart from humans have serious difficulties to survive. Every day and every night is a challenge that can end their lives, no matter how old they are. Therefore, It is necessary to take some measures so that they can at least have something to fill their stomachs with and improve their quality of life.
But what are these measures? If you want to know how to help feral cats or stray cats in general, I recommend that you take the following into account.
Check current regulations and laws
Here is one of the main challenges that volunteers face: the laws. In Spain, one of the countries where animals are most abandoned (it is estimated that around 200.000 dogs and cats end up on the streets and/or shelters each year) and where animals are mistreated (over 60.000, according to this article published on the Spanish Advocacy portal), there is a law that does not protect those who live in the wild: article 337.4. Said article punishes the mistreatment of animals, but only domestic and/or tamed animals.
Is a feral cat a domestic cat? If we look up the definition of domestic in any dictionary, we can read something like this:
They are animals that can live with people, and even live in their homes.
The feral cat is often considered a wild animal, because he has not grown up with people and, in fact, he can become very afraid of them. However, It would not be unusual for that same feline to become more confident with the human who brings it food., and that sooner or later he would approach him, or even let himself be caressed.
Is this really a wild animal? When we think of wild animals, we think of species that live in their natural habitat: tigers in the Sumatran jungle, dolphins in the oceans or elephants in the African savannah. Any of these could end a human life in an instant, but this is not the case with feral cats.
The reality is that in many towns and cities in Spain, you can be fined for feeding stray cats. Fortunately, little by little they are giving cards from the town councils themselves, which allow volunteers to feed these animals in a legal and regulated manner. Some places where they are already delivered are Gijón, Madrid or CádizIn addition, in other locations it is possible to feed them in specific spaces that are not public roads.
Provide care and attention
Feral cats, although they are independent and have learned to survive on the streets, actually They cannot fully support themselves In urban environments. In their natural habitat, cats would live in rural environments, hunting and feeding. However, in cities and towns, where asphalt, noise and pollution are constant, their life becomes much more complicated.
It is essential that if you decide to help a feline colony, you do so on a regular and committed basis.This type of activity requires continuity, as cats adapt quickly to the availability of food. If you start feeding a colony, these cats will depend on you for their basic needs.
It is best to give them dry feed., since it is better preserved and does not generate as much dirt as wet feed, which attracts insects in summer.
Also make sure they always have fresh, clean water.. Place water bowls in strategic locations hidden among bushes to prevent other animals or people from taking them away. If it is an exposed place, find some way to create small shelters. You can do this with old carriers or adapted boxes, which offer protection against cold and rain.
Another fundamental aspect is the veterinary careAlthough feral cats are not domesticable in most cases, they do need to be spayed and neutered to avoid diseases.
The CES method (Capture, Sterilize and Release) This is the most ethical and effective way to control the stray cat population. Cats are painlessly trapped, sterilised and, after recovery, returned to the environment where they were captured. This process not only helps prevent the birth of more cats suffering in stray conditions, but also contributes to reducing the noise and fights resulting from the mating period. In addition, health and behavioural problems resulting from constant mating are reduced.
To identify cats that have already been sterilized, a small cut is made in the ear during the procedure. This painless procedure is a universal marker used in most countries, and allows those who care for feline colonies to easily tell which ones have been cared for.
How to help a feline colony
If you are interested in managing a cat colony, there are some important guidelines you should follow:
- Observe: Before intervening, study how many cats are part of the colony, where they feed and if they show visible signs of illness.
- Contact other caregivers: If other people are feeding the cats, help share the responsibility.
- Seek help: Ask animal shelters and veterinary clinics about reduced prices for sterilization or if they can do it free of charge as long as you take care of the transport.
Provides shelter and food in discreet locations, where cats can be safe from potential conflicts with neighbors or traffic. Use metal food and water bowls, which are easier to clean. If the location is not safe, look into relocating the cats to a more suitable location, such as farms or rural homes.
Cat welfare should be a priority, so it is always advisable that if you do not know how to capture them or do not have experience, you ask for help from an animal shelter. Tools such as trap cages are effective, but they must be used with great care.
Once captured, cover the cage or carrier with a blanket or towel to reduce stress and avoid situations that may disturb them, such as the presence of dogs or loud noises.
Once cats are sterilized, they must be returned to their territory. to avoid them suffering the stress of a change of environment.
Take care of them to ensure a good coexistence
In recent years, it has been shown that Ethical control of feline colonies offers multiple benefits for the community. In addition to preventing uncontrolled proliferation, cats help keep pests such as rodents at bay. Cities such as New York have already adopted programs to manage and protect their street colonies. In Spain, many cities have also begun to implement similar policies with the help of associations and city councils.
Remember Stray cats have become accustomed to living on the streets, and removing them from their natural environment can cause more harm than good. To help in the best way, always respect their needs and act in conjunction with professionals and specialized entities.
Feral cats can be surprising life companions for those who care for them, even if they keep their distance. With the right measures, we can help improve their well-being without affecting their freedom.