To feed an animal is to feed the soul.

Taking care of a cat colony requires a combination of humane management, proper feeding, health care, and long-term planning. Whether you're looking after a community of feral cats or a semi-feral group, the goal is to ensure their well-being while preventing overpopulation and improving their chances for a healthier life. Here are the key steps to taking care of a cat colony:

1. Assess the Colony

Before starting any intervention, take time to assess the colony:

Size: Count how many cats are in the colony.

Health: Observe for any obvious signs of illness or injury. Are there kittens? Are some cats friendly or social, and others feral?

Location: Where is the colony located? This helps with determining how to provide food and shelter.

2. Establish a Feeding Routine

Feeding is a fundamental part of colony care:

Food: Provide the best-quality cat food (wet and/or dry). Wet food is often better for hydration (best for cats who don’t drink enough water, but dry food can be used as well. Remember to have water accessible at your feeding station/s.

Consistency: Feed the colony at the same time each day. Cats will learn when and where food is provided, which will reduce their need to scavenge.

Cleanliness: Clean the feeding area regularly to avoid attracting pests. Dispose of leftovers to maintain a sanitary environment. Remember to keep feeding stations away from busy roads.

3. Implement Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

TNR is a humane method of managing a cat colony’s population:

Trapping: Use humane traps to catch the cats. You can rent or borrow traps from local rescue groups or animal welfare organizations.

Spay/Neuter: Once trapped, take the cats to a local veterinary clinic or a low-cost spay/neuter program. Ensure that each cat is spayed or neutered.

Vaccination: While the cats are under anesthesia for spaying or neutering, ask the vet to vaccinate them against rabies and other common diseases (e.g., feline distemper).

Return: After the surgery and recovery, return the cats to their original location. They will live out their lives without contributing to overpopulation. Remember when releasing cat, to not place trap in the direction of the road to ensure that the cat does not get hit by a vehicle.

4. Provide Shelter

Shelter is crucial, especially for feral cats that need protection from the elements:

Insulated Shelters: Provide weatherproof shelters, such as plastic storage bins with straw bedding inside. The shelter should be big enough for cats to comfortably lie down and curl up but small enough to retain body heat.

Placement: Put shelters in a safe, quiet area away from foot traffic, where cats feel secure. Do not place shelter directly on the ground to protect from rain or snow getting in shelter.

Keep Warm: In cold weather, consider adding heat pads designed for animals, but make sure they are safe and weather-resistant.

5. Monitor Health and Hygiene

Ongoing health care and maintaining the cats’ well-being are essential:

Check for Injuries/Illness: Check the cats regularly for injuries, abscesses, or signs of illness (e.g., coughing, runny eyes). If you notice any issues, contact a vet.

Flea/Tick Prevention: If possible, use flea and tick preventatives. Ask your vet or rescue organizations for guidance on how to safely apply flea treatments.

De-worming: Cats in a colony can be prone to intestinal parasites. You may want to deworm them periodically.

6. Record Keeping

Keep a record of each cat in the colony to help with long-term management:

Identification: Note any identifiable markings (e.g., color, scars, ear tips) or behaviors (e.g., friendly, shy, aggressive).

TNR Status: Mark which cats have been spayed or neutered. This can be done with a small ear tip (removal of the tip of the left ear), which indicates the cat has been fixed.

Health Status: Track any medical treatments or vaccines that have been given to the cats.

7. Consider Adoption for Friendly Cats or Kittens

While most of the cats in a colony will remain feral, kittens or more socialized adult cats might be adoptable:

Kittens: If kittens are young enough (usually under 8 weeks), you can socialize them and find homes for them. If they’re older, they might need more time or could be released back into the colony.

Friendly Adults: Cats that are more social with humans may be candidates for adoption. Consider fostering them or working with local shelters to rehome them.

8. Work with the Community

Engage with the local community to get support for the colony:

Involve Volunteers: Rally other community members to help with feeding, trapping, or maintaining shelters. This reduces the workload and ensures the colony is well-managed.

Build Awareness: Educate others about the importance of TNR and responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of stray cats and prevent future colonies from forming.

9. Stay Patient and Committed

Managing a cat colony can be a long-term commitment. Remember, feral cats can live for several years, and it may take time to reduce the colony's population through TNR. Stay patient, be consistent in your care, and recognize the positive impact you’re making.

Key Takeaways:

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most effective and humane method for managing cat colonies and reducing overpopulation.

Feeding and shelter are essential to maintaining the health and well-being of the cats.

Work with local shelters, vets, and community groups to maximize resources and support.

Stay dedicated, as caring for a colony is a long-term commitment that can take time to see results.

By following these steps, you can ensure the health, safety, and sustainability of the cat colony, and help reduce the overall stray and feral cat population in your community.

We are currently awaiting grants and donations for TNR and spay-neuter services for community cat feeders and families experiencing financial hardship.

Please check out these organizations that offer low-cost spay and neuter / and TNR services:

CatSnip Spay/Neuter Services Of Georgia (Previously Project CatSnip):

https://catsnipga.com/

GoodMews:

https://www.goodmews.org/planning-pricing

Please inquire about availability.

We service these areas:

Acworth, GA, All of Cherokee County, GA, Kennesaw, GA, Marietta, GA, Roswell, GA, and Woodstock, GA