Essential Tips for Assisting Feral and Stray Cats During Winter Months

As winter approaches, the plight of feral and stray cats becomes increasingly dire. With colder temperatures and harsher weather conditions, these cats face significant challenges in finding food, shelter, and warmth. It gets worse too... at the time of writing this, heading into winter 2025, rescues all across the UK, and in other countries, face their worst year to date. During Covid we saw an adoption boom like never before as people rushed to acquire a pet during lockdown. UK Pet Food found that 3.2 million households got a pet in the first year of the pandemic. With vets only able to tend to emergencies, and microchipping and spay/neuter is not classed as an emergency treatment, many of the cats people got were not spayed, neutered or microchipped. When the cost of living hit shortly after, many of those cats were dumped and, with many not having been neutered, they went on to have kittens, leading to the unprecedented situation we see today. What's more, rescues are now beyond full and, with people simply not adopting cats anymore, the rescues have no new rescue space and can not help the strays out there so the cycle will continue and get worse. The ripple effects of the perfect storm of events that led cats to the situation they are in today, will be felt for many years to come yet. Many of you reading this will have a cat wandering into your garden who might be a feral or stray. Fortunately, there are several ways you can help these vulnerable animals during the winter months. This guide will provide you with essential tips on how to determine if a cat is a stray, how to assist feral and stray cats, and how to build a cost-effective shelter for outdoor cats.

Understanding the Difference: Feral vs. Stray Cats

Before you can help, it’s important to understand the difference between feral and stray cats.

Feral cats are typically unsocialized and have little to no human interaction. They are often born outdoors and have learned to survive on their own. Stray cats, on the other hand, are usually lost or abandoned pets that may still be socialized to humans. They may approach people for food or companionship. Some cats can be what people call 'semi feral'. A semi-feral cat is a domesticated cat that has lived a life largely without human contact, but not entirely, making them less wild than a fully feral cat but also not a typical house pet. These cats may show signs of fear or wariness towards strangers but can sometimes form a bond with their caregivers, tolerating some human interaction and potentially becoming socialized over time with patience and care. Some cats can simply be so scared of strangers they may appear feral, when in fact they are not. We always suggest being patient and seeing if there is any movement over time. Let them approach at their own pace and you might see signs of increased trust.

When a cat appears in your garden, observe its behaviour.

• Approachability: Stray cats are often more approachable and may come to you for food or attention. Feral cats, however, will likely keep their distance and may hide if they sense human presence.

  
  

• Physical Condition: Stray cats may appear well-groomed and healthy, while feral cats might show signs of neglect, such as matted fur or visible injuries. Males especially can appear with injuries due to fighting, which likely indicates they have not been neutered and have been fighting. You might notice a Tom cat's face is fuller and may appear round and puffed a little. The primary cause of this is the high level of testosterone produced by an unneutered male cat, and is also a build up of scar tissue and muscle in their cheek areas for protection as a result of fighting.

  
  

• Ear Tipping: Some feral cats are part of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and may have a small portion of their ear removed (tipped) to indicate they have been spayed or neutered.

  
  

  Identifying whether a cat in your garden is a stray or feral can help you determine the best course of action.

How to Help a Feral Cat

Helping feral cats requires a different approach than assisting strays. Here are some effective ways to support feral cats during winter:

• Provide Food: Set up a feeding station in a quiet area of your garden. Using dry cat food is easier to store and less likely to spoil in cold weather.

  
  

• Water Supply: Ensure that fresh water is available, but be mindful that it may freeze.

  
  

• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): If you notice a feral cat consistently visiting your garden, consider contacting a local animal rescue organization to help with TNR. This humane method helps control the feral cat population and improves their quality of life. The trap, neuter, return (TNR) method, where cats are trapped, sterilized (spayed/neutered), and returned to their original location. This non-lethal approach controls feral cat populations by preventing reproduction, reducing unwanted behaviours like fighting and spraying, limit disease and promotes healthier, more stable colonies. Many rescues across the UK have feral cat programs in place so please do speak to them about your feral. Find your local rescue here.

  
  

• Make them a special outdoor cat shelter to keep them warm this winter. Keep reading on to find out how.

  
  

How to Help a Stray Cat

If you suspect the cat is a stray, your approach may differ:

• Check for Identification: Look for a collar or tag first of all and make contact with any mentioned owner on there. You can also check for a microchip. If the cat appears friendly, you might be able to take it to a vet or animal shelter to check for a microchip, but it always best if the cat can be scanned on site so as not to stress the cat or risk the cat getting lose and becoming lost. First contact your local rescue to ask if they have anyone that is able to come out and scan the cat, or you could try your local Scan Angel.

  
  

• Try a Paper Collar: The cat paper collar method is one of the best ways to find out if a cat has an owner, or if anyone else is feeding the cat. You will need some paper, some tape and a pen. Simply write something like ''Is this your cat? please call 07070707070". If/when the cat goes home, or to their other feeder, the person will call and you can chat about who the cat is, if they are owned, and how far they are travelling between houses. Even if owned, this is a great way to ensure the cat is not travelling far or across things such as busy roads to get to your house. If the cat returns the next day with the collar still attached, it is safe to assume they are a stray and you are the only one regularly feeding. Watch this tutorial on how to make a paper collar here, and check out the templates from RSPCA or Cats Protection.

  
  

• Provide Temporary Shelter: If you have determined the cat does not have an owner and you are able to bring them indoors temporarily until you can find a permanent solution, fantastic. If you are unable to let the cat inside, consider an outdoor shelter instead for the time being. Although most rescues are full, most have a waiting list of cats waiting for rescue help ad shelter. Speak to your local rescue about adding your stray to the waiting list, and care for them until their time comes.

  
  

• Post Flyers: If you believe the cat is lost but other methods have so far failed, you can post flyers in your neighbourhood and on local community boards. Include a clear photo and description of the cat. You can grab free flyers that are printed and delivered to your door here. For help creating a flyer, see here.

  
  

How to Build a Cat Shelter

Creating a safe and warm shelter for outdoor cats can significantly improve their chances of survival during winter. You might be their only chance. Here’s a simple guide to building a cat shelter:

Materials Needed

• Storage Bin: A large plastic storage bin or wooden crate can serve as the base of your shelter.

  
  

• Insulation: Use straw (not hay) for insulation, as it provides warmth without retaining moisture.

  
  

• Entrance: Cut a small entrance on one side of the bin, ensuring it’s large enough for a cat to enter but small enough to keep out larger animals.

  
  

• Weatherproofing: Ensure the shelter is waterproof by sealing any gaps and placing it in a sheltered area away from direct wind.

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose a Location: Find a quiet, sheltered spot in your garden that is away from heavy foot traffic.

   
   

2. Prepare the Base: If using a wooden crate, line the bottom with straw for insulation. If using a plastic bin, ensure it is elevated off the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in.

   
   

3. Create the Entrance: Cut a small hole on one side of the shelter. Make sure it’s low enough for cats to enter easily.

   
   

4. Add Insulation: Fill the shelter with straw, leaving enough room for the cats to move around comfortably. Do not use blankets in outdoor cat houses because they absorb moisture from wet fur and rain, making the bedding cold, damp, and a breeding ground for mould. Snuggle Safe heated bottles can be a fantastic added extra and can stay warm for up to 10 hours. The heat pad should always be used with sufficient soft bedding to prevent burns and should be placed where the cat can move away if they get too warm. Never use things like water bottles as they are not safe and lose heat too fast anyway.

   
   

5. Secure the Shelter: Place a lid on the shelter to keep it dry, but ensure it can be easily opened for cleaning.

   
   

By following these steps, you can create a safe haven for feral and stray cats in your area.

Cost-Effective Shelter Solutions

If building a shelter from scratch seems daunting, there are cost-effective alternatives:

• Repurpose Old Items: Use things like old dog houses or wooden crates lined with straw to create makeshift shelters. Keep in mind certain materials are not weather proof, such as things like cardboard boxes.

  
  

• Community Initiatives: Join local animal welfare groups that may have resources or kits available for building cat shelters.

  
  

• DIY Kits: Look for DIY shelter kits online that provide all the necessary materials and instructions for assembly.

  
  

• Use Straw Not Hay: Straw repels moisture, keeping the shelter dry and warm, while hay soaks up moisture, leading to damp, cold, and potentially mouldy conditions that are dangerous for cats. Straw provides excellent insulation by trapping air, creating a cosy environment, whereas hay's leafy material and moisture retention make it unsuitable for animal bedding and can attract pests. Straw bought online can be a little pricey due to postage costs, but many local farm shops do huge bags that last for months for as little as £5. Search for a local farm or country store that may do small to big bags for cheap that you can collect.

  
  

By utilizing these cost-effective solutions, you can provide shelter without breaking the bank.

See step by step guide from Alley Cat Allies here.

Conclusion

As winter sets in, the need for compassion and action towards feral and stray cats becomes more critical, especially as we leave 2025 as one of the toughest winters for rescues. By understanding the differences between feral and stray cats, providing food and shelter, and considering TNR programs, you can make a significant impact on their lives. Building a simple, cost-effective shelter can offer these cats a safe haven from the harsh winter elements. Some cats out there will not survive without people like you so please do give them a helping hand this winter, and speak to friends and family about this blog if they are feeding a stray or feral cat.

Your efforts can help ensure that these cats not only survive but even potentially thrive during the cold months ahead. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals.