Plain rice and sweet potato are good fixes for a starving feral cat. These food items will not only make them feel full but also aid their digestion process. These can be great options to offer. Just make sure to not provide them with stale food as it can do more harm than good.
By leaving cat food outside, you will attract both stray cats and wild animals. This is not only extremely dangerous for the stray cats that you are trying to protect, but it will also negatively affect your family and domestic pets. Stray cats are extremely territorial when it comes to food sources.
A fresh bowl of water will help the stray felines stay hydrated. Place the bowl outside your kitty shelters to prevent them from becoming damp and yucky.
If you are able to transport the animal, take them to the nearest animal shelter. If you plan to keep the animal in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the animal or that you have taken them to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
Stray cats are often hungry cats, so the best first move is to feed the kitty and provide lots of water. Once the cat learns you're a source for food, she will visit every day. For some very friendly cats, this is enough to gain their trust. But others need more time.
Petting or touching a free-roaming cat puts you and your pets at risk of diseases like rabies and bacterial infections like cat scratch fever. It's a good idea to avoid picking up a free-roaming cat altogether, even to rescue them. If you're unable to secure them using a trap, call in the professionals.
Some stray cats will be friendly right off the bat, but with others, it may take time and patience to establish trust. “If a cat is not comfortable with humans, they will mostly scratch or bite if you attempt to handle them.
Allow the Cat to Approach
Let the cat know that you are nearby, but remain calm. When the cat is ready and feels safe, they will likely come to you either sitting just out of reach or even rubbing up against your leg. These are sure signs that the cat no longer views you as a possible threat.
Make sure to always feed cats only cat food. Cats are lactose intolerant and cannot drink milk. Human food can also spoil which can attract insects and cause gastrointestinal issues.
Cats love canned wet food, but dry food is just as nutritious . Don't leave uneaten food out for more than 30 minutesit attracts bugs. Keep the feeding area clean and in one maintained locationit's better for the cats' health and the community. Don't worry if some cats eat before others.
Earn their trust through food.
Feeding is the most effective way to get a stray to interact with you. The cat is likely hungry and will respond positively to being fed. This gives you a chance to get closer to the cat and get him used to your presence.
Cats possess excellent long-term memories. They can recall their animal companions and the people who feed them as well as those who irritate them.
There are three common reasons communities use when proposing a ban (or restrictions) on feeding free-roaming cats: (1) the cats are causing a nuisance to residents or business owners; (2) potential impacts to public health, wildlife, and the environment; and (3) the unowned cat population is too large and/or growing ...
Free-ranging and feral cats can contract and spread a wide variety of diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline AIDS), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), rabies, and distemper, to other domesticated animals.
Today, many stray cats that roam freely throughout their imaginary territories of about 200 acres each choose their families the same way. Many of them are fed by different families for years until they select the one who provides the safest place and the most comfortable conditions.
What to do if a stray cat is following you? Stray cats might be able to tell that you have a moggie at home based on their smell, or they may just take a general liking to you – especially if you fuss them. Also, if the cat following you is homeless, you may also be their best chance of attention or a meal.
Good hygiene should always be maintained with pets. Wash your hands with soap and water after petting cats, cleaning food or water bowls, and after scooping litter. Stray cats are best handled only by appropriately trained professionals.
Feral cats live short, hard lives on the streets. They never die of “old age.” Contagious diseases such as herpes viral conjunctivitis, feline AIDS, leukemia, and infectious peritonitis are common in cats left outdoors.
Cat feces contain many types of bacteria and parasites that can make humans sick. People should wash their hands with soap and water after any contact with cat feces. Also, many parasites in cat feces are not infectious when they first come out of the cat's body, but become infectious later.
So, if the cat is apparently healthy and in good condition, it's probably best to leave her alone; don't attempt to catch her and take her to a shelter or pound. However, if the cat appears to be in poor health or you are unsure what to do, it's best to contact your local animal welfare organisation for advice.
It may take up to 4 weeks for the cats to ultimately feel comfortable. The more feral the cat, the longer this process can take, as a less-socialized cat will take longer to bond to a new person and place.
Most feral cats are fearful or people and are not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors. Kittens born to feral cats can be socialized at an early age and adopted into indoor homes.
Orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, & mustard oil.