![\"CatInWinter_lg\"](\"http:\/\/www.moderncat.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/CatInWinter_lg.jpg\" "\\"CatInWinter_lg\\"")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Guest post by Peter J. Wolf<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n While it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s easy to get caught up in all the luxuries regularly featured on Moderncat, we can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t forget about the many cats that, all too often, lack even the basic necessities. Feral<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dor community<\/a><\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201dcats rarely know the comforts of a bottomless bowl of food and a warm bed (though many of these cats are actually stray or have been abandoned, and therefore do know something of the good life).<\/p>\n Thankfully, there are a number of individuals and rescue organizations dedicated to caring for community cats, typically through their Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. TNR involves humanely trapping cats that are thought to be feral, having them spayed or neutered (often receiving vaccinations at the same time), and then returning them to the location where they were trapped.<\/p>\n But, as the Urban Cat League notes on its website<\/a>, TNR is a substantial commitment, one that must be taken seriously by everybody involved. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return, not Trap, Neuter, and Run. Maintaining the life-long welfare of the colony after neutering is an equally important link in the chain of compassion.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d During winter months, of course, caring for outdoor cats requires additional effort.<\/p>\n General Tips<\/strong> One of their tips\u00e2\u20ac\u201dkeeping ethylene glycol antifreeze away from all animals\u00e2\u20ac\u201dis actually good year-round advice for everybody. The sweet taste of this automotive engine coolant is very tempting, and even a small amount can be fatal. (Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is, according to the EPA<\/a>, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153less toxic to humans and pets.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d)<\/p>\n As temperatures drop, cats seeking warmth will sometimes huddle under cars and trucks, or sneak up into their engine compartments. Be sure to check under your car and tap on the hood before starting the engine.<\/p>\n To delay or prevent drinking water from freezing:<\/p>\n Shelter from the Weather<\/strong> Other important considerations include:<\/p>\n Sources and Instructions for Shelters and Feeding Stations<\/strong>
\nWhether you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153official\u00e2\u20ac\u009d colony caretaker, looking after the neighborhood cats, or simply concerned for the welfare of your community cats, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll want to check out Alley Cat Allies\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153winter weather tips\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=moderncat-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0002ZIIRK\")
\nAlthough outdoor cats are pretty good at keeping warm on their own, you can help by providing some shelter. It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to be fancy, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind\u00e2\u20ac\u201dsuch as the materials. Blankets might seem like a good idea, but they absorb moisture. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Straw is the best choice for insulation and bedding in a shelter,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d according to Alley Cat Allies<\/a>. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It resists moisture and keeps the shelter warm.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n\n
\nThere are several online sources for shelters and feeding stations designed for outdoor cats, many of which include photos of the products in use. And for the do-it-yourselfer, there are lots of plans and kits available as well. (Guys, this could be your big chance to score that pricey table saw on your Christmas list!)<\/p>\n