Feral cats spend their whole lives outdoors, and can be found all over the country, in every type of landscape. They are not socialized to humans, preferring to live amongst their own in family groups called “colonies.” As the winter months near, there are a few simple things you can do to help the outdoor cats in your community stay a little warmer during the colder winter months.

Although most feral cats are skilled at finding their own food and place to sleep, you can help them through winter by providing specially-built shelters and dedicated feeding sites. While not necessary for their survival, they do guarantee the cats a warm spot to escape the winter weather and deter them from places where they are not wanted.

Wet food in insulated containers is most ideal for wintertime feeding, as it takes less energy for cats to digest then dry food-and cats can use that extra energy to keep warm.

Preventing liquids from freezing can be a challenge during the winter. Avoid dehydration by keeping your water drinkable:

• Use bowls that are deep rather than wide, and place them in a sunny spot.
• Refill the bowls with hot or warm water.
• Add a pinch of sugar to the water; this keeps it from freezing as quickly and provides an energy boost for the cats!
• Purchase heated electric bowls found in many pet shops.
• Keep the cats on a regular feeding schedule. The cats will come to expect it, and the food and water will spend less time in the cold before being consumed.

Give the cats somewhere to stay out of the elements. You can build a shelter yourself, using Alley Cat Allies' easy and inexpensive plans. You can also purchase or build other models—view our list of 15 shelter ideas sorted by ease of step-up. Lastly, you can modify a pre-built dog house by making it suitable for cats—add insulation and make entrance smaller.

If you chose to build a shelter, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keep the shelter elevated off the ground and situated in a quiet, unobtrusive area with a minimal amount of traffic.
• Make sure the shelter provides enough room for three to five cats to huddle up.
• Keep the door should at no more than six to eight inches wide. This will help keep out other wildlife and bigger predators.
• Install a flap on the door to keep snow, rain, and wind out.

Be sure to insulate the shelter against moisture as well as cold. Straw is the best choice for insulation and bedding in a shelter. It resists moisture and keeps the shelter warm. Blankets are not a good idea, as they absorb moisture like a sponge.

A simple feeding station with a roof and sides can protect cats from the elements while they eat. Learn how to build one.

Educate Others Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about the habits of outdoors cat during the winter. Check under the car before starting it, as cat will sometimes crawl into the engine or hide underneath for warmth. Give the hood of your car a tap, to scare out any cats that may be underneath that you didn’t see.

Remember that antifreeze is lethal to cats and other animals. Keep it out of reach!

Prevent another kitten season. Cats have a 63-day gestation and period and usually mate in the winter. Trap-Neuter-Return can be done during the winter months, provided allowances are made so that the cats are not exposed to the elements. Extreme cold is dangerous for cats if they are not covered and secured in a temperature-controlled holding area or vehicle quickly. It is important to remember that cats are very vulnerable when in traps! Learn more in our Trap-Neuter-Return Guide.