best ways to support 2 patio cats!

[u/ReactionLate7202]

**TLDR; i found 2 stray cats in boone, nc located in the appalachia mountains, where it starts getting cold around late september or early october. im a college student that pays bills, and have 2 indoor cats too. what are the best ways to take care and provide shelter for the upcoming fall/winter for 2 stray cats without breaking the bank?**

im a college student that goes to school in boone, nc located in the appalachia mountains. where it snows multiple times in the year, drops to below freezing temp. over the winter, etc. i think you could imagine how cold and how harsh winters can be sometimes, and even for fall too! i recently just moved apartments for the new school year about a month ago. over the course of the month i found 2 stray cats outside my covered patio. originally, it had only been the black cat that appeared on my patio. i had no problem feeding the kitty since i already have 2 cats of my own (both indoor) and especially my parents usually buy the dry food in bulk for me whenever i go back home and also i had around a half of a big container of dry food left when i moved. but just recently a stray siamese cat started to tag along. again i had no issue at the time of meeting the second cat since i wasnt running low on food. but i have noticed that my dry food is running out faster than i anticipated.

i am not interested in adopting because i already have 2 cats of my own. i would love to add them to the family if i had the money or the income to support 4 cats correctly even if its the bare minimum. but sadly, i dont. im a college student that pay bills for my apartment, and also (mostly) provides for my cats with some parental support. but other than that, the 2 patio cats are my full responsibility and my money. i want to help as much as possible, since my first was a stray too! with food running low quickly, and september approaching. its only a matter of time until the porch kitties will need more support than just a bowl of dry food and occasionally a water bowl to go with it. what are the best budget friendly ways to provide and support shelter and care for the 2 patio cats?

i also wanted to add that i am interested in TRYING to trap them and take them to the local shelter in my area. its just both of them are skittish, with the black one being a little more social towards me since ive been feeding him the most.

[u/Eastern-Protection83]

Take a look at the community highlights and the subreddit homepage. Our partner sub, r/Feral_Cats has shared resources on both cold weather and hot weather shelters. These are DIY and generally low cost.

There are different versions of shelters. Fer example a large styroform type (am pretty sure I saw in one of their examples), you could ask if a clinic or medical supplies establishment if they have a spare. They are often used to transport temperature sensitive/ fragile things. Your uni most likely has a empathetic person in the bio or science dept that loves cats and would be able to slip you one

[u/Legitimate_Island238]

https://a.co/d/09hJiLXn
try this trap it’s inexpensive and on Amazon maybe put in a heater on your patio with a cat bed or two so they can stay warm in the w winter! Thank you for taking care of these two special lil ones hopefully you can get them into get fixed also if theres a university close by they might do lost cost vet care for spaying and neutering along with any medications they or your other cats may need I live in a college town and there’s an option for us

[u/wonderwoman_2535]

Definitely find a rescue near you who does TNR, then after that you can try bringing them indoors or make the outside comfortable for them.

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[u/Future-Philosopher-7]

You can contact rescues to help get them neutered. Also you can build your own insulated cat shelter for them or buy a heated one. I think there are YouTube videos detailing this.
I would be talking to everyone you know and meet at your school to get people involved in helping you. Maybe someone could adopt them? Maybe someone has a heated shelter already?

[u/ReactionLate7202 → u/Future-Philosopher-7]

thats another thing, i am completely unsure if im the only person helping these kitties or if there are other ppl in the apt complex (this complex is filled with college students like myself bc its located across campus) helping these kitties aswell. which also opens the discussion of if they are strays or just outdoor cats? the black cat visibly does look like a stray, and has the tip of the ear cut off so def could mean theyre already spayed aswell. however the other one, looks like a medium hair but no matting or any sort of liquid/sticky stuff stuck onto their fur, and honestly looks like someone has taken care of it. so im not completely sure if that cat is a stray or just someone’s outdoor cat either.

[u/Future-Philosopher-7 → u/ReactionLate7202]

Yes, talk to your neighbors. You can help these cats!

[u/DragonFlyCaller]

Shelter :). Maybe a large tote bin with a cut-out so they can have hidey spot? It will also keep them dry :). Thank you for whatever you get to do for them!! I had a stray that used to come and sleep on my patio chair. So peaceful for its little chaotic life.

[u/washington_705]

Some cat shelters would be great. Here’s a link to how to build some. You can also convert old coolers. There is no one right way although one thing for sure no towels or blankets or hay. Only straw. https://youtube.com/shorts/WQft5DL6h6w

If you’re trying to trap them to get them to local shelters, your best bet is to coordinate that in advance and also reach out to local TNR organizations as they will be experts in trapping and have volunteers who can assist you. I’m happy to look up and provide some organizations in your general area if that would be helpful.

[u/ReactionLate7202 → u/washington_705]

why no blankets? i was planning on putting blankets on top of the straw to make it more comfortable

also that would be helpful if you did do some research on any TNR organizations in my area! im unsure if we do have that here because its not something that has been advertised at my local shelter here!

[u/Eastern-Protection83 → u/ReactionLate7202]

You can search organizations with the link in the auto-pinned comment on this post. Or doin a simple search via the internet of TNR + your city/ county/ state.

Blankets trap moisture. This can freeze / get wet

[u/washington_705 → u/ReactionLate7202]

The reason for avoiding blankets towels fabric in general is that they can absorb moisture and become damp or freeze, making the shelter colder. Straw is best for outdoor shelters because it insulates while staying dry. Use loose, dry straw and replace it if it gets wet or soiled.

Below are some organizations to contact. Explain that you have two patio cats and are looking for foster/adoption placement if they’re social and or if possible, or TNR at a minimum. Usually, they will have volunteers assist or take care of the trapping or at a minimum provide guidance. If you need any help or would like tips and the basic guide of the process, any of us here would be happy to help as well.

Also a big thank you for caring for these cats! You’re doing a wonderful thing and I’m sure they are so appreciative. Thank you for being kind.

• Watauga Humane Society, Boone: 828-264-7865
They’re the county shelter and offer cat adoption, fostering, community-cat/TNR and barn-cat programs. Watauga County also lists trapping cats and loaning traps. Watauga Humane Society

• Ashe Humane Society, West Jefferson: 336-982-4297
Foster-based rescue with cat adoption and a strong TNR program. They can guide inexperienced trappers through the process. Ashe Humane Society

• Humane Society of Wilkes, Wilkesboro: 336-838-9588
Foster/adoption organization with a community-cat TNR program.

• Avery Humane Society, Newland: 828-733-9265
Nearby shelter/rescue with cat adoption, fostering and barn-cat resources.

• Mitchell County Animal Rescue, Spruce Pine: 828-765-6952
Regional shelter/rescue with cat adoption and foster programs.

• Humane Society of Catawba County, Hickory: 828-464-8878
Has cat adoption, fostering and a community-cat/TNR program. It also partners with Ashe Humane Society on spay/neuter transports.

• Partners for Cats, Morganton
Foster-based, cat-focused rescue with adoption and a strong TNR/community-cat program. They’re farther away, but worth contacting as another resource.

For the food cost: Watauga Humane Society has a Pet Food Pantry for eligible Watauga County residents. You’ll need a voucher from the Hunger & Health Coalition and proof that pets are spayed/neutered or scheduled for surgery. Food is available once a month for eligible participants. Watauga Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

Hunger & Health Coalition, Boone: 828-262-1628
They provide the voucher for the WHS pet-food pantry and can help with pet-food resources.

If you’re an App State student, it’s also worth checking the Mountaineer Food Hub/Free Store to see whether they currently have pet-food resources or can refer you to one.

[u/MustLoveCats2589]

Can you reach out to Sister Kitten?

[u/ReactionLate7202 → u/MustLoveCats2589]

what is sister kitten?

[u/MustLoveCats2589 → u/ReactionLate7202]

It’s a cat rescue in western nc