Strays: How to Take Care of Fur Friends Around You

Conditions of My Living Area

Since I’m currently living in a quite packed neighborhood area, there are some strays that sometimes popped out in my building space. The cats are strays, with no owners nor necklaces. They feed themselves by hunting wild rats that live in the sewers or birds.

 

Types of Cats

1.    The tabby

A chubby tabby that live in the dorm I live, and currently is staying at the building. She’s very loving and gentle to me. The cat would let you pet her nonstop. She seeks more attention than I thought; as she would follow me and staring through my window at times.

2.    The black-white male dom

At first, he was a bit scared of me, not even letting me being close. Since I keep feeding him and show no signs of hostile, I began to gain his trust. He’s a bit in the smaller side, which I believe he’s in his teenager days.

3.    The black-white male mix-dom

My heart sunk whenever I see this cat coming. He’s a beautiful mix-dom cat with big body, unfortunately, looks thin in his size. He’s the only one with tipped left ear, means he’s neutered already. I can’t help to think that he was owned before he was a stray. I’d like to believe otherwise, though, as there was a nice human who found and kindly spayed him.

4.    Rarely shown: a male tabby, a white one, and some gingers

There is a big male tabby which is loved by the resident next door. A white and few gingers also seldom appear, yet they are still scared of human presence.

 

In the mating season, the males will try to mate with the females. Few times including fights with other male. Then more kittens would appear, and the population of wild kitten increased.

 

I dare to say that they live in such a poor condition. Still, I believe we humans can make a better life for the creature by doing minimal efforts.

 

Giving care

Basic care actions to your furries:

1.    Feed them properly

Personally, I give them kibbles that are easier to get. They are pretty cheap and provide enough nutrition in order the cats to survive.

2.    Don’t forget the drink

You can provide clean water to prevent the cats drinking water from unsupervised sources. Prepare a clean bowl and fill them with tap water, and change them every 3-4 times a day so they can access it every time.

3.    Best part: give them pats they deserve

Some cats love affection. Give them little pats on head and back area. Avoid touching their stomach and bottom area, as majority of cats don’t like it. Do not force them if they are feral and hostile.

 

If you have more resources; attention, time, and finance to spare to the strays, you can take more steps ahead to make their lives more comfortable.

1.    Anti-flea care

There are several treatments that are available, such as ointments and medicines. However, the easiest one in my opinion would be an anti-flea necklace. They are pretty affordable and effective.

2.    Sometimes, give them snacks to enjoy

Instead of only kibbles, you can add some cat oriented snacks that are available. They will love it.

3.    Spay and neuter

Honestly, this is the best advice for the overpopulated wild cats out there. However, I understand that this is pretty hard to do for most people as you need some serious time and money, especially in my home country it can get pretty expensive. If you are ready, you can consider doing this for the sake of healthier environment.

4.    Adopt

In addition to getting a friend for life, you can make a creature’s life much better than before. It is very rewarding, rather than buying your pet at the pet shop. However, you must be commitment to take care of the cat.