{"id":28724,"date":"2022-11-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartzdevelop.wpengine.com\/?p=28724"},"modified":"2023-02-24T15:18:20","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T15:18:20","slug":"caring-for-community-cats-during-the-cold-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/caring-for-community-cats-during-the-cold-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for Community Cats During the Cold Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Community

There are at least 32 million cats living outdoors, some feral and others stray.<\/p><\/div>\n

Although there is little evidence and estimates greatly vary, according to one study (Rowan et al., 2019), there are at least 32 million cats living outdoors, with greater concentrations in urban areas.<\/p>\n

Of these millions of cats, there are two types: those that are totally or partially unsocialized to people (sometimes called \u201cferal\u201d cats), and those who previously lived with humans indoors but have been lost or let go (typically referred to as \u201cstrays\u201d). Both feral cats and stray cats can fall under the umbrella term, \u201ccommunity cats\u201d \u2013 cats who are unowned and live outdoors and prefer it that way.<\/p>\n

Engaging with Community Cats<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to note, that engaging with community cats can vary on the local town level and you should be aware of what your local town ordinances are beforehand.<\/p>\n

Community cats tend to take care of themselves, but they generally don\u2019t mind a little help. Contrary to what most people assume, these cats are often clean and of a healthy weight. They know how to survive outdoors. They\u2019ll be happy outside and show no interest in going indoors, whether it\u2019s warm and sunny or below freezing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Community

It\u2019s best to let community cats live and go about their business, unless they are begging for help or attention.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Most of these cats cannot be safely handled and they may have a notch missing from their left ear called an \u201cear tip.\u201d This lets cat rescuers and caretakers know that the cat has already been spayed or neutered<\/a> and returned to their home.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you do find a cat that seems dirty or unkempt<\/a>, wants to get back inside, and seems to be begging you for help or attention, bring the cat indoors and contact your local shelter or rescue for advice \u2013 it may be a missing or abandoned pet who is not equipped to survive outside. Otherwise, it\u2019s best to let our community cat friends live their lives and go about their business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Helping in the Winter<\/h3>\n

But what about during the winter? We mentioned earlier that community cats generally don\u2019t mind a little help. Well, they could use a little more help during the winter. Food is scarcer and they use up many precious calories keeping warm. If you would like to help community cats in your neighborhood during the winter, take a look at these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n