Animal groups building shelters for feral cats

Carbon County Friends of Animals and the Animal Shelter of Carbon are looking for donations and volunteers to ensure that feral cats can make it through the harsh winter.

The groups are currently asking for colored 30 small/medium and 30 large/extra large totes, along with carpet remnants and insulation or carpet insulation, which will be fashioned into shelters.

“Once we have all of the items, we plan on meeting as a team to build the shelters in one night,” Carbon County Friends of Animals board member Kimmy Mulik said. “Hopefully we can help provide some nice,warm homes for outdoor cats.”

Winter is particularly perilous for feral cats, who often go without the bare necessities for survival.

“They are unable to find adequate shelter for warmth, and without proper feeding their body cannot maintain an appropriate weight or temperature. Often times death is the end result,” Mulik said.

Mulik, along with groups like the Palmerton Cat Project, have been vocal proponents of cat colonies, which are areas fortified with shelter and supplies to keep the cats healthy and safe. Most often, these colonies are based on private property and monitored by the homeowner. Some jurisdictions do allow the feral cats to live in particular areas, as long as community members are able to provide services for the animals.

One of the biggest misconceptions about providing shelters establishing colonies revolves around the idea that it will draw even more cats to the general area, causing a population boom and even more trouble. Mulik said that this is simply a misunderstanding, as the shelters act as a base for the cats.

“If a cat or any animal is being fed consistently at the same feeding station they will return. This is important so they don’t stray away onto other properties. They know where they are taken care of and most of the time remain at that site,” she said.

When the cats keep coming to a colony, they can be trapped, neutered and released back into the wild, allowing for population control. Vaccinations and other health care can be provided as well.

And when it comes to the multitude of feral cats present in an area, Mulik said that it is important to remember who is ultimately responsible – the owners. Groups of feral cats often begin with a loose pet, which may have been dismissed or inadequately cared for by their owner.

“When you own a pet, it is your responsibility to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, etc. Be a responsible pet owner and love the animal you take into your home as if he/she is a family member. If you cannot provide these basic needs then perhaps owning a pet is not something you should take on,” she said.

If you are interested in contributing or volunteering, contact CCFoA at 570-325-9400, or check out the Friends of Animal Shelter of Carbon Facebook page.