(July 1, 2005)
Hot weather brings a host of challenges for the feral cat caretaker, including heat, insects and the increased presence of other animals.  Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to beat summer's bite.

Boy, it's hot!
First and foremost, high temperatures mean extra-vigilance to make sure the cats have an adequate supply of water.  It's vital to prevent dehydration which can lead to loss of appetite and weight and other more serious and threatening conditions.  Fresh water should be placed out daily in bowls large enough so all the H2O doesn't evaporate away. 

If daily replenishment is not possible, then consider using an automatic waterer.  These relatively inexpensive devices operate on gravity with water stored in an upright jug and filtering down into a bowl.  The one gallon sizes are recommended because they are small and easy to clean, which you need to do periodically to prevent the growth of algae, or you can buy a 2.75 gallon version.  Best bet is to buy two of them so you can simply swap jugs when you need to refill.  Check out the Le Bistro models available at www.kvvet.com.

Ideally, water (and food) should be placed in a covered container such as a 30 gallon Rubbermaid storage bin with one long side of the bin completely cut out, leaving only a few inches at the bottom to stop flooding.  The bin will protect the food and water from sun and rain.

Speaking of food, don't place it out in the middle of a hot day - the cats tend to sleep off the heat and your offerings may go to waste.  Better to feed in the morning before the hot part of the day or in the evening when things cool off a bit.  During those times when the heat strikes 24 hours a day, just put out dry food as the wet variety will spoil much faster.  That is, unless the cats arrive at a regular time and eat up before the food can go bad.

Bugs and Slugs!
Fleas and ants are the two most prominent insects making noticeable appearances after the cold of winter has faded away.  Ants are easy to keep out of food - simply build a little moat they can't cross.  You do this by taking a small tray, whether it's a plastic takeout container, an aluminum pan or the like, and fill it with a half inch or so of water.  Then place your bowls of food inside the pan.  The ants won't be able to cross the water to get to the food.

Moats won't keep out slugs - those snails without shells who leave behind rather slimy trails.  While they may leave something to be desired in the tactile department, slugs aren't dumb.  If you sprinkle a little dry food on the ground a few inches away from the cat food bowl,  the slugs will eat that rather than go through the effort of climbing the bowl.

Fleas are a fact of feral life, but there are natural ways to combat them.  First, garlic in the diet has a deterrent effect.  Bits of raw garlic, if the cats will tolerate a small amount in their food, will do the trick.  If they turn their little noses away, try Petguard's Yeast and Garlic wafers, which many cats find to be a tasty treat.  If the cats' territory includes an area with moist soil, you can also apply beneficial nematodes. These are microscopic worms that consume flea larvae; simply mix them with water and spray over the area in question. They can be purchased from garden supply stores and many online sites.
(click here for more than you want to know about nematodes, plus a long list of suppliers.)  For ordering, GrowQuest.com seems to have better prices than most; click here.

Keep in mind that a healthy, well-fed feral may have a few fleas, but should not become infested or be constantly scratching.  Any type of parasitic infestation, including fleas or ear mites, is usually a sign of a poor diet or an underlying health problem.

Wildlife!
Got raccoons invading the food bowls?  Skunks?  Possum?  These critters are nocturnal and, except on rare occasion, only start to venture out to eat when the sun goes down.  To avoid attracting them, feed the cats during daylight hours, preferably early in the morning when the cool of the night lingers, or just before dusk when the thermometer starts to drop.  If you do feed just before dusk and have a problem with wildlife, remove any remaining food before you leave.  Cats are habitual creatures and will learn they need to eat up while the goods are still there.

And, of course, summer, winter, spring or fall - get them fixed!

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