What to do about feral cat in the neighborhood?

[Randi]

If you have a quiet corner, make a box out of polystyrene - perhaps tape two boxes together - the ones green grocers get their veggies in, put old towels or blankets inside, cut a little hole in one end and cover with plastic. Put the box on some bricks so the bottom doesn't get cold. These boxes isolate really well. We used them for the feral cats in our yard and Fister lived his first year in one, along with his mom. Feed in a bowl next to the box.

Patience is the key word here. Good luck!

[moosmom]

A styrofoam cooler makes a great shelter. You can also use a Rubbermaid bin and line it with styrofoam and newspaper.

[maerlyn]

Just an idea to throw out: I saw a stray cat on the other side of my property (13 acres) before Christmas. I will not trap in this bitterly cold weather, but I did haul a plastic dog house over there (other side of hill); the containers the others have mentioned will work just as well. I used thick, rigid styrofoam to insulate the bottom and then made a "mattress" out of some unused bubble wrap I had stashed around. I happened to have a bubble-wrap "bag" and stuffed more bubble wrap, making sure it was flat, into the "bag." The result is something padded and comfy to lie on as well as being a great insulator - all that trapped air! I added an old "cuddler" bed (the round kind, with sides) and a self-heating pad. I'm not able to get over there often; when I checked a few days later, the house & bed appeared unused, but at least it's there if the cat - who may not have survived the last single-digit nights - is still here. Anyway, remember the bubble wrap - cheap, easy, and a good insulator.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Thanks everyone for the good ideas. I made a little shelter today because we are supposed to get a few inches of snow tonight. We'll see if the cat eventually uses it. I ended up using a plastic storage container and an old pet bed.

[Karen]

Awww, looks cozy and perfect! Thanks on kitty's behalf!

[lizbud]

Thanks everyone for the good ideas. I made a little shelter today because we are supposed to get a few inches of snow tonight. We'll see if the cat eventually uses it. I ended up using a plastic storage container and an old pet bed.

Great job. If it's facing away from the wind, it should be a good place to stay warm & dry.

****Edited to say. Also a old wooden pallet would help to keep the house off the ground.