Many animal welfare organizations use the term “community cat” to describe outdoor cats- Unowned cats who live and thrive outdoors, rather than living indoors as pets- because these animals are part of the community in which they live and are valued and often cared for by community residents.

 

• If a cat is of healthy weight and body condition, then she probably has a reliable food and water source, and sufficient shelter (often provided by one or more residents). 

• The risks of shelter impoundment often outweigh significantly those associated with life on the streets. Community cats are well-suited to living outdoors and are able to thrive in a variety of locations and climates. 

• The most common way that lost cats are reunited with their people is when cats return home on their own, which improves the low return-to-owner rate often seen in shelters. 

 

Want to help LA County's outdoor cats? 

Source: https://www.dropbox.com/s/19r9p3vklthsuen/9%20CCP%20handbook_Community%20cat%20management%202020.pdf?dl=0 (Chapter 9- community cat management and caregiver resources) 

 

Community cat management: Best Practices 

 

Best practices are important not only for the cats and the people who care for them, but for the entire community. Tidy, organized feeding stations, for example, are less likely to lead to complaints from neighbors. And well-managed communities (i.e., having all, or nearly all, cats sterilized and vaccinated) are important for getting support from public health agencies and officials. 

 

The following guidelines are considered proven strategies for community cat management. However, situations in the field don’t always allow for such guidelines to be followed precisely. Caregivers must therefore exercise their best judgment, always being aware that they increase the likelihood that the cats in their care will remain safe from harm if they can conform to these guidelines. (This can be a useful reminder when the extra effort involved seems unnecessary or unfair: If you won’t do it for any other reason, then do it for the cats.) 

 

Feeding practices 

Be courteous to residents by: 

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• Feeding in discreet locations  

• Feeding on a regular schedule 

• Distributing only as much food as will be eaten, so as not to attract wildlife.  

• If nocturnal wildlife are eating the food, consider feeding the cats during the day; on the other hand, if the food is attracting birds, consider feeding the cats at night.  

• Using bowls or plates, rather than placing the food directly on the ground. Clean up uneaten food, bowls, cans and anything else that might be considered trash  

• Replacing water regularly, using clean bowl 

 

Health monitoring 

Although it can be challenging to re-trap a sick or injured cat, it’s important that caregivers monitor the cats for health issues (upper respiratory infection, abscesses, wounds, etc.).  It’s much easier to monitor if you feed on a regular schedule. 

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Feces and urine accumulation

Consider installing a litter box or sandbox — in as discreet a place as possible — for the cats, and be sure to clean it regularly.  

 

Flea management

Fleas can be an issue here in So Cal. Caregivers should treat cats and their immediate environment for fleas if necessary 

 

Shelters

Use shelters to protect cats from extreme weather. (Do-it-yourself options can be found online.) Be sure to keep shelters clean and in good condition, and locate them discreetly to avoid drawing attention to the cats. Shelters shouldn’t be placed on property without permission from the property owner. 

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Microchips

Some caregivers are willing to pay to have their community cats microchipped, if it means that any cat who’s impounded will be returned to his neighborhood. 

 

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