I'm reaching out for help and ideas from fellow rescuers and community members.
Over the past several months, we've been working with a colony of approximately 20-30 feral/community cats in an urban neighborhood. The majority have been TNR'd, and some friendlier cats have been taken into rescue. Their dedicated feeder loves them dearly and provides consistent food, shelter, and care.
The issue is that people speed down this road constantly, and we are losing cats to traffic. Relocating the colony is not an option at this time. The cats are bonded to the territory, and the caregiver has been their anchor. We have worked worked tirelessly to socialize the cats that are not completely feral and remove them from this dangerous location. Animal Control and the town have been contacted, but so far there has been no assistance.
We are trying to understand why the cats continue crossing this busy road. Possibilities include:
• A second feeding location across the street
• Scavenging habits
• Shelter or territory expansion
We're considering:
• Sending a neighborhood letter to identify if others are feeding
• Trying to localize feeding to one safer area
• Coordinating neighbors to share food donations and responsibility
• Adding additional shelters on one side to discourage crossing
• Posting slow-down signage
If you have successfully managed a roadside colony, what worked? Have you used deterrents? Motion lights? Landscaping barriers? Community coordination?
We are open to all constructive ideas., our goal is safety for both the cats and their caregiver.
Please share if you've dealt with something similar or have guidance. Thank you so much!
#CommunityCatManagement------------------------------
Carley Thompson
Founder
Despurate House Cats
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