05/05/2026
IMPORTANT MESSAGE!
Tips on managing and caring for a feral cat (colony): be aware it's only allowed if you're a licensed caretaker!!!!
And may we remind people that if you take on feeding cats in your garden or home, that you assume some responsibility for them.
GFB can always help and advice, however we are not responsible for vet fees and/or rehoming. We simply do not have the resources.
If you feed them in your own garden or grounds, by law you become responsible for them and they will be seen as your cats.
Proper management of a feral or free-roaming cat colony is a long term, year round responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly.
Once you put food out for them you become a ´colony manager´ and the cats become dependent on you. If you cannot commit to proper care and long-term management, do not put food out for any cat!!!
The following guidelines and suggestions will help you provide proper care to your feral cat colony.
*Trap, Neuter, Test and Return (TNTV)
This process provides a humane method of controlling and gradually reducing the number of cats in a feral cat colony.
Contact your local feral cat association for help with this essential part of managing the colony.
*Creating a feeding site.
If possible, feed and monitor the colony on a regular basis, though not necessarily every day, and at different times.
This will help protect the cats from people who might want to harm them whilst also preserving their hunting instinct.
If you think the cats have been abandoned by previous owners please contact your local feral cat association for advice.
Never feed a colony of cats on property you do not own or do not have written permission to visit.
The cats will soon become dependent upon you and you might be forced to stop caring for them.
Always keep the feeding area clean and neat.
This will prevent upsetting neighbours as well as keeping the night creatures such as rats out of the feeding area.
Be on alert for any new cats which might enter the colony.
Should this happen, please contact your local feral cat association so they can trap, neuter and test the new arrivals, before returning them to the colony.
However, if a cat appears to be socialized already and abandoned, they will attempt to find it a forever home.
*Leave feral kittens with their mothers.
If kittens and their mum are safe and appear to be in good health, leave them alone but advise your local feral cat association of their location.
After about 12 weeks, they will then arrange to trap, neuter and test them before returning to the colony.
Try to avoid human contact.
If you go on a trip or move arrange for a neighbour or friend to handle colony duties.
Remember that the cats depend on you and it is better for them to stay where they are currently living.
Consider having additional help to care for the colony so you can share the responsibility and workload.
And finally…thank you for your help in looking after the cats and kittens!
