Homemade Feeding Station for a Feral Cat

In addition to neutering and spaying, providing a proper feeding station is one of the most important things you can do for the feral cats in your care. Not only will a feeding station keep your cats̵7; food dry in bad weather, it will contain their dishes and make their eating area neater and less offensive to neighbors. Providing a homemade feeding station for feral cats is an easy project and an inexpensive one.

  1. Location

    • Think about a location for the feeding station that will be accessible and safe for both the cats and you. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, will you be able to get to the feeding station in bad weather? Will it be close enough to where you park your car to easily carry food and water in one trip?

      Give some thought to the surrounding area, too. Especially if you feed in a residential area or shopping center, the cats will be safest if the feeding station is not visible to people walking or driving by. A feeding station tucked into a stand of trees or row of bushes is not easily seen by people passing by. A coat of brown or a leafy-green paint will make it even less visible.

    The Structure

    • A wooden feeding station with a roof and two open sides is easy to build. Large Rubbermaid or other heavy-duty plastic storage tubs also work as feeding stations. If you use a storage tub, cut large holes in both long sides, so several cats can eat at the same time and the cats won̵7;t feel closed in and confined. Leave about an inch at the bottom on each side to keep water from running into the tub when it rains.

      Placing several layers of newspaper in the bottom of the feeding station will provide some insulation in the winter and keep wet food from freezing quickly. Cover the newspaper with a plastic trash bag, and tape the bag in place so it doesn̵7;t blow away.

      Also consider writing your name and phone number on the top of the structure with a waterproof maker so anyone who spots the feeding station can contact you if they̵7;re concerned about the cats.

    ̵6;Training̵7; the Cats

    • Some feral cats accept feeding stations immediately, but others need some encouragement. To get your cats used to the new location, move their dishes a couple of inches closer to the feeding station each day. When they̵7;re eating just a yard or two from the feeding station, put an extra bowl of dry food inside. Make sure the cats see you placing the food. They̵7;ll investigate when they̵7;re ready and will eventually accept their new dining arrangements.

    Keep it Neat

    • Always take empty cat food cans with you when you leave and make sure the feeding station area is free of trash. Since paper plates blow away easily and create litter, use stainless steel bowls, or crockery or glass dishes. Neighbors will be less likely to complain about the cats if the eating area is always neat and clean.