A feeder's guide

Feeding

• Feed at the same time and place every day, away from doorways and parked cars.
• Dry food keeps better in the heat. Put down what gets eaten in about 30 minutes, then clear up. A tidy spot avoids most complaints.

Water, shade and shelter

• Leave fresh water daily in a heavy bowl, and check it twice in summer.
• Shade matters from June to September, and a box shelter helps in winter rain.

Why trap, neuter, return (TNR)

One unneutered female can have several litters a year. Neutering stops the kittens and cuts fighting, spraying and yowling. Cats go back to where they live, with one ear tip clipped to show they're done. The government's campaign does it for free. See how to book it.

Trapping

• Book the vet first, then trap the evening or morning before.
• Skip one meal, and tell other feeders not to feed that day.
• Use a humane box trap (borrow one if you need to) lined with newspaper, with strong-smelling food at the back.
• Stay nearby. Never leave a set trap alone, in the sun or in the rain.
• Once caught, cover the trap with a towel and keep it somewhere quiet until the vet.
• A mother with young kittens? Plan for the kittens first. Ask for advice.

After the vet

• Follow the vet's advice, usually a night's rest, covered and warm, with a little food and water once awake.
• Return each cat to exactly where you trapped it. A new area puts it in danger.
• Note each cat that's done, with its colour, markings, the date and a photo.

A sick or hurt cat in your colony

Take it to a vet, or call a licensed rescue or another feeder. Many vets give feeders a discount, so ask. Out of hours, see emergency vets.

Keep colony locations private

Some people harm cats on purpose. Share only the area online, and give exact spots privately to people you trust.