​Feeding Feral Cats During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While many people across the globe are struggling to make ends meet, caring for and feeding community cats can easily fall by the wayside. However, even during these times, we still have an obligation to ensure the health and well being of cats living outdoors, many of which rely on humans for food and shelter.

In Turkey, a place famous for their love of cats, the Interior Ministry issued a letter urging local administrations to protect and feed the country’s hundreds of thousands of stray cats while residents stay at home to contain the spread of the coronavirus. In the notice, the ministry wrote, “Food and water will be left at the living environments of street animals, such as parks and gardens, and particularly animal shelters. All necessary measures must be taken to ensure stray animals don’t go hungry.” In Istanbul alone, there are over 150,000 stray cats, who normally rely on the public for food and water. This initiative aims to ensure that no cat goes hungry while people are self-isolating. Similarly, in South Africa, feeding feral cats was deemed an essential service, so nonprofits and volunteers are continuing to feed colonies throughout the country.

​At ACR, we are continuing to feed all of our colonies, and have taken over several others that were not being fed. Even though resources are stretched thin, ACR still cares for these colonies 365 days a year, despite the ongoing pandemic. If you are a colony caretaker, please continue to feed and care for your colonies. If you are unable, find someone who can replace you until you are able to continue. While the health and well being of individuals is important during this pandemic, it is equally important to ensure that the feral cats who rely on humans are fed and healthy as well.