A "managed colony" of feral cats is a group of wild stray cats who have
been spayed/neutered and are looked after by a volunteer caretaker. The
caretaker provides the cats with shelter, daily feedings, and vet care when needed.

Feral cats live short, brutal lives on the streets.... and they breed
prolifically. In a well-managed colony, non-breeding feral cats can live
decent lives.

Some feral cats need to be rescued from areas that are unsafe for them, or
removed from places where the property owner will not tolerate them. These
cats need safe "farm homes" where they can be established as a new or
transplanted managed colony.

A "farm home" can be a farm, stable, rural backyard, workshop, or similar
environment. There must be a certain amount of wooded or brushy area
adjacent, the site should not border a busy street, anyone living or
working adjacent, the site should not border a busy street, anyone living or
working in the immediate vicinity should be agreeable to having the colony located
there, and there must be shelter provided for the cats (If there is no
adequate shelter, feral cat shelters- weatherproofed doghouse-like
structures with two doors, and stuffed with straw- can be easily and
cheaply made or converted). There must be a responsible caretaker willing to take
long-term ongoing responsibility for the colony.

In return, these cats will work for their keep by maintaining your
barn/garage/stable free of vermin. You will also be saving the lives of
abandoned cats who might otherwise die on the streets or be euthanized.

For more information about providing space for a managed colony, please
e-mail scat@spiritdancers.org