Garages Can be Deadly For a Neighborhood Cats

Many people have indoor/outdoor cats. And these cats usually go outdoors on a warm day and return at the end of the day to go indoors. But what happens when the weather is rainy or cold, will your cat go in an open garage or shed? Most cats when they enter a garage they will investigate and some may lie down to go to sleep especially if it is raining or cold outdoors.

Garden shed can also be deadly for a cat.  If the door is left open

The homeowner will have no idea the cat is in their garage because when a human approaches the cat may hide. The garage is closed because they are unaware a cat is in their a garage.

Now, what if the homeowner goes to work and returns 12 hours later and do not open the garage. They park their car in the driveway go to the back bedroom to take a nap or watch TV and do not hear the cats meow.

Know that a cat can go without food but they cannot go without water. Water is a necessity. What happens to the cat if the homeowner closes their garage door and leaves for vacation?

An open door is inviting a cat to come indoors

Garages that are left open then closed at some point with a remote are dangerous for a neighborhood cat. My neighbor leaves his garage open for many hours then closes with a remote. He told my husband that where their garage is situated that they would never hear a cat meow. He also said that they went on vacation and came home to a horrendous stench. They opened their garage door and found the remains of a cat.

This is why I say an open garage can be deadly for a neighborhood cat.

Garages can be deadly for a neighborhood cat and I am hoping that everyone spreads the word, people know to sound their horn in winter for cats that may climb into their engine block for warmth. Maybe we can get the word out about garages that are left open and that everyone should check for a neighborhood cat or leave a bowl of water.

We always leave a bowl of water and some food, especially if the garage door is left open. It is the only way to know for certain that no cat or other animal is inside. If food and water are missing then you will know to leave the door open and watch for the animal to come out.

If you leave your garden shed open, be sure to check for animals by leaving food and water and closing the door, then recheck the next day.

Sewers are Not a Safe Shelter for Cats

Outdoor cats will go into the sewers when the weather is rainy, cold or hot. The sewer provides cats with a comfortable temperature and they feel safe under the ground. However, the sewers are not a safe shelter for cats.

This week the weather forecast is calling for a dip in the temperature which means the mild weather will cease. The weather forecast is calling for a light freeze and heavy rainfall. The temperature dip will come first so the cats will go to the sewers, then the hard rain. There is one wide opening sewer that has a ledge where the cats go to lie, then there is a wide mouth drain. We worry about the cats if the rain water from gutter rushes the sewer, these cats could get swept into the drain.

Neighbors have petitioned the city to put a grate over the opening of this sewer but they city said they would prefer to have animal control come out with traps to remove all stray cats. Well, that is not the solution because even neighborhood cats, small dogs or a child that is curious about the opening could fall into this sewer. Since the city will not install a grate covering my neighbors and I are watching the sewers and will do our best to rescue any cats.

One of my friends lives across from the large opening street sewer and he recommended that we all open our garages to welcome the outdoor cats to a warm and dry shelter. The thought is that the cats would go into our garages instead of the sewer. That if we all install a kitty door that the cats will know that our garages or storage sheds are their safe place.  

We have also opened up the shed. Both the garage and shed have cat beds with self-heated pads if the weather is cold. We are hoping the outdoor cats have the good sense to come out of the sewers and go into the neighbor's garages. 

Cat Lady Gift Ideas

In every community in the world there are groups of women who oversee feral cat colonies, rescue abandoned and injured cats and provide their community with civil service.  

The cat lady comes in all shapes and sizes, they are young and they are old however they all are the same because they love cats.

A cat lady has a huge heart when it comes to taking care of cats. She may provide cats with a loving home or she may be the neighborhood trapper that takes the feral and stray cats in for spay or neuter and all of their vaccines.  The crazy cat lady may work alone or with other volunteers and they watch out for the cats, feed them twice a day, give them fresh water and shelter from the heat and cold. 

The neighborhood cat lady is doing their community a world of good.  So when it comes time to give the loving cat lady a gift, consider gifts that were designed especially for her.

There are a variety of cat lady gifts that are humorous however if your friend is more serious then give this type of lady a coffee mug, board game,T-shirt or home accessories that will work well with their lifestyle.  

Here are a few Crazy Cat lady gifts that I found at zazzle.com.  I think the graphic designs are adorable.  Click the product image to view at the zazzle website and to check for product sales or specials.  Enjoy!

Crazy Cat Lady In Training Bumper Sticker by DawnMorningstar

OCD Obsessive Cat Disorder Shirts by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady in Training Shirt by DawnMorningstar

Cats are like potato chips mug by ironydesigns

Crazy Cat Lady Key Chains by MeowMeowBowWowGifts
  

 

Not So Crazy Cat Lady Black Pillows by MyMemaws

 

I am a feral cat colony caregiver and rescuer and I recommend these gifts because they are fun and will make the recipient laugh. I drink coffee every morning from my cat lady mug and it always makes me smile.