Mount Sinai NY
8-24-2026 11:36am

Helping Feral Cats Survive the Winter: What Long Islanders Can Do

By Samantha Vogel | Long Island Daily News

As winter approaches on Long Island, freezing temperatures, snow, ice and bitter winds can make life difficult for anyone spending time outdoors. But for the thousands of feral and community cats living outside, winter can become a daily struggle for survival.

These cats may be seen behind businesses, near apartment complexes, around industrial areas, in backyards or living in established colonies throughout Long Island. While some have caregivers who provide food, water and shelter, others face the cold largely on their own.

A few simple actions from residents can make an enormous difference.

What Is a Feral Cat?

Feral cats generally live outdoors and have had little or no socialization with people. Unlike a lost or recently abandoned pet, a truly feral adult cat may be fearful of human contact and may not be comfortable living inside a traditional home.

Many are part of what are commonly called community cat colonies.

That does not mean they don’t need help.

During the winter, outdoor cats need reliable access to shelter, food and unfrozen water. They can also benefit greatly from Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, which humanely trap community cats so they can be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then returned to their outdoor territory when appropriate.

Shelter Can Save a Life

One of the most important things residents can provide during cold weather is a dry, insulated shelter.

Outdoor cat shelters do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Insulated plastic storage containers and other weather-resistant structures can provide protection from wind, snow and freezing temperatures when properly constructed.

The shelter should be just large enough for cats to enter, turn around and sleep comfortably. An oversized shelter can make it more difficult for the cats’ body heat to warm the space.

Placement matters, too. Shelters should be located in a quiet area protected as much as possible from wind, precipitation, traffic and other dangers.

For bedding, straw is generally preferable to blankets and towels in outdoor shelters. Fabric can absorb moisture and become cold or freeze. Straw helps repel moisture while allowing cats to burrow into it for warmth.

Remember the simple rule:

Straw for strays.

Food and Water Are Especially Important

Cats living outdoors may require additional energy during cold weather because their bodies are working harder to stay warm.

Anyone caring for a community cat or colony should provide food consistently and remove leftovers when practical so the feeding area remains clean and does not unnecessarily attract wildlife.

Fresh water is equally important.

Water bowls can freeze quickly during a Long Island cold snap. Caregivers should check water frequently and replace frozen water. Heated outdoor water bowls designed for pets can also be useful where a safe electrical source is available.

Check Your Car Before Starting It

There is another winter danger many people don’t realize.

Cats looking for warmth may crawl underneath vehicles or into areas around a warm engine after a car has been parked.

Before starting your vehicle during cold weather, take a few seconds to bang on the hood, check underneath the vehicle and give any hidden animal an opportunity to escape.

That small habit could save a life.

Don’t Assume an Outdoor Cat Has No One Caring for It

Seeing a cat outside during winter can be upsetting, but an outdoor cat is not necessarily abandoned.

The cat may belong to a managed community colony and have caregivers nearby.

If you encounter an unfamiliar outdoor cat, observe from a safe distance. Look for signs of illness or injury and see whether the cat appears to return regularly to the same location.

An ear-tipped cat — typically identifiable by the clean removal of the tip of one ear — often indicates that the cat has already gone through a TNR program.

A friendly cat approaching people, appearing suddenly in an unfamiliar location or looking confused or distressed could potentially be a lost or abandoned pet and may need different assistance.

Never Harm or Abandon Community Cats

Community cats are living animals trying to survive.

They should never be poisoned, deliberately injured, chased into dangerous areas or abandoned somewhere unfamiliar.

Relocating a feral cat is also not as simple as taking the animal somewhere else and releasing it. Cats become familiar with their territory, food sources and shelter, and improper relocation can put them in greater danger.

When there is a concern about a colony or individual cat, contacting an experienced local rescue organization, shelter or TNR group is often the best first step.

Long Island Can Help Its Community Cats

Helping does not always mean bringing an animal into your home.

It might mean putting out an insulated shelter.

It might mean replacing a frozen bowl of water.

It might mean donating food or straw to a colony caregiver.

It might mean supporting a local rescue or TNR organization.

It might mean checking underneath your car before turning the key on a freezing morning.

And sometimes, it simply means noticing an animal that everyone else has walked past.

Long Island has an extraordinary network of rescuers, fosters, volunteers, colony caretakers and everyday residents who quietly help animals throughout our communities. Their work becomes even more important when temperatures begin to fall.

This winter, Long Island Daily News encourages residents to look out for the animals living among us.

If you know of a feral or community cat colony that needs assistance, reach out to local rescue and TNR organizations rather than ignoring the situation.

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