Outdoor cat bullied by strays

by Brenda
(Laredo, TX)

We started feeding and provided an outdoor shelter for a 1 year old female cat, that we 'adopted' as our own. Two other stray cats would come around to get their share of food and even would chase our cat out of her shelter. I started to guard her at feeding time and take the food inside when she finished. Even though the food is no longer available, one stray still comes by regularly. Our cat will no longer sleep in the shelter I made, most likely due to the stray taking ownership of it, so I took it away and replaced it with a cushy rug on porch floor. My husband insists that she may not come inside. Part of me feels bad for the stay that is seeking a warm place to stay and food, but my main concern is our cat. Any suggestions for keeping our cat happy outside and how to be humane with the bully stray cat?

RESPONSE:

Brenda:

Put out a second shelter and feed them both at the same time with separate dishes. You have now adopted 2 stray cats! If you haven't done it already, get them spayed/neutered.
Competition for resources (food and shelter) is common in cats that live outside. In order to calm things, there has to be enough for all. This behavior is natural and instinctive, there is no way to stop it. Unless you can bring "your" cat indoors, there is no way to protect her from other cats seeking food and shelter too.
Good Luck!

Donna
House Full Cats Mom