Fact Sheet| Alley Cat Allies

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Community catsalso known as feral catsare well-suited to living outdoors alongside humans, as they’ve done for over 10,000 years. However, there may be times when they could use a helping hand. Here, you’ll learn how you can build a feeding station for the community cats in your neighborhood. This station will keep food and water safe from the elements. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and your feline friends will love it!

Interested in other options? Check out our Feeding Station Gallery.

Watch the Video

What You’ll Need

  • A large plastic tub (approximately 30 gallons)
  • Permanent marker
  • Ruler
  • Hair dryer
  • Box cutter
  • Duct tape
  • Two pressure treated 2x4s a few inches taller than the tub (approximately 18 inches)
  • Power drill
  • Wood screws

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. width="300"1. Use a ruler to mark the opening with a permanent marker. Be sure to mark around handles, if necessary.
  2. width="300"2. Soften the plastic outline using the hair dryer. This will make it much easier to cut.
  3. width="300"3. Use the box cutter to cut out the entrance. Use caution and be careful not to cut yourself! If plastic is too hard, repeat Step 2.
  4. width="300"4. Cover newly cut plastic with duct tape to smooth out the edges.
  5. width="300"5. Place tub sideways on top of the two 2x4s, and mark four holes for screwstwo on each plank.
  6. width="300"6. Drill pilot holes in tub.
  7. width="300"7. Scew in wood screws with drill.
  8. width="300"8. Put lid back on the tub, and you’re ready to place the feeding station outside.

TIP: Place feeding station on a slight incline so rain water will drain out the front. If ground is flat, add an extra piece of wood under the back of the feeder to create an incline.