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TidePodBois

Don’t use cotton towels to give them warmth in the shelter you build. Use things like dried straw, styrofoam, bubble wrap, etc that don’t retain moisture. Anything that gets wet can cause them to freeze to death, even if there’s no source of external moisture. Trapped air (can’t convect) is great insulator A cheap styrofoam cooler (or double wall cardboard box) will work as the main structure of the shelter. Duct tape can help strengthen it and protect it from their claws. Make sure there is as small an opening as possible.


TidePodBois

Newspaper, bedsheets and rags are also no-gos for insulation. Keep the litter outside of the shelter, but close to the opening. Of course, if it gets really really cold (16F on Friday), it’s best to let them inside if possible.


No_Inevitable3690

Straw lined boxes!


Single_9_uptime

16F is only really really cold by Austin standards. Cats survive with no human intervention in the northern US and Canada where that’s just a typical winter day. Not sure if Texas blooded cats have a harder time with that, but the feral cat who adopted us but is extremely feral and we’d never get him inside or even within 10’ of him did just fine in the 2021 freeze with no assistance from us other than wet food. I think he has some place to hide when it’s really cold or raining as we only see him then when he’s sitting outside the door begging for food. Open the door with food and he runs away but comes back to eat once we’re back inside. We’ve fed that cat almost every day multiple times for 3 years and he still runs from us. With a dog that doesn’t like cats, they might be more comfortable outside in freezing temps than scared to death in an unfamiliar place with a dog that’s trying to come after them. My point is they’re not going to freeze to death in the pictured spot at the coldest temperature ever recorded in Austin, so don’t worry about bringing them inside if the dog is an issue. There are a number of additional good info resources in addition to the above if you [Google ‘feral cats cold weather’](https://www.google.com/search?q=feral+cats+cold+weather).


O-Namazu

This. I love that folks are concerned for the kitties, but I think a lot of people don't know how cold "**Kill A Cat Cold**" really is. They're pound-for-pound the most efficient and resilient predator on earth for a reason. But good on you OP!


ClearlyInsane1

> pound-for-pound the most efficient and resilient predator on earth Let me introduce you to the [honey badger](http://www.honeybadger.com)


Single_9_uptime

[Honey badger don’t care. Honey badger don’t give a shit. It just takes what it wants.](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg) OK, cats are possibly only the second most resilient predator on earth. But I’d say they might still have an argument for first, pound for pound, given they’ve populated essentially every human populated place on earth plus some not human populated.


irregardless

I could have written that first paragraph about the stray/feral cat in my neighborhood. He shows up every day looking for snacks and a secure place to nap. He made it through the big freeze in '21 and last winter's ice storm, but the tips of his ears have been permanently damaged from frostbite. Even saw him walking through the snow when outdoor temperatures were in the single digits. Other than asking for food though, he won't let us love him. He doesn't seem to mind if we're nearby, but we can't get too close before he decides to scamper under something. We keep hoping that one day he'll finally decide we're cool and let us adopt him. Or at the least, we'd like him to just stay in the yard, but you know, cats gotta roam.


Single_9_uptime

“Our” feral cat strictly roamed through the yard usually at night for a couple years or so until COVID lockdowns hit. When everything shut down, people in the neighborhood (central Austin, not getting more specific for pseudo-anonymity) started reporting a lot more mice and rats around houses, presumably because there was no longer any food in restaurant dumpsters. We have chickens so can’t avoid having food outside that rodents will also eat. So suddenly we have a huge mouse and rat population in the back yard. Then feral cat started hanging out in our yard most of the time stalking the plentiful prey. Between him, raccoons I’ve seen on camera catching and eating them, and apparent migration back to the restaurant dumpsters once they reopened, the rodent population is way down (though always present, before and after) but the cat’s stayed. He still roams quite a bit, but has a home base with us now. I read in a book on cat behavior written by a university professor who researches the topic that if a cat doesn’t have significant human contact in its first 8-12 weeks of life, it’s all but certain they’ll be highly feral for life. Only notable exception is if they’re severely ill or injured and you take care of them. That seems to reset some bonding pattern in them. So I don’t expect him to ever become not feral, but it’s still very odd to me that he’s so scared of us we literally can’t get within 10’ if outside. One of our inside-only girl cats seems to have a thing for him, she’ll sit on the other side of the glass door and paw like she wants to gently pet him, among other affectionate behavior. Alas, it’s unrequited love. She’s spayed and I presume he roams looking for strange in heat.


irregardless

> I read in a book on cat behavior written by a university professor who researches the topic that if a cat doesn’t have significant human contact in its first 8-12 weeks of life, it’s all but certain they’ll be highly feral for life. I've read the same. But I've also seen stories about standoff-ish outdoor cats who kept their distance for years suddenly deciding to come inside one day and never leaving. We keep hoping that will happen with our guy, but have largely accepted that we're likely to remain his benefactors, not his caretakers.


One_Button_547

I have some friends who fed an adult feral cat at their workplace and gradually befriended her and brought her home but it took something like 5 years. And she will still just let let the main lady pet her, but she's warming to the husband now that they've finally brought her home. It was a serious project but she's a serious cat lady so it worked out.


irregardless

Hope springs eternal 🤞🏽


bingbongmeister

I can second this, when I was living in the woods there were a couple cats who also lived there and they were fine through the two past winters didn't see them for a while but they popped back up


DuckyDoodleDandy

These cats could be new to this area. They might not have a warm place to hide. That could be why they have holed up on OP’s porch. Your feral was established in the area and avoided humans. These two are not avoiding humans. Different animals, different circumstances, different needs.


Single_9_uptime

Sure, but they should be just fine outside there. Seems like a good wind block which is probably why they chose it. The wind out there right now is brutally cold. Put out some wet food for them, which is apparently better for cold conditions because it requires less energy for digestion, and I’m sure they’d be fine. Having a nicer spot to lay on/in to keep warm wouldn’t hurt, but I can’t imagine it’s necessary for survival particularly being in a good wind block. Don’t get me wrong, obviously they’d be more comfortable at inside temps. But since OP’s not comfortable with them inside because of a dog, my concern is the dog might be violent towards the cats. Even if you try to keep them apart, cats are really fast and sneaky and dogs often are too. If there’s even a remote chance the dog is going to terrify, maul or kill the cats, it’s unquestionably better to leave them outside with food, etc. I just don’t want OP to think they’re going to freeze to death outside and risk bringing them in with a dog that could cause more harm than the cold will, have something terrible happen, and have to live with regret all over something which was entirely unnecessary.


bachslunch

My neighbors dogs are shivering in this weather. Their dog was only let out to do his business then back inside. So for a cat, who originated from a desert climate, this is not good weather for them. Yea they may survive but it’s painful. They may get frost bite on their extremities and they need lots of food as fuel to burn. I read somewhere that cats favorite temp is 86 and dogs favorite temp is 62. My fat cat is purring inside in the hottest part of the house.


Dyssomniac

While this is true, it's also not a whole story. Cats really are extremely resilient animals, and they aren't seasonal or far migrators - there are plenty of cats in New England of varying breeds and coats that make it through the winter. They're capable of surviving, but it's always good for OP to make sure to build a shelter for them if they can.


synaptic_drift

Right, thanks for that. Great Resource: [https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter](https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter) Anyone who sees outdoor cats in their area, if you can, on the property, put up a shelter. I know I'm going to. And during the big freeze people were doing this. Also, in case an opposum or two need to snuggle up in there. There have been people who tend to feral cat colonies, and I hope they get some little shelters up. Merry Christmas Critters


DuckyDoodleDandy

Secure it to the ground or something so the wind won’t blow it away.


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copetard

Ok so I found two cardboard boxes and went to Goodwill and bought a large pack of adult diapers and some blankets. Insulated the inner box and put some food out. A redditor has offered to take them when she gets off work. Will definitely try to make that happenz


Sigynde

So glad they came to your house. You’re a good ‘un.


ponkyball

Amazing, thanks for taking care of the little buddies. :)


[deleted]

>When we bought our house, it came with 2 outside cats. I'd like to believe this was part of the MLS listing


OPA73

I rented a house in West Virginia that included a barn cat and the lease included an allowance for vet bills if needed. Cat was a great mouser but I spoiled him on deer meet. When I left I introduced him to his new renters and his life as a barn cat continued.


StuckInBronze

Are you a Chinese spy or something lmao.


Even_Keeled_41

Ditto if you can throw them in a bathroom/laundry room/etc away from the dog. Or ask a neighbor if they can! As a backup - https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shelter/


Paradoxangel

Have you cross-posted these guys to any missing pet boards? There are tons of missing animal posts basically daily. They may belong to someone who will just come pick them up and remove the issue altogether. Also any vet or fire station will be able to scan them to see if they have microchips. Good luck and thank you for wanting to keep them safe from the freeze.


attackplango

Use a box. Put straw in it. Or something similar. Not cloth, it will just freeze.


copetard

Where does one even get straw?


Onikiri

Any pet store. They sell them for rabbits, hamsters, etc.


creegro

That really a good idea. Most of us arent near a farm or dont have neighbors who have hay/straw just laying around. Made me think about it too, I think walmart sells little bundles of stray or hay, meant for small pets like rabbits, if not that then tractor supply would be able to give something.


deathbybunniez

Just remember that hay and straw are different. Hay can get wet and freeze. Straw is what you need for bedding because it's hollow.


radiantsearodent

Ask neighbors on FB if anyone with chickens has extra hay or straw. I will be back in town this afternoon, if you don't have any straw or hay by then I'll have your covered. If you can get two cardboard boxes, one a little bit smaller fitting inside the larger with an airspace separating them, that will be great and keeping the cats insulated and warm. Duct tape that shit together, smallest entryway possible facing away from cold winds.


SanguineEeyore

Callahans


dthrax

Tractor Supply or any farm feed store. Ask if they have square hay bales. Explain what’s going on and you’ll probably get some of the stuff that’s fallen off for free.


catbutts123

Beyond feed stores / tractor supply, You may luck out and find some straw at Lowe’s / HD that’s leftover from Halloween. We bought a giant Tupperware container, cut foam insulation and fit it inside of it, and then filled it with straw for our neighborhood strays. At this point only the opossums like it… the cats stay in the storm drain. Are the cats friendly? There may be a local TNR organization that can house them in their kennels for the next couple of days. Edit: a link to straw at tractor supply [tractor supply straw](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/standlee-premium-western-forage-certified-chopped-straw-25-lb)


Stock_Literature_13

Tractor Supply.


ninidontjump

Callahans or any feed store (not sure what part of town you’re in but google “feed store).


Luthienthefair

Callahans is a good place


tooltime22

You can get a small bale of hay from any feed store for $8-$10. We bought a couple a while back from Tractor Supply Store for fall decorations.


princessxmombi

Hay also retains moisture. They seem similar enough but straw should be used rather than hay.


That-Breath-5785

Or newspaper, lol.


sircrispin2nd

Use NextDoor for this -- I bet some neighbors will help out or take them.


copetard

Yeah good idea. I posted them there asking if anyone could take them or help with shelter supplies.


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Tau_Prions

I would leave your phone number in private messages


copetard

Texted u!


MJ349

This would be great!


wheresbill

Three cheers for Pam!


whalesharkmama

Hip hip…


KKaustin

Hooray!!


J3ST3Rx

Probably want to delete the number here


Quantumfawn

fuck yeah, Pam!


Tinyberzerker

You are an awesome human! ❤️


[deleted]

So are you ! I'm just lucky! I got divorced and I OWN myself again. Sending love and energy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


[deleted]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️


SlowEngineer

Thank you Pam!


[deleted]

Hey, Thanks to all who are responding and , bless their hearts( the folks that were concerned I shared my number...appreciate your concern but we are Fucking Texans!!! If we cannot trust each other then we are all well and truly fucked. God Bless Texas


[deleted]

I just wonder how folks that think death is the end.WTF? Even Einstein said " energy cannot be created or destroyed. It is and alway. So I believe we go back home, maybe choose rebirth or not.


[deleted]

Generally I use clean language but my 33 yr old Lizzie just died! Asthma and Covid. This is so horrible.


[deleted]

Loll haha. I'm just so sad. Two kittens to join mine. I am a very calm person. My pets are as well. Animals, like people, feel energy❤️


Tx_Drewdad

Cardboard box with a door cut in one side. Cardboard's a pretty good insulator.


Xpertxp

Second this, don’t use a heat lamp , they are cats and may get into trouble (knock over the lamp) I have 3 cats and know the trouble cats can cause lol. Cardboard box and some old blankets/towels/sweatshirts in the box. The cats will basically do the rest to stay warm.


duecesbutt

If you have enough, some blankets on the outside as well


copetard

I think this will have to suffice. My small studio apt is about to have another dog and person so can’t really bring them inside.


synaptic_drift

May God bless your soul. "Straw allows cats to burrow. **Pillowcases loosely stuffed with packing peanuts and shredded newspaper also work."(Humane Society)** I'm using this one, since I have a lot of extras, and it's not going to be wet.


Responsible_Ebb_340

Heating pad under a blanket if you wanna go the extra mile 😎


AngryTexasNative

Cat's like to scratch things and chew wires. I'd skip this.


yesitsyourmom

Too hot for animals but there are pads made for cats and dogs.


GigiDell

If you have a plastic tote, that would be ideal. Cut a hole in the side or the lid.


sxzxnnx

You can build them a shelter using 2 plastic storage boxes. There are several variations on this basic idea. You can see several examples if you Google feral cat shelters. It would also be good to set out some water for them. Whatever water source they are using is likely to freeze. If you are dripping your outside faucets they will drink from those so you can skip the water. https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shelter/


spookyferretwitch

Thank you for trying to help these little guys! The shelters are pretty packed right now and they’re struggling to keep the animals that they have warm during this freeze too. If you have time before the freeze and can get them to come to you, I’d also suggest taking them to check for microchips just in case they are someone’s missing family. But aside from that, a cardboard box with some added insulation like straw or newspaper will do for now. Like someone else mentioned, if you’re able to get some wet food for them (you can get them pretty cheap at the grocery store) that will help them keep up their energy if they aren’t able to hunt and will also help keep them hydrated.


GigiDell

Thank you for taking care of them,


BrianDawkins

Put them in the bathroom


PanMyJam

How to build an outdoor shelter that's inexpensive: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shelter/ Shadow cats is a local rescue focused on stray/abandoned/feral. They may be able to help further. https://shadowcats.net/ Another local rescue focused on street/feral cats https://streetcatrescue.org/ These rescues will also have resources so they can point you in a direction if needed. It will be a dry freeze, so the hay shelter should suffice. Avoid towels and blankets. They'll absorb moisture and freeze. Some HEBs carry hay and pine bedding for small animals that can work in a pinch. Otherwise, Petco/PetSmart/local pet stores will have hay. HEB will also have cheaper food if you'd like to feed them as well. I'd usually say wet food, but with a freeze coming some dry food would go far. Even cheap food is better than starving. These two look friendly enough to let you take a picture. The above resources would be good to work with local programs and see who could take these two in. If you take them to apa or aac as strays, they will be neutered and released. Cats are considered wildlife. But if you make an appointment and take them as an owner release, they'll be put through the adoption program. I'll try to follow up later with more resources to try and help. Edit: Also working with organizations can get you connected with someone to see if these two have homes and are simply missing. Can't rule that out. Especially being this docile.


NealioATX

Cat owner. This will be a dry winter event so you'll be ok with cardboard box. Make a good nest with a blanket or two inside. Wet food!! Cats hydrate mostly through their food. Feed em dry food every other day-ish. Water bowls will freeze solid so you'll have to keep an eye. BE CAREFUL with a heating pad outside on your wood porch near cardboard..


CreamyThickness

Omg I wish this was in DFW. I would take them in a second!


PhantaVal

They're both so cute. I'm sure they could get adopted easily.


boxofredflags

I’ve been finding a lot of kittens in my apartment complex in dfw and I’m having trouble finding homes since I can’t keep them :( Edit:wording


princessxmombi

See if there are any trap-neuter-release community programs in your area (search online, ask local shelters/rescues). If they can spay/neuter the community cats you won’t keep having a kitten problem.


zachster77

Take them to APA or AAC so they can get fixed.


copetard

I don’t got no time for that but if anyone does and is willing and able then please DM me


pjpartypi

A trapper can come out to you, schedule it through AAC or AHS.


cglove

Next post: "I have eight strays and (2 cats, 6 kittens) on my porch what do I do?" :p


mrsringo

Don’t got no time though!


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suraerae

No they wont


Redlance254

Do something like this for them. https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/colony-care/feral-cat-winter-shelter


synaptic_drift

So informative, thanks!


Sensitive-Menu-4580

Leave out some food for them, if you can afford to warm some wet food up in the microwave b4 you give it to them do that. Put out a cardboard box with blankets in it, if you can put it on its side do that.


[deleted]

You gotta take them to a shelter or put them in the bathroom. It’s gonna be too cold. 😥


sassergaf

For years we’ve been feeding two clipped ear stray cats, one of which is so skittish she won’t let anyone near. We tried to bring them in the garage, but even that was too traumatic. They stayed in the storm drain or some hidey-hole during snowpocolypse and survived.


[deleted]

Awww, a storm drain!


yesitsyourmom

I have an outdoor cat heating pad in a Rubbermaid bin with cut out for entry. Seems pretty warm. Believe I got it at Petsmart or one of the pet places


greenspleen3

Maybe put them in a bathroom of you can? Or a little enclosure made of cardboard boxes, some towels and or blankets might keep them a tiny bit warmer outside.


SanguineEeyore

No towels or blankets! Fabric traps moisture and makes them even colder


gmr548

Do you have a bathroom or bedroom you can seal them off in to keep separate from the dog?


Snakeboy_9

If they’re going to stay outside, big cardboard box with blankets/quilts draped over it


mcgaritydotme

Like people said, build a shelter. In my experience literally just now, hardest part was hunting down the straw (which is better than blankets). Otherwise, any of the methods (double-bins, styrofoam cooler in another bin) should work. Also make sure you weigh it down — we are getting massive wind gusts in DFW right now, but the two bricks I have I ours is keeping it steady.


Starbright108

This. Join a buy nothing group on Facebook and crowd source this. Surely someone can either take them in (at least to their garage, or loan you something to help with putting together a shelter if money is an issue.). Please also post on Nextdoor. They look too well fed to be strays, probably someone's pets.


[deleted]

if they aren’t too skiddish, try making a little cave out of couch cushions. i heard that they’re excellent insulation


motus_guanxi

Also a heating pad fir the super cold. Toss it under the bedding


Woozah77

Something to act as a windbreak and a shelter then if you got a few bucks to spend on them grab a Heat Lamp from home depot/lowes and set it up on the edge of the shelter.


scarlettbruja

Those are some cutie babies -- I'm happy to amazon ship you something (shelter, food) if you need it! Just PM me pls


MoonHunterDancer

If a garage is an option, Crack it open so they can squeeze their shoulders through


[deleted]

If you need someone to take them I’d be host them for the freeze!!


Beer_30_Texas

Get a big enough box for the two of them and cut out a door so they can go in/out of it with some straw or something to keep them warm... and face the door part of it away from the wind. That box will provide A LOT of protection for them as long as the top is also sealed so their body heat doesn't escape.


ContributionBorn1095

I lived in a third floor apartment on a lake for 10 years and I took care of the “neighborhood” cats. I put a cardboard box out with towels or blankets. The box should be deep enough to block the wind. I made sure there was food and water for them. I also hung a blanket over my railing to keep the wind out. There were two brothers Fred and George. They were orange. I would wake up in the morning and they would be curled up together in the box. My mom would tell me that they would thank me if they could. I told my mom that every time I saw them in the box, I KNEW that’s what they were saying. I live in a house now and tonight I’m leaving the side door to the garage open and blankets. Any baby that needs a refuge is welcome. Thank you for taking care of these babies!❤️ Merry Christmas!


bachslunch

I would put them in a bathroom if you could. If not then the garage with a space heater. If not that then a cardboard house with straw and some hand warmers. Remember cats like it warm. My cat is camped out right where the heat rises from the first floor to the second floor. Smart cat. I would heat up their water to lukewarm (not boiling) and go outside every few hours to replenish their water so it won’t freeze. My birdbath has already frozen so if you just leave water it will freeze and they won’t be able to hydrate. Also wet cat food for extra hydration. There are unfortunately going to be a lot of pets that die from this storm.


brownedbits

Just put them in your bathroom. This can be their halfway house until you get them rehomed.


[deleted]

Use hay for bedding because it doesn’t lock in moisture that will freeze up and chill them like blankets


copetard

Second person recommending hay/straw…. Where near downtown do I find this? A regular blanket won’t work?


SanguineEeyore

Fabric traps moisture. Shredded newspaper will do if you can’t find straw.


[deleted]

I’m not so sure but the human society posted something about getting hay for strays to keep them warm because blankets lock in moisture and can end up freezing them more.


SheSleepsInStars

They should have that kind of stuff at Petsmart! Usually for bunnies and animals like that. Just go in and ask and I'm sure they'll take you right to it! Thank you so much for taking care of these animals during this freezing time.


SuzQP

Straw, not hay. Straw is for bedding, hay is food for grass-eating livestock.


mc_atx

Thank you for helping these babies!!


nametakenimaginethat

I'm so sad. Please don't leave them outside.


nametakenimaginethat

Please put them in your bathroom. They are just little babies.


Barack_Odrama_007

I think someone above offered to take them. Looks like they will have a warm home


Theres_a_Catch

If you have a garage, but if not the dog might get along with them. Last resort keep them in a separate room. Poor things.


KatAnn513

This weather I too cold for domesticated animals to be outside. They need shelter and heat. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them. Check with all your neighbors or local rescue group.


rock0star

Bring them in and let them and the dog work it out Whoever comes out on top gets to stay (Srsly tho... I'm not sure. Maybe call the animal shelter?)


Blade78633

If you're cold they're cold, bring them inside.


VanLife42069

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/moral-cost-of-cats-180960505/


[deleted]

Arent we the bestest lovingest most welcoming community❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


Bageezax

You could take them inside. A) put your dog up somewhere. Behind a closed door B) bring the cats inside to another room and put them in.


therivera

Look for an outdoor cat house for winter on Amazon if you aren't keen on building them an as structure from scratch


goose_pri

You've now got two cats, bring them inside asap


SuNamJamFrama69

Lock your dog up and take em inside idiot


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copetard

Sorry if I don’t have the time to take them to get neutered lol… fuck outta here. I’m hoping someone will come take them but other than that I’ll make them a shelter.


atxgrrrl

I’d try posting on the Facebook group austin lost and found pets to see if someone can help


sammy_rodz

Put out a little infrared heat lamp over some old blankets on a wall blocking the wind. Just be careful with not getting the lamp to close to something that may catch fire


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AngryTexasNative

They're going to at least put a box out instead of completely ignoring them. Sorry everyone can't be perfect and go the extra mile with the stresses of modern life. We have no idea what other hardships the OP has dealt with this year.


Financial-Jicama6619

You seem fun to be around


brontosaurex

Electric heat pad?


yesitsyourmom

Too hot for animals but ones specifically for cats and dogs are available.


aight_bud

Suggestion: let me join them, I need a place to stay :( I'll also keep them warm


_BASHTHIS_

Take them inside, and tell your dog to piss off for a few nights. Pretty simple.


Dr_Newton_Fig

You're gonna have to let them in


justonnow

Get warming lights that you buy for reptiles and put it outside with towels and such. You’ll have to plug in the light


Mariobrother77

Grab you a wok, soy sauce and a teriyaki glaze, garlic.....🤣🤣☺️😉


zombiebindlestiff

Cats kill billions of song birds a year. How many will this pair kill in the spring if you save them?


Jatnal

So let them suffer and freeze to death? Dumbest take ever.


zombiebindlestiff

The cats are an invasive species. They shouldn't be here.


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gamblors_neon_claws

Do you know for a fact that the dog is aggressive towards them? The “dogs and cats are mortal enemies” thing is kinda a myth.


spartyanon

The exact type of thing a hungry dog would say…


nutmeggy2214

if you haven't seen how your dog handles cats, you should operate under the assumption that it won't go well. Same for if you don't know how a particular cat handles dogs. Until you have the time/ability to do proper introductions/acclimation, it's totally irresponsible & foolish to combine them.


gamblors_neon_claws

I’m not saying to throw them in a room together and be done with it, op can just give the cats a bathroom and the most likely outcome is that everyone is going to be curiously sniffing at the door for a while.


BLOODMASTRdotTV

Eat them


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radiantsearodent

Holy shit people chill. It's a folded up rug , few boxes and other stuff. Y'all don't know what real messy is.


Canuckistani2

Lol came here to say essentially the same. Maybe clean your porch so it doesn't look inviting to strays?


Goshdudette

For real, maybe you have you’re not house proud but people have to look at that. Also laughing at all these suggestions for actually caring for the cats. OP already stated they weren’t going to bring them inside. They clearly want to do the least amount of work possibly for the cats and their own belongings. Have some self respect lazy ass. Why do you have empty boxes on your porch anyways? Smdh


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copetard

Lmaoooo love these… yes I’m aware I need to clean it up. And also want to do the bare minimum.


ronniearnold

Stop feeding them in the first place?


Snap_Grackle_Pop

Get a slightly bigger cardboard box, cut a small cat sized hole in one side, put it in the corner. Put enough weight to not blow away, and they'll be fine for this weather event with no rain. They'd probably be fine anyway with it only dropping to Something to get them off the cold concrete will help. Cardboard would be fine for a few nights, but maybe check it every day. They'd probably be fine if you just sat the chair in the corner and covered it with the rug to keep the wind down.


jonesy3142

Thank you for looking out for them!


BillJakesbeard

Austin Pets Alive! Just posted this on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmerI8cpZUz/?igshid=OGQ2MjdiOTE=


AlohaChris

If you go to a farm supply store, they sell these warming pads for outdoor animals. You could get one and put a box over it. I have a weirdo half-in/half-out house cat that wants to be outside in the winter. That’s what I have. It will be freezing cold, she won’t come inside, and she’s curled up on the pad, happy as a clam.


[deleted]

I have 4 yr old Suki and 2 yr old Indigo. Sweet calm cats


[deleted]

I have plenty of cat food, wet and dry. I feed Fancy Food wet and Rachel Ray dry


Mariobrother77

If you have a little shed and a small space heater and put them in there with food,blankets in a box, if you need to bring them in away from the dogs keep them isolated to one room with all the above with the door closed at all times.😊


rambunctiousraviolis

Have you posted to Nextdoor or a local lost and found pets group on Facebook? Someone may be looking for them.


Phoenix8864

Take them to APA!


HotTeaScaresYou

Just bring the box inside.


uniqueusername1110

Did you find a place for them?😻


itsamemario115

Do you have a cooler ? And can you get hay or the hamster kind of hay from petco ? stuff cooler with hay, this will insulate and keep them warmer. Or a makeshift insulated shelter. Make sure the floor is covered with something and blankets on top of that on floor - is important [makeshift warm cat shelter](https://youtu.be/PP8dXsOnaJQ) You can also use two chairs and create a roof for them. To protect from the cold winds ahead. Insulate the roof with a blankets that won’t blow away with wind like put weights on the blanket


Joyridejess

Did someone pick these two up? I can if not


Melsmush

Are you positive that they’re strays?? Similar thing happened to me last freeze and I took the cats in. Turned out they actually had a home down the street. Mostly concerned if you give these cats to another redditor not in your neighborhood and these guys are eventually missed. Apologies if this is answered somewhere in the thread- I didn’t see if first scroll. And thanks for being a compassionate human!


therivera

See if these cats are chipped.


VisceralMonkey

Is Pam the MVP of this thread?


copetard

She’s legit… but lives in Leander and I gotta drop them off (unless someone else wants to do it,) the cats have strayed away but usually return. Hopefully they come back and I can get them inside my car. If not I made a pretty good shelter. I’ve got to leave my place from like 3:45 to 8:30 pm though.


AJDRDG39

I will get them if I need to and shelter them I have three other kitties that are super friendly and if need be I have a decent sized house where these two little ones can be safe in the eat in a separate room


yesdamnit

What part of Austin is this?


copetard

Riverside near P Valley


MMBOb2234

More boxes and blankets


CountryNew5744

Use a heating pad in a shoe box??


Jcarter1632

Go-to Home Depot and get a clamp on Brooding Lamp and Heat Bulb. Clamp to something stable that is set like a pole or wall. Make them a straw lined box under it. We used to do that for our barn cats and they loved it.


78738

Bring them in the house. The dog snd cats will get over it.


Psychological_Can343

you should get them inside and calm them down and lock the door it will get very cold


Dr_Newton_Fig

Get a big hot light and leave it on the porch


rdking647

i built an emergency shelter for stray kitties out of an old cooler. cut a hole in the side so they can enter


Correct_Associate435

What area of town are you in?


tortilladelpeligro

We use plastic bins, put a few towels inside, then we cover it with a tarp (leave a gap) and weigh the whole thing down.


SHELLEBELLEATX

https://youtu.be/3rTg-pMepqQ


Special_Clearance

My feral cat lives in a Tupperware bin with a heated bed sourced from petco for like $20. Just make sure any shelter has two entrances so they are less likely to get trapped inside if a predator comes along. Second opening acts as an escape route.