The Modern Feral Life: A Journey with Everyday Purrs Blog

Welcome to EVERYDAY PURRs, a heartfelt blog by DigiAng where the enchanting world of feral cats unfolds. Join me as I share my experience in caring for these beloved resilient creatures, a tale filled with dedication, affection, and a touch of feline magic.

A Family of Feral Cats

Over the years, my backyard has been home to a vibrant community of feral cats. At one point, I had as many as five: R2, Petee, Whitey, Babyboy, and Grandma. Each cat, with their distinct personalities, became part of my extended family. We also enjoyed visits from other wanderers like Tiger, Princess, and the elusive Grey cat. Interestingly, I suspect there might have been two Grey cats due to their similar fur patterns.

Unfortunately, three of the original group—R2, Petee, and Grandma—have passed away in recent years due to various complications. Tiger also faced a tragic fate in early 2025 after suffering a ligament injury, which rapidly led to his decline. Their memories, however, live on in the stories and lessons they left behind.

Whitey and Babyboy: The Last Ones Standing

Currently, my backyard is home to Whitey and her son, Babyboy. Whitey, a spry 15-year-old, has spent most of her life here. This winter, she prefers the warmth of the indoors, residing comfortably in my garage while enjoying the outdoor catio I built last summer. Although she’s not fond of being petted, she finds comfort in my presence and the sound of my voice.

Babyboy, on the other hand, is an energetic teenager. He’s more open to human interaction, enjoying pets and kisses on his head. He loves his outdoor adventures but knows to return to the garage before dark during the cold months.

Crafting the Perfect Outdoor Setup

Caring for feral cats through harsh northeast winters requires creativity and adaptability. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various outdoor housing solutions. Presently, Whitey and Babyboy have two individual heated houses, each featuring dual entrances and heating pads that activates only when in use. This ensures they remain cozy without unnecessary energy use.

Their seasonal sleeping  arrangements evolve with the changing weather. During winter, the garage becomes their main sanctuary, but they also have a outdoor catio to enjoy the morning sun and a summer tent for warmer days. You may even spot two furry huts in the background, which they enjoy using in the fall season. Throughout the year, I replace heating pads to ensure safety and efficiency.

Features for Comfort and Convenience

To provide additional comfort, I’ve installed a cat door that allows Whitey and Babyboy to come and go as they please, while still keeping them safe from the elements. This door leads to their outdoor catio, where they can bask in the morning sunshine, now decorated with artificial ferns and fern potted plants.

I’ve also equipped the garage with a Ring doorbell camera, which allows me to keep a watchful eye on them daily. This technology provides peace of mind, knowing I can monitor their safety and well-being at any time.

The Importance of Routine and Care

Believe me, this whole setup didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of trial and error, with lots of transitioning through different types of outdoor housing and adjusting their daily habits. Establishing a routine is crucial for the well-being of feral cats, as it takes about three to four weeks for them to adapt to changes. Consistency is key—once they know the routine you set for them and stick to it, you need to do the same.

Whitey and Babyboy are fed twice daily of wet and dry food, snacks, water and have access to a litter box—an improvement from their earlier days. In late summer, I add an immune supplement to their wet food to strengthen their immune systems, a practice born from Babyboy’s severe cold last year. Their outdoor catio is equipped with an outdoor house to shelter them from rain, while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors and scratch post they still have not tried out.

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

All my feral cats, except Grandma, have been spayed or neutered. This significantly contributes to a more peaceful environment, as fixed cats are less likely to roam, spray, or cause disturbances. Consequently, my garage remains free of unpleasant odors, and the transition from grass to litter has been successful.

Looking Ahead

While my focus today is on Whitey and Babyboy, I also have two indoor cats, KaLee and Kia, who are related to them. Their story is one for another day, promising more tales of love and companionship.

For a glimpse into their day-to-day life, check out the video of the houses in the garage, where you can see Babyboy enjoying his meal.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through The Modern Feral Life. 

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