Yard cats appear unnoticed: they sit at the entrance, bask on the hood of a car, hide in the bushes under the playground. They feed on garbage cans. Not feral, not domestic – the ones in between. They don’t have collars or homes, but they have habits, memories, places they return to. They are called “homeless” but they are actually domestic, it’s just that their home is our yard. We are the only thing to them that reminds them of kindness, of caring, of a life that makes sense.
Many were simply born in the wrong place. Others are former pets who were betrayed. They didn’t choose the street – it was left to them. And now, in rain, heat, or cold, they survive beside us, silently staring out at a world where people have keys to the doors and they only have a chance if we give it.
What they need is not pity, but responsibility
Feeding a cat once is a gesture. Feeding it a second time is responsibility. They don’t need tears or likes on social media. They need the bowl to be in the same place, so that the water does not stand for three days, so that the food does not disappear with snow or quarreling neighbors. A yard cat won’t survive if he doesn’t eat every day.
But the help should be wisely. It is worth feeding in one place, do not leave garbage, do not provoke conflicts with residents, do not create a mess. If you start caring – you become a part of their lives. And that role is more important than it seems. Because even if you don’t change the world – you change the whole world for one creature.
Caring for yard cats is real and simple
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to help a street cat survive. One tube of anti-flea remedy for 100 hryvnia – and the animal for 30-60 days is protected from ticks, fleas, itching, infections. Pill from worms, hidden in a piece of pate – and the cat will not suffer from parasites that can eventually kill him.
All it takes is a little attention. Make a simple sheltered corner in the yard – an old box with a warm towel or a piece of Styrofoam. In winter, it’s not shelter – it’s life.
Grooming yard cats
We used to think that grooming is only for show pets. But actually grooming is a matter of survival, even for street cats. Especially for those with long or medium hair – these, unfortunately, are also thrown away. Without regular brushing, they quickly develop tangles that hurt, tighten the skin, and then cause pustules and fungus. Heavy hair hinders movement, disturbs thermoregulation, attracts fleas.
If you see such a cat in the yard – even a one-time help changes his condition. Brush it, trim off the tangles, or take it to a grooming salon that works with street animals. Many groomers are willing to accept such a “patient” – just write, ask.
What to do if you can’t take it home
Not everyone can let a cat into their apartment. But to let in the heart – everyone can. If you have allergies, rent, kids, a dog, or just don’t have the energy – that’s no reason to do nothing. Because really, caring isn’t just about “taking home.” Caring is putting out a bowl of warm food when it’s sub-zero outside. It’s taking a blanket to a familiar shelter. It’s just remembering that cat – and not passing by.
If you can’t take it, help someone who does. You can donate a few hryvnias to volunteers, bring food to the shelter, share a post on social networks. And even better – find a minute and do something with your hands. Even the smallest deed done with love is more important than a thousand words.
We are used to talking, writing, outraging. But cats don’t read social networks. They don’t understand captions under photos. Reposting doesn’t help them. Only action helps them. Not tears. Not “I’m so sorry.” A bowl. A shelter. A pill. A person who didn’t pass by.
Each of us is not a random passerby, but a chance. A chance to survive. A chance at a life free of fleas, hunger and fear. Even if you don’t save everyone, for one person you become the whole universe. And maybe it’s because of you that this cat won’t disappear tomorrow. He will sit in the sunlight, licking his paw, and calmly breathe in the air, knowing: there are people here. There is kindness here. Here you can live.
