Hi TM – I’m a newbie at caring for an outdoor colony, but I’ll share what I am going through.
There are 6 young cats; 4 I’ve known since they were babies, their mom and a diluted tortie. They were indoor/outdoor cats of my neighbor’s, but she is unable to live alone in her home, so I told her daughter I would feed them. Been taking care of them since mid-October.
The cats were all picked up by animal control, spayed/neutered and returned a few years ago.
Try to find an organization that would spay/neuter your charges. No one wants more homeless kittens so hopefully your area will have something. I’ve been socializing with them in the hopes that through word of mouth someone might want one. They are sweet kitties, though Mama Cat has plenty of tortitude! (She’s had a few litters while a baby herself so she’s probably earned it!)
I’ve set up 2 shelters for them with lots of straw within view of my back door in the hopes that they will stay warm, though they would rather come in my house! I can’t, of course, because of my indoor trio, but did get a gate in case of an extreme situation.
Doing my best to keep them fed, warm and happy. I’m concerned about taking them to the shelter because they will see the tipped ears (indication of being in a TNR program) and they will be deemed un-adoptable. At this time keeping them seems to be the best option.
Hope this helps.