Waikiki Kitty Club

Feeding Guidelines

Thoughtful feeding helps cats thrive while discouraging pests and protecting wildlife. Following these best practices keeps colonies healthy and reduces neighborhood complaints.

• Right Amount, Right Time: Provide just enough food for the number of cats present and feed at the same time each day. CatFriends reminds caregivers to give the correct amount and not leave food unattended. Remove any leftovers after 30 minutes to avoid attracting rats or insects.
• Keep It Clean: Use washable bowls or bins and clean them regularly with hot water and bleach. Bring a trash bag to pack out empty cans and packaging. Furever Feline Cat Rescue promotes using reusable containers and minimizing single‑use plastics.
• Fresh Water: Supply a bowl of fresh water daily. In Hawaii’s climate water can evaporate quickly; refill and clean bowls often.
• Designated Feeding Stations: Place feeding stations on private property or areas where you have permission. Avoid feeding on beaches, parks, harbors or other public property where feeding may be prohibited.
• Schedule TNR: Monitor the colony for new cats or kittens. Unsterilized cats should be trapped, spayed/neutered and returned as soon as possible.
• Respect Wildlife: Feed cats away from known nesting areas for native birds. Do not feed other wildlife such as chickens, mongoose or pigs. Leaving food outside can harm native species and spread toxoplasmosis.

Eco‑Friendly Feeding

Waikiki Kitty Club embraces sustainable practices. Our goal is to leave no trace and protect the ʻāina while caring for cats.

• Use durable, reusable bowls or automated feeders to prevent litter. Furever Feline’s “Hawk” mobile feeder concept aims to reduce waste while tracking cats and monitoring feeding.
• Avoid paper plates, plastic bags or other disposables. Bring a tote bag for carrying supplies and garbage.
• Recycle food cans and pouches at home; rinse them before placing in recycling bins.

Colony Management

Caring for a colony is more than feeding. It means monitoring health, keeping records and addressing problems.

• Health Checks: Observe cats for signs of injury or illness. Seek veterinary care for wounds, respiratory infections or weight loss. Microchipped cats can be scanned to locate their guardians.
• Record Keeping: Keep a simple log of feeding times, cat numbers and any newcomers. This helps schedule TNR and track colony dynamics.
• Community Relations: Talk to neighbors about what you are doing and why. Offer to help deter cats from gardens by providing deterrents such as citrus peels or motion‑activated sprinklers.