Yeah, strays can be a real problem, it's not too bad around here, it's a rural'ish setting. I've seen skunks eating the food at night before, I hate taking it in for the ones that might need it. It was during the deep winter months I was really into this, I have a hutch with straw set up near the food.

I use this cheap, regular brush from walmart. It's blue, with rubbery bristles on one side and prickly metal combs on the other, it works extremely well, I harvest loads of fur. I'd link it but I don't see it online. It's the key to these cats hearts, they come when summoned, never fight and are some of the most content cats I've ever seen.

They're damn nice in bed at night.