What is a feral cat? A feral cat is a cat that has had no human contact or abusive contact. There are some stray or abandoned cats who exhibit feral behavior but they are only partially feral. In some cases the cat is just scared and has reverted back to this behavior for survival purposes. This is a major problem for local shelters as many do not have properly trained staff that can differentiate between a feral cat and a stray cat. A feral cat is considered unadoptable and will be put to sleep. The result of the lack of education of shelter staff is the euthanasia of cats that were not feral, they simply needed some socialization. There are many shelters that will send feral cats to rescues but most do not have the time or contacts to do so.
How can I tell if a cat is feral? A feral cat will most likely be seen at night, will be well-groomed, and will not be vocal. Typically a feral cat will keep its distance from you and observe you from afar. Feral cats tend to live in colonies with other feral cats. If you observe a “family” of cats that has made their home in a specific area of your neighborhood they are most likely a colony. If you offer a feral cat food they will most likely wait until you are out of sight before they eat. A stray cat may appear unsure and a bit frightened but will be less apprehensive in approaching you and will eat food offered if hungry. A stray cat will be very vocal, not well-groomed, and may be seen at any hour of the day. If you find a cat and believe it is feral do not call animal control or your local humane society. Feral cats do not belong in the shelter system. Organizations such as Alley Cat Allies can assist you with finding a local feral cat caretaker.
What can be done? Educating the public is essential. Many communities view feral cat colonies as a nuisance. There is a gross misconception that feral cats carry disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parasites are usually disease specific and cannot be transmitted from cat to human. People who care for feral cats do not have higher rates of disease than those who do not. Low cost spay and neuter programs and trap-neuter-return programs reduce the undesirable behavior caused by mating instincts and over time will greatly reduce the feral cat population. A feral cat that has been trapped, neutered, and returned can be identified by inspecting the left ear. The veterinarian who vaccinates and sterilizes the cat will snip off the tip of the left ear. With a little help from the community, humans and feral cats should be able to live peacefully side by side.
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