Feral Cat Information
For more information about feral cats, please read the
information below from Alley Cat Allies, one of the country's
leading feral cat advocacy organizations:
What Is a Feral Cat? A cat born and
raised in the wild, or who has been abandoned or lost and
reverted to unsocialized, wild ways in order to survive, is
considered feral. While some feral cats tolerate a bit of human
contact, most are too fearful and wild. Ferals often live in
groups, called colonies, and take refuge wherever they can find
food, safety and shelter.
A feral cat is not socialized to humans.
Though feral cats are members of the domestic cat species and
are protected under state anti-cruelty laws, they are typically
fearful of humans.
Feral cats should not be taken to animal
control pounds and shelters. Feral cats' needs are not
met by the current animal control and shelter system, because
animals who are not adoptable are killed. Feral cats live
outside, but are killed in shelters. Even no-kill shelters are
not able to place feral cats in homes.
Feral kittens can be adopted. Feral
kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be
socialized at an early age - socialization MUST occur between 2
and 9 weeks of age. There is a critical window, and if they
aren't handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore
unadoptable.
Feral cats can have the same lifespan as pet
cats. And they are just as healthy, too. The incidence of
disease in feral cats is just as low as in pet cats. They live
healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor
home.
Catch and kill doesn't work. Animal
control's endless, cruel cycle is extremely costly to taxpayers.
Cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: there is a
food source - (intended or not) - and shelter. When cats are
removed from a location, survivors breed to capacity or new cats
move in. This vacuum effect is well documented.
Trap-Neuter-Return does work. No more
kittens. The population stabilizes and their lives are improved.
The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as
yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated before being
returned to their outdoor home. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return
make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care
for outdoor cats
FERAL CAT RESOURCES:
Please use the links below to find out more about feral
cats, feral colony management, and other important
information.
-
HSUS
-
ASPCA
- Neighborhood
Cats
- Alley Cat Allies
- Best Friends Animal
Society
To learn how to make a secure shelter for feral cats, please
click
here.