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What are Feral Cats?

Soo Owens
Soo Owens

Feral cats live in the wild, and are the progeny of cats that were once domesticated, and lived with people as pets. Although these cats are descended from domestic breeds, they do not retain many domestic traits. They are, however, nearly identical in appearance to domesticated cats. The average house cat and a feral cat share a similar body size and coloring, though some feral cats may appear slightly smaller due to the lack of a consistent food supply. Usually, however, the two are indistinguishable by physical features alone.

Wild cats often live together in colonies for basic survival purposes. These colonies ensure that the cats have easier access to food and better protection from predators. This communal behavior does not eliminate all threats, however. Parasitic infections, diseases caused by microorganisms, and territorial disputes between males commonly lead to death prior to old age. Some feral cats, especially males, prefer to live on their own, which reduces their life expectancy.

A feral cat.
A feral cat.

A feral cat is not naturally predisposed to survival outside of human care. The practice of taming cats for domestic purposes dates as far back as 9500 BCE, and cats have developed a reliance on humans as their primary source of food, shelter, and protection against predators and disease. Thus, cats are usually at a disadvantage in the wild, possessing fewer survival traits and weaker immune systems than other wild cats. Feral cats have an average life span of five years if they live in a colony and only two years if they live on their own.

A cat that was domesticated but now lives in the wild is feral.
A cat that was domesticated but now lives in the wild is feral.

Cats are not native to many parts of the world, and feral cat populations were originally introduced by travelers in an attempt to control overgrown rabbit populations. The native animal populations were often unfamiliar with these cats, which have, at times, decimated native animal populations, significantly altering the balance of an area's ecosystem. Their populations can run rampant, ravaging a native ecosystem, especially island ecosystems.

Different methods have been proposed to deal with the growing population of feral cats. Many advocate a system of trapping the cats in order to spay or neuter them. After sterilization, the cats are released back into the wild. Others promote euthanization as the best course of action, which is achieved through a number of methods. Feral cats can be hunted by humans, poisoned, or exposed to biological agents, such as feline specific viruses or predators that hunt them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are feral cats?

Feral cats are domestic cats that have returned to a wild state, having little to no interaction with humans. They are often born in the wild and are not socialized, making them distinct from stray cats, which have lost their domestic homes but may still seek human contact. Feral cats typically live in colonies and can survive in urban, suburban, and rural environments.

How do feral cats differ from stray cats?

Stray cats are lost or abandoned pets that are accustomed to human care, whereas feral cats are typically born in the wild and have had minimal human interaction. Strays may approach people, seek attention, and even allow petting, while feral cats are more likely to avoid humans, displaying a more elusive and independent behavior.

What impact do feral cats have on local wildlife and ecosystems?

Feral cats can significantly impact local wildlife and ecosystems. They are skilled hunters and can reduce populations of birds, small mammals, and reptiles. According to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, free-ranging domestic cats kill 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals annually in the United States. This predation can threaten native species and disrupt ecological balance.

Are feral cats a public health concern?

Feral cats can be a public health concern as they can carry diseases such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, and feline leukemia, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals. However, the risk is relatively low if the cats are healthy and managed through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, which help control the population and reduce disease transmission.

What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and how does it help manage feral cat populations?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane strategy for managing and reducing feral cat populations. It involves trapping the cats, spaying or neutering them, and then returning them to their territory. This approach prevents breeding, reduces nuisance behaviors like spraying and fighting, and stabilizes the population over time, as supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Can feral cats be adopted or become pets?

While feral cats are generally not suitable for adoption due to their lack of socialization, young kittens and some adults who show potential for socialization can sometimes be adopted into homes. This process requires patience and a gradual acclimation to human interaction. However, most adult feral cats are best suited to living in their colony with support from caregivers.

Discussion Comments

Krunchyman

Sometimes, it completely disgusts how people treat other animals. Does anyone else feel the same way? It's almost like we forget that animals have feelings to. For example, the last paragraph talks trying to deal with the feral cat population. But the thing is, why would they attempt that if the cats aren't even bothering anyone?

Adding onto that, some of the methods used to "control" these cats are rather harsh. For example, capturing them and sterilizing them, or even going as far as to euthanize them. Overall, when it comes to the animal kingdom, we are at the top of the food chain.

Euroxati

I don't know about anyone else, but I've actually never seen any feral cats. Is it because so many of them are domesticated that most of the "feral" kind have died out?

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    • A feral cat.
      By: aceshot
      A feral cat.
    • A cat that was domesticated but now lives in the wild is feral.
      By: nico99
      A cat that was domesticated but now lives in the wild is feral.