Feral Cat

A feral cat is a cat that was once domestic and owned by someone or is the offspring of such a cat. Feral cats are found in most major cities. Because most feral cats that were abandoned by their owners are not spayed or neutered, there are many resulting feral kittens. Many people think, what is it hurting? But the truth is, it costs money for taxpayers because a nice chunk of tax payers money has to go towards programs of getting feral cats spayed and neuter or putting them down in order to control the population. On the other hand, feral cats are the ones that are hurting. They are victims of starvation, freezing, and often, someone’s dinner.

Unless you are active in a program that works with feral cats you shouldn’t try to approach them on your own. Feral cat behavior tends to be iffy at best as most of them are conditioned to mistrust humans. Feral cat claws are very sharp and they know how to use them so be careful! They may develop relationships of moderate trusts with humans who take the time to allow it to build but for the most part taming feral cats is not suggested. Taming a wild feral kitten may be somewhat easier (if you can even get it away from its colony) but don’t try this without some knowledge and training. There are many groups who specialize in taming feral cats so that they can be placed in loving home.

There are groups growing all across the country that are trying to do damage control in a humane manner. Community feral cat care in Waggaman, Louisiana is one example where feral cats are managed in a humane way. The Islands Feral Cat Project gives aid to feral cats in Savannah through several different methods. They give advice and lessons on trapping and lend cages to trap sick and injured feral cats. They also pay for spaying and neutering and other medical treatments that prevent colonies from growing and spreading diseases. Savannah feral cats are able to avoid many of the catastrophes that fall upon lost and abandoned cats.

A feral cat sanctuary is another way that some are contributing to the cause. They provide safe sanctuary for feral cats to run their colonies. They provide them with a place where they will not be evicted or harassed by humans or other animals. Many of these sanctuaries have feral cat houses to protect them from the elements as well.