A feral cat is an outdoor, free-roaming cat that has never been socialized to humans and is living in a “wild” state. This could be a formerly domestic cat that has been abandoned and has reverted back to a “wild” state, or a cat that has been born on the streets and has never had any contact or interaction with humans.

Feral cats are not handle-able. They look like regular domestic house-cats, but because they have never been socialized, they are very fearful and distrustful of humans. Generally they come out at dusk or at night. Some arch their backs and hiss and show aggression, others just avoid eye contact and run. With true ferals, you can’t pick them up or handle them without getting extremely bitten or scratched. Very often you can’t even get close to them.

Feral cats are different from friendly stray cats. Stray cats are former pets that have either been abandoned or “strayed” from home and got lost. These cats used to be cared for by an owner, but are now trying to survive on their own on the streets. Stray cats are generally tame, friendly and handle-able, although they still may be skittish or frightened and run away from people. Generally, though, stray cats exhibit temperaments similar to pet cats, can be picked up and touched easily, and can be rescued off the streets and re-adopted into homes again.

Both feral cats and stray cats are un-owned. These are the cats out in our streets, alleys, yards and parking lots. They are considered un-owned cats or “community cats.” Ideally, with a little work and care, friendly stray cats can be re-adopted into homes. Feral cats, however, live their lives outside on the streets of our communities. The outdoors IS a feral cat’s home.

Feral kittens are kittens that have been born to a feral or stray mother. Feral kittens can generally be tamed and adopted into homes, but only if they are socialized within the first couple months of their lives. A kitten around 6-8 weeks old may take just a day or two to tame. Normally kittens under 12 weeks of age can be easily tamed with a little time and attention, but the older they get, the harder it becomes. Even then, some kittens never quite become tame. If they are not handled at an early age, they will remain feral and therefore be unadoptable.

Feral cats are usually found living in large groups called feral colonies. Feral colonies usually spring up when there is shelter and a food source present in the environment. Sometimes cats will live alone, but most form feral colonies.

After Mountain View Humane spays or neuters a cat, they are returned to the area from which they came. Taking them to a shelter will almost certainly lead to the cat being euthanized, which is definitely not our goal. We doubt it’s your goal either.

With food, water and shelter, homeless cats can lead healthier, longer lives. They will also be happier. Spaying and neutering helps eliminate certain behaviors like howling, fighting and spraying.

Note:  Feral cat surgery days and times subject to change.  Admission is on a limited basis and is at the discretion of the veterinarian.  Please contact MVH at (540) 382-0222 prior to trapping for the most current schedule.

Still have questions about feral cats? Learn more here.