National Feral Cat DayHow much do you know about feral cats -- or how much do you think you know?
This post is taken directly from the Petfinder Blog and was written by Guest blogger Becky Robinson the President and founder of Alley Cat Allies, a group dedicated to transforming and developing communities to protect and improve the lives of cats. How much do you know about feral cats -- or how much do you think you know?
Feral cats may look like the cats on your couch, but they have different needs than the cuddly cats and kittens hoping to find homes here on Petfinder. In honor of National Feral Cat Day, check out these quick facts on feral cats and the approach that best meets their unique needs: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)!
Feral cat basics: Adoption is not an option
- Feral cats have lived outdoors alongside people for 10,000 years, in every landscape from urban cities to rural barnyards. They are not "homeless" -- their home is outdoors!
- Feral cats are the same felis catus species as pet cats.
- Unlike pet cats or stray cats, feral cats are not socialized to people -- so they can't be adopted.
- Feral cats live outdoors in social groups called colonies.
- Scientific studies have confirmed that feral cats are just as healthy as outdoor pet cats (See more about studies on the health of feral cats here). Since feral cats can't be adopted into new homes, calling animal control is the wrong move for them -- nearly 100% of feral cats entering shelters are killed.
- Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a population-control technique in which cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and returned to their outdoor homes. TNR improves the cats' health and stabilizes the colony while allowing them to live out their lives outdoors.
- Trap-Neuter-Return takes into account what is in the best interest of each cat, depending on his or her needs and level of socialization to people.
- Socialized cats and kittens are neutered, vaccinated and adopted into homes, while feral cats are re-released.
- No new kittens are born and the cats no longer experience the stresses of mating and pregnancy.
- Behaviors associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop, contributing to the cats' overall improved health and making them better neighbors.
Meet Teddy Bear one of the feral cats that visits. He will let me pet his head.
Mr. Mistoffelees he got in the house one night and literally climbed the wall. 2 years later and I still can't touch him.
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