How can you tell if a stray cat is feral?

How do I tell the difference when the cats are outdoors?

1. Stray: May approach people, houses, porches, or cars.
2. Feral: Will not approach and will likely seek hiding places to avoid people.
3. Stray: Will likely live alone, not part of a group.
4. Feral: May belong to a colony.

Can you take in a feral cat?

Many experts agree that feral adult cats simply can’t be tamed. They are wild animals, like raccoons. They tend to stay away from humans, hide during the day, and when adopted, are very difficult to socialize. Just like you would never try to handle a raccoon, you should never try to pick up a feral cat.

What is a humane way to get rid of feral cats?

5 Easy Steps for Humanely Deterring Cats

1. Talk to your neighbors.
2. Apply nontoxic deterrents around your yard.
3. Put a tight lid on your trash can.
4. Block gaps in the foundation of sheds and porches.
5. Use a cover to keep paw prints off your car.

What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

Stray cats are socialized to people and can be adopted into homes, but feral cats are not socialized to people and are happy living outdoors. A stray cat: Is a cat who has been socialized to people at some point in her life, but has left or lost her indoor home, as well as most human contact and dependence.

Should I feed a feral cat?

Feeding the cats is one of a caretaker’s most important tasks. Most feral cats do not subsist on their own, like wildlife, but depend on people to survive. Food is in many ways their strongest connection to us and through feeding, a caretaker can maintain the cats’ health and better manage the colony.

Can feral cats find their way back home?

And to your original question, yes. He will try to make his way home, definitely. That’s why you need to be sure you can commit to having him as an indoor cat only. If he is let outside, I can guarantee he will try to get back to his original home.

Will stray cats go away if you stop feeding them?

If you stop feeding the cats, they will likely stay in the same area but be forced to expand their search for food. The large number of hungry cats can create conflicts with other cats and humans in the area. To remove feral cats from your property, be sure to remove any sources of food or shelter.

Do cats have a right to roam?

Cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they might go into other people’s gardens or allotments. It is understood that some may wish to deter other people’s cats from those areas.