Feral Cats: The Most Misunderstood Members of the Cat Family

Feral.

That word is strong in the English language. If something is described as feral, it doesn’t exactly paint the best image in our minds. So why do we call feral cats “feral” and what exactly does that mean, compared to, well, a non-feral cat?

The word feral, as defined in dictionary.com, is:

1. existing in a natural state, as animals or plants; not domesticated or cultivated; wild.
2. having reverted to the wild state, as from domestication.
3. of or characteristic of wild animals; ferocious; brutal.

A cat is considered domesticated because the species itself has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. What makes a cat ‘feral’ is, while it belongs to a domesticated species (unlike, say, a cheetah, which isn’t domesticated at all), the cat itself was born and raised in the wild. The Latin root of feral (fera) literally means “wild animal”. These cats have little or no human contact and live in a wild state because of it.

A stray, in contrast, likely lived as a pet cat (or was born to a pet cat), but no longer has a home. They often still rely on human care to survive. Over time, if a stray cat lives without human contact for long enough, it could begin to behave more like a feral cat, with some experts calling them “semi-feral”. On the flip side, if a feral kitten is adopted young enough, it could become a loving pet with enough time, care, and socialization.

Generally speaking, a pet cat is one that lives in a home and is fully socialized to humans. A stray cat once had a home but no longer does and is still somewhat comfortable around people, although it may be shy at first. A feral cat has never lived in a home and lives in a wild, unsocialized state.

Summary of Feral Cat Traits:

Socialization: Feral cats are not socialized to humans and will instinctively protect themselves when they are approached or interacted with.

Survival: They survive by hunting and scavenging. They often live in colonies with other feral cats.

Difference between strays and ferals: Because strays were once house cats, they could be socialized once again with enough time and love. Feral cats will tend to be more fearful and are not easily domesticated.

Age of socialization: Feral cats, if domesticated before 8 weeks old, could become pet cats, but older feral cats are much more difficult to domesticate.

Although feral cats may behave like wild animals, they are still considered a part of the domestic cat species. Many rely on humans for food and care, even if they don’t interact the way a pet would. When it comes to caring for your local feral communities, you can set up feeding stations with fresh food and water to help them stay safe and well fed. You can also set up housing colonies so that they have shelter from the weather and protection from predators.

Understanding the importance of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) when it comes to feral cats is crucial. Check with your local animal shelter about how you can do this. With all of us together, we can create more healthy, thriving communities for our ferals and for ourselves.