Feral cats and kittens live a sad life outdoors.  Living in alleyways, condemned buildings, bushes, under homes, and empty lots, feral cats can be found scattered among America’s landscape.  The ASPCA estimates that there are tens of millions of feral cats living in cities and towns across America.  Feral cats are often hungry and thirsty as food and water is often in short supply.  They face constant threats of starvation, predators, cruelty, and a variety of diseases, some of which can be transmitted to other animals as well as humans.

There is a difference between a stray cat and a feral cat.  Stray cats are ones that have become lost or abandoned by their owners.  They may be shy of humans or they may exhibit behavior whereas they want attention from humans.  Strays may rub up against a human, may lie on the front porch or back deck, or they may purr when being pet.

Feral cats tend to stay in the shadows and watch humans from afar.  Despite being hungry or thirsty, feral cats do not seek comfort from humans.  Feral cats will eat food that is left out for them, but not typically while humans are in close proximity.  Feral cats may look like the cute cuddly fuzz ball you have at home, but in fact they are a wild animal.  They are no different than a raccoon, opossum, or squirrel.  Feral cats should not be approached as they do not act the same way that domestic or stray cats act.  Their natural instinct is for survival.  Humans that approach feral cats will be subject to a cat that is fearful, which translates into a cat that will fight for its life!

Please check back on Friday for Part 2.