Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Answers Here!
Below are some frequently asked questions about our beloved cats. Hope
you enjoy and get the answers you are looking for.
What Is a Feral Cat?
A cat born and raised in the wild, or who has been abandoned or lost
and turned to wild ways in order to survive, is considered a free—roaming or
feral cat. While some feral cats tolerate a bit of human contact, most are too
fearful and wild to be handled. Ferals often live in groups, called colonies,
and take refuge wherever they can find food—rodents and other small animals and
garbage. They will also try to seek out abandoned buildings or deserted cars—or
even dig holes in the ground—to keep warm in winter months and cool during the
summer heat.
What's Life Like for a Feral Cat?
Simply put, it's not easy. Feral cats must endure weather extremes
such as cold and snow, heat and rain. They also face starvation, infection and
attacks by other animals. Unfortunately, almost half of the kittens born outdoors
die from disease, exposure or parasites before their first year. Feral cats
also face eradication by humans—poison, trapping, gassing and steel leg-hold
traps are all ways humans, including some animal control and government
agencies, try to kill off feral cat populations. That said, feral cats who live
in a managed colony—a colony with a dedicated caretaker who provides
spay/neuter services, regular feedings and proper shelter—can live a quite
content life.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Feral Cat?
If a feral cat survives kitten-hood, his average lifespan is less than
two years if living on his own. If a cat is lucky enough to be in a colony that
has a caretaker, he may reach 10 years.
Is There a Difference Between a Stray Cat and a Feral Cat?
Yes.
A feral cat is primarily wild-raised or has adapted to feral life, while we
define a stray cat as someone's pet who has become lost or has been abandoned.
Stray cats are usually tame and comfortable around people. They will frequently
rub against legs and exhibit behaviors such as purring and meowing. In
contrast, feral cats are notably quiet and keep their distance. Stray cats will
also often try to make a home near humans—in car garages, front porches or
backyards. Most are completely reliant on humans as a food source and are not
yet able to cope with life on the streets.
