Feral cats are born in the wild or outdoors. They have never been pets or lived inside. Stray cats were once pets, but were then lost or abandoned by the owner. [1] X Research source Feral cats act more wildly than strays, their behavior more akin to raccoons or squirrels. Strays are generally more friendly and approachable, and tend to hang out in residential areas and near homes. [2] X Research source Stray cats develop feral tendencies if they’ve been living in the wild for long periods. It can take a long period of one-on-one interaction with a cat to determine if it’s stray or feral. [3] X Research source
Disheveled pets are, surprisingly enough, more likely to be strays. Recently abandoned cats have trouble adapting to the wild, and will likely be dirtier and more malnourished than a feral cat. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Even if a cat runs when you try to pet him, if he approaches you at all he’s likely a stray. Feral cats rarely approach humans. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source A sure fire way to determine if a cat is stray or feral is caging the cat. When a stray is caged, he will chirp, rub, play, and raise his tail up in a friendly manner. While feral cats may engage in this behavior outside, especially in the presence of someone who feeds them, they will never indulge the behavior while caged. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
TNR programs humanely trap feral cats, examine them for medical disorders, provide a series of vaccinations, spay or neuter the cats, and then return them to the wild. Homing feral cats can be a traumatic experience as these cats are essentially wild animals. TNR is generally considered a more ethical option. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source You can set up a TNR program in your area by contacting your local Animal Control, ASPCA, or Humane Society for information. Do not try to deal with feral cats yourself unless you have specific training and experience in regards to handling wild animals. Feral can carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, and behave aggressively when frightened. They should only be handled by animal control professionals. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Select strong smelling food. The easier it is for the cat to detect food, the better. Cats have a strong sense of smell. Canned food is usually more pungent than dry, especially fish flavors like salmon and tuna. However, do not leave human food, such as canned tuna or fish, out for a cat. This can upset a cat’s digestive system and you do not want the stray to associate the food you leave with any unpleasantness. Leave the food outside in areas where you’ve seen the stray. Consistency is important. Leave the food in the same place every day and the cat will learn to come to this area when hungry. After a few days, stay outside while the cat comes to eat. It may take a week or so for the cat to trust you enough to approach you. Be patient. Do not try to force interaction. [10] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 28 June 2021. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Do not pet or interact with the cat physically during this time, unless the cat makes contact with you by rubbing against your legs or nuzzling you. Strays have often suffered abuse at the hands of past owners. It may take a stray a long time to warm up to a new person, and they can be easily startled. If you push contact preemptively, the cat might be wary about returning for food. [12] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 28 June 2021. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Humane societies often provide safe traps to visitors trying to capture strays. Workers can also explain how to use the traps correctly. The best option is to visit your local shelter and ask them for advice on a cat trap. [14] X Trustworthy Source Best Friends Animal Society Nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving animal lives by operating and supporting no-kill animal shelters Go to source If there is not a shelter in your area, you can purchase cat traps online. Be careful, however, as you want a humane that won’t cause the cat discomfort or harm. Check all traps with the ASPCA website to make sure they are humane and safe. [15] X Trustworthy Source Best Friends Animal Society Nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving animal lives by operating and supporting no-kill animal shelters Go to source
Before the check up, keep the cat quarantined from other people and animals. Keep him in a closed off room. If possible, a larger crate or cage kept in a heated garage would be the ideal option as the cat may have fleas and ticks that you do not want released into your home. Your vet can check your cat for a microchip. This is an identification chip placed underneath the cat’s shoulder which can be used to find the owner. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Your vet will also run a basic physical exam and perform all necessary vaccinations. The cat will also be checked for ailments common among strays, like fleas, heart worm, feline immunodeficiency disorder, and feline leukemia. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Have supplies like food, water, bedding, toys, and a litter box in place. Anything you can think of to make your cat feel comfortable and secure is a necessity. [20] X Research source This room should be in a quiet portion of the house and should not be used by humans until your cat has adjusted to his new home. Provide a chair or couch with a blanket hanging over it so your cat has a place to hide when he feels threatened. [21] X Research source Spend time in the room every day so your cat gets used to your presence. Knock on the door before entering, and say something like “Coming in” in a soft voice. [22] X Research source
Avoid eye contact. Cats often stare at humans, but do not engage in a staring contest with a stray cat. Staring is a sign of aggression. To communicate to your cat that you do not intend to harm him, close your eyes for a few moments and then look away. [24] X Research source Let the cat approach you. Wait for a cat to make physical contact with you before you attempt to pet him. Cats indicate friendliness by rubbing up against people and gentle nuzzling. Wait until you get such a gesture before trying to touch the cat. [25] X Research source If your cat wants to hide, let him. He might want to stay under a couch or chair for a few days, only coming out to eat. Allow him to do so, and do not try to coax him out before he is ready. When your cat opens up to physical contact, avoid touching his stomach. The stomach is a vulnerable area for a cat and touching it could be a major setback in earning his trust.
Let your cat move independently. Allow him to explore the house on his own terms. Keep an eye on him, but do not get in his way too much while he is checking out his new territory. [26] X Research source If you have other pets, allow them to hear and smell each other before physically interacting. Feed existing pets near the door of your cats safe room. Encourage friendly pawing and playing under the door. [27] X Research source You can try replacing the door with a temporary screen door, allowing other animals to see the new cat while still providing a physical barrier. This might be helpful if your stray is particularly timid. [28] X Research source Supervise any initial face-to-face interactions with other pets, watching for signs of aggression. [29] X Research source Make sure your cat always has access to his safe room so he can go somewhere he feels secure if he wants a place to hide.
