Guest post by Peter J. Wolf
October 16 is National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) in the United States. No doubt caregivers of feral cats will be up extra-early this morning, celebrating with their colonies (brightly colored party hats for humans and felines alike). And for the rest of us, well, it seemed the perfect occasion for a Feral Cat Primer here on Moderncat.
What is a feral cat?
Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, perhaps this country’s leading researcher on the subject, defines a feral cat as “any un-socialized, un-owned cat; a cat whose temperament makes him afraid of people. Feral cats don’t fit into the pet paradigm–they’re a hybrid falling somewhere between a domestic cat and wildlife.”
How many feral cats are there in the U.S.?
This is a tricky one, as it’s impossible to know for sure. Some experts, however, estimate the population of feral cats to be about the same as owned cats–which would put the number at more than 88 million.
Where do feral cats come from?
Some are the offspring of other feral cats, of course. But unaltered stray and abandoned cats also contribute to the population of feral cats. And the population can grow very quickly! According to the Humane Society of the United States, “Cats can become pregnant as early as 4-5 months of age, and the number of cats rapidly increases without intervention by caring people.”
What risks do feral cats face?
Although feral cats face numerous environmental hazards, their greatest threat can be from humans. Because they often lack the social skills that would make them adoptable in animal shelters, feral cats are routinely killed as soon as they are brought in. Indeed, “there is no other animal entering a shelter,” writes Nathan Winograd, author of Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America, “whose prospects are so grim and outcome so certain.”
How can I help feral cats?
Many people are dedicated to helping the feral cats in their neighborhoods (which could be one reason the term community cats is gaining in popularity). Providing food and water, conducting TNR programs (see below), and adopting out kittens are just some of the ways individuals and groups can improve the lives of feral cats.
What is TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane (if somewhat controversial) program for managing colonies of feral cats. The cats are humanely trapped, neutered (and in some cases, tested for FIV/FeLV and vaccinated), and then returned to the location from which they were trapped (although in some instances, they may be relocated to an area deemed safer for the cats). Visit the Alley Cat Allies website for an extensive list of TNR resources.
How can I celebrate NFCD?
Alley Cat Allies has a list of events taking place across the U.S. Something else you can do: take a moment to thank the generous people who take care of these “unwanted” cats day-in and day-out, in all kinds of weather, despite any number of additional pressing commitments. Countless feral cats benefit each day from their heroic efforts.