Feral Cat FAQ
Feral Cats
Feral cats are untamed cats that are separated from domestication. They are born in the wild and may take a long time to socialize, if at all. A feral cat can also be an abandoned or lost pet that has become wild. A feral cats height and weight may be similar to that of a domesticated cat, depending on location, urban or wildlife.
Feral cats are occasionally classified as Òapex predators' in an ecosystem, meaning that they are near the end of a food chain, and are usually not preyed upon by larger animals. Cats are effective at controlling small-animal populations, though this also constitutes for the decline in some endangered birds.
Feral cats are omnivores, and will eat fruits and plants as well as rodents, other mammals, birds and eggs.
A Feral cat will usually be found in large groups known as Òferal colonies,' but may also be seen living alone. If it survives beyond kittenhood, a feral cats life span will be around two years. Their counterpart, a domesticated housecat, will live an average of 14 to 20 years.
North America its urban areas are not native environments for cats. The domestic cat comes from hot dry climates, and was distributed throughout the world by humans. They are extremely adaptable, and feral cats have been found in areas of extreme heat and cold.
In some cities, the hunting of feral cats has been legalized to help keep the population under control. Use of native predators like coyotes or dingos have also been utilized in the more open regions.
Many feral cats may carry rabies, a lethal disease that is carried in the saliva and transmitted by bites. Feral cats should not be approached or handled except by professionals.
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