Here's why it's complicated:
* Domesticated origins: Feral cats are descended from domesticated cats. They were originally bred and kept by humans.
* Adaptation to the wild: They've adapted to living in the wild, finding their own food, shelter, and mates.
* Behavior: Their behavior is often more similar to wild animals than house cats, but they still retain some domesticated traits.
* Legal status: In many places, they are considered "domesticated animals gone feral," rather than truly wild animals. This means they often lack the same legal protections as truly wild animals.
So, the short answer is:
* Biologically: They are not "wild" in the sense of never having been domesticated.
* Behaviorally: They can act very much like wild animals.
* Legally: They are often considered domesticated animals that have gone feral.
It's important to remember that feral cats are often struggling to survive, and they can have negative impacts on wildlife populations.